Australia is a global citizen with an interest in enhancing regional stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and improving the lives of the world's poorest people, particularly in Africa. To that end, Australia maintains an international aid program which this year will spend almost $5 billion on development assistance, representing 0.35% of Gross National Income. This book examines the Australian government's current aid commitments and reforms, exploring a range of factors that include the reasons for aid, how it is delivered to partner countries, and the public debate over the level of aid given and its effectiveness. The role of Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) in delivering development assistance is also examined. What are the various forms of international aid, and how is it used in developing countries to reduce poverty, improve food security, health and education, enhance human rights, and assist with disaster relief? As an affluent, developed nation, is Australia giving enough 'bang for its buck' with its taxpayer-funded aid program? |