Ashlee summarised the views of the likely members of the Senate crossbench on Australian aid, climate change and refugees following the July 2016 Federal Election.
(Photo credit: The Skewer)
Parliamentary committee inquiries into the Australian aid program over the last decade have been few and far between, even as the aid program has grown massively. A parliamentary committee or subcommittee could improve parliamentary oversight of the Australian aid program and deliver a number of benefits.
I co-authored a policy brief with Stephen Howes on this topic for the Development Policy Centre in November 2013.
Download policy brief [pdf].
Just as the US is pushing to reform its long criticised food aid program, Queensland graziers and Victorian stonefruit growers are calling on the Australian government to purchase and send surplus livestock and agricultural products to developing countries in the name of ‘helping’ – and their idea is being backed by some federal MPs.
Ashlee Betteridge writes on why these suggestions are such a bad idea for aid effectiveness.