Oxfam welcomes Government’s commitment to the world’s poorest people

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International development agency Oxfam Australia said the Government’s response to the aid review will significantly strengthen Australia’s growing aid program and increase its impact in the fight against poverty.

Oxfam Australia acting Executive Director James Ensor welcomed the Government’s statement that the fundamental purpose of Australian aid is to help people overcome poverty.

“We congratulate the Government for its plans to tailor the aid program to individual country needs and circumstances, which should allow Australian aid to focus on what is best for a country and its people, rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach.” Mr Ensor said.

“We welcome the introduction of an overarching four-year strategy to guide and coordinate the 
efforts of all government departments that deliver aid.

“While it’s important to demonstrate to Australian taxpayers that their money is being well spent, the key focus should be to make sure people living in poverty have a say on the effectiveness of Australian aid. 

“But aid is just one part of the development picture, and we need to make sure the Government’s approach to issues such as trade, immigration and climate change do not undermine the good work being done by our aid program,” Mr Ensor said.

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