Oxfam Urges for Enhanced Aid Contributions
Australia’s foreign aid budget ranks among the lowest globally, according to the latest Official Development Assistance (ODA) data released by the OECD on 9 April. In the 2025/6 financial year, Australia’s aid contributions stabilised but remained at a real-terms historic low when adjusted for inflation and compared to other donor nations. Australia allocated just 0.18% of its Gross National Income (GNI) to ODA, significantly below the UN target of 0.7% GNI. This places Australia 25th out of 32 OECD nations, lagging behind countries such as Norway, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, which contribute a higher percentage of their GNI to aid. Lucia Goldsmith, Oxfam Australia’s Head of Humanitarian, highlighted the urgency of restoring the aid budget, warning that the global humanitarian system is facing its most serious crisis in decades. Oxfam Australia has urged the government to increase its aid investment from 0.65% to 1% of the Federal Budget, equating to approximately 0.28–0.30% of GNI. This step is seen as crucial to progressing towards the UN target. Criticism has been directed at the Australian Government for not addressing aid budget cuts while significantly increasing military spending. According to Oxfam’s analysis, if current trends continue, global aid cuts could lead to over 9 million deaths by 2030, including a child under 5 dying every 40 seconds by that year. Meanwhile, wealthy nations collectively slashed aid by 23% in 2025, turning their backs on the lives of millions in the Global South. Aid plays a crucial role in combating diseases like HIV-AIDS and malaria. Jennifer Tierney, Oxfam Australia’s Chief Executive, emphasised the urgent need for increased aid, stating: “We’re living through multiple chronic global crises, from climate change accelerated flooding and cyclones to gas price inflation due to war in the Middle East. Considering this context, Australia’s aid contributions have never been more important to a stable world.” The slight increase in the dollar value of aid from last year is nominal when compared with real terms inflation and should not fool anyone. Oxfam Australia is calling for the Australian Government to lift its aid contribution from 0.65% to 1%. The Australian Government’s next federal budget will be announced in May, offering a potential opportunity to revise aid contributions and address these critical global challenges.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 12:29 pm
