Micah Challenge and Catalyst welcomed the Government’s increase to the aid budget, which will keep Australia on track to reach its commitment to increase their aid spending to 0.5% of national income by 2015/2016. It’s fair to say that these sustained increases would never have happened if it wasn’t for the hard work of advocates all around the country speaking up on behalf of the poor and oppressed.

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Kevin Rudd, was out today personally thanking advocates for their hard work, sayings that it’s because of them ‘hassling politicians on both sides of politics that aid is now the highest it’s been in the last 25 years.

Beyond just the increased volume of spending, there have been some improvements in how the money is allocated, in particular water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) allocations have been given increased priority in this years budget. One area of major concern that remains was the neglect of any significant increase to health spending. While things could be improved, overall the aid budget is not bad. The increased volume of aid will see thousands of lives changed and improved through the increased provision of health, education, water, sanitation and essential infrastructure. Knowing that these lives will be transformed is something that all Australians should be proud of.

How should we respond?
Please take some time to send an email to the Treasurer, Mr. Wayne Swan and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kevin Rudd thanking the Government for staying on track to reach their 0.5% commitment, and encouraging them to continue improving Australia's efforts to alleviate global poverty by continuing to increase aid and prioritising health. There is an email form available on the Micah Challenge web site. Please take the time to add your own comments.

Before you hit send, please also take a moment to pray for our politicians. Thank God for this aid increase that will bring about positive change in the lives of real people who are experiencing poverty. Ask God to give our leaders the courage to make compassionate and just decisions.

For those that want a more in depth look at the aid budget, click here for a rundown of the details.