From a global perspective Australia is a wealthy country; with ample resources and a historical succession of democratically elected governments (from both sides of the aisle) that, while far from perfect, have provided stability and equality in terms of opportunity, in addition to education and business for its citizens. We take for granted the rule of law that the vast majority of our population observe; and we’re a largely peaceful place to live.  

As individuals and as an organisation, Baptist World Aid’s team have been active participants in A Safer World for All this year. This sector-wide campaign led by Micah Australia, and the Australian Council for International Development, is seeking bi-partisan commitments to increase Australia’s generosity when it comes to aid and development—to one per cent from where it is currently, at just 0.68 per cent.

Who Is International Aid For? 

 As we’ve hosted campaign forums over the last two months that have brought together a diverse community. We heard harrowing stories of what many folks newly arrived in Australia, many as refugees, have gone through to call Australia home. And we’ve joined them as they raise their voices for people in their countries of origin, for example:  

  • The various people groups of Myanmar, where citizens continue to bear the brunt of a brutal reign of terror at the hands of its military junta.  
  • People of the Pacific Islands battling climate change and rising waters. As their lands are literally disappearing, they continue to be forced to leave their homes and sacred places.  
  • People from the poorest African countries who are taking in vast numbers of refugees from across their borders fleeing conflict and climate crises – Burundi, South Sudan, Uganda, DRC, Kenya to name but a few.  
  • Palestinians desperate for their friends and relatives caught in a catastrophic cycle of conflict in the Middle East. 

Most Australians would say they believe in the idea of a fair go—not just for us but also for our global neighbors.  And without doubt, current issues related to inflation and the cost of living have made life significantly challenging, but comparatively—on a global scale, we’re exceptionally well off.  

So much so that it’s perhaps unsurprising that recent research tells us that most Australians, when asked, believe we spend far more of our federal budget on aid than we do, and are shocked the allocation is what it is. The research also tells us most Australians think we can and should be more generous. 

The Lasting Value Of Aid

Stories told at these forums were moving and inspiring—full of courage and grit. And it was impossible not to be struck by the incredible value of Australian aid—not just in responding to disaster and human suffering in other nations, but in contributing to keeping Australia and Australians safe here at home, when we’re regarded as a regional leader, and a good neighbor. As we’ve heard our own Foreign Minister say, ‘Being a good neighbour, is good policy.’ 

As we’ve heard our own Foreign Minister say, ‘Being a good neighbour, is good policy.’ 

So—What’s Possible? 

Is a safer world for all possible? Yes, it is. Are providing for our needs at home, defense spending and humanitarian aid compatible? We believe they go hand in hand. Without doubt, history would show we neglect both the latter at our, and our world’s peril. Can we afford more? The answer to that is also yes. Increasing our international humanitarian aid spending to just 1% will leave 99% available to provide for all other needs.

It seems a reasonable equation, and an attainable reality that as far as our country is concerned, we should help make a safer world, not just for us, but for all.

This article was co-written by CEO, Melissa Lipsett and Advocacy Policy Manager, Mike Bartlett.