Downer puts 'governance' before sustenance

Issue 

The Australian government has delivered a huge boon to the Australian government bureaucracy with a massive injection of funds totalling $432 million in the 2004-05 AusAID budget.

The 2004-05 aid budget is being hailed by foreign minister, Alexander Downer as a huge increase in aid funding, yet the facts belie the spin, according to Aid/Watch's Tim O'Connor.

"If you deduct the money Australia is spending on employing Australian police in PNG and Australian troops in the Solomon Islands and the money going to Australian government departments, then we are giving much less in aid than Australia gave last year" said O'Connor.

From Green Left Weekly, May 19, 2004.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.


If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.