Extract from ABC News
Australia will require both climate and gender objectives in much of its foreign aid spending, under a new framework aimed at strengthening Australia's influence in the Indo-Pacific, and countering China's ambitions in the region.
Key points:
- All new international development projects worth more than $3 million will have to include a gender equality objective
- The new strategy points to mounting economic challenges including a doubling in public debt in the Pacific between 2019 and 2025
- There is also a hope that providing more work for local contractors might be seen as contrasting with Chinese projects
Under the new rules, all new international development projects worth more than $3 million will have to include a gender equality objective.
And from mid-2025, half of new investments over $3 million will need to have a climate change objective.
It's the first major shake-up to Australia's foreign aid program in more than a decade, and the new policy documents note that the Indo-Pacific region faces "vexing strategic circumstances".
Australia's foreign aid budget in 2023-24 amounts to $4.7 billion, and is set to grow in years ahead, but the new strategy comes with no new funding commitments.
In outlining the importance of Australian investment in the region, the new strategy points to mounting economic challenges including a doubling in public debt in the Pacific between 2019 and 2025.
As much as a fifth of public debt in the Pacific was owed to China as of the middle of last year.
The new policy makes clear the Indo-Pacific remains the focus of Australia's development program.
"It is the region we know best, where we can make the most difference, and where our interests are most directly affected," the policy document reads.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the new aid framework serves the interests of the Pacific, and Australia's ambitions within it.
"Australia is using all elements of our national power to advance our interests and shape the world for the better," she said.
"Development and prosperity underpin peace and stability.
"This new policy reflects who we are. Australia is there, not only in times of crisis, but is working with the region to strengthen its resilience and to help deliver its aspirations."
Drawing a contrast with China
New targets will also be set around engaging local contractors in construction work, in an effort to drive more investment into developing regions.
There is also a hope that providing more work for local contractors might be seen as contrasting with Chinese projects, often dominated by imported workforces.
The Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, has previously spoken of Australia taking "five principles" into any development work abroad — transparency, having no strings attached, only funding high quality projects, focusing on local priorities, and working with local contractors and suppliers.
Mr Conroy said Australia wants to deliver as much value as possible when working across the region.
"We are responding to the priorities of our partner countries and helping to lift people out of poverty, building resilience and strengthening relationships in our region.
"We will invest in local solutions that deliver a double dividend – creating local jobs and delivering direct economic benefits on the ground, while also improving the development impact of Australia's investments."
And he has previously made clear that Australian won't engage in "aid for transactional relationships".
In setting the 50 per cent climate target for new development projects, the strategy elevates climate as a priority for Australia — noting it is a clear priority within the Pacific.
"Our partners have been clear that they expect Australia to take ambitious action on climate change at home and abroad," it reads.
"It remains a foremost concern of our Indo-Pacific region and is the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security, and wellbeing of Pacific peoples."
And it argues new rules around gender-equality objectives will help drive change within the region.
"Placing gender equality at the centre of development creates opportunities for people to thrive, making our countries stronger, more secure and more inclusive."
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