MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Prime Minister John Howard
Australia's increased overseas aid has been recognised by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The OECD is an association of industrialised nations that share a commitment to democratic government and the market economy.
The DAC advises on what aid can be considered official development assistance (ODA), and which countries are eligible to receive it. The DAC also monitors overseas aid contributions and how aid helps reduce poverty in developing countries.
The DAC's preliminary 2006 figures show that Australia's ODA increased by 22.8 per cent on the previous year whilst overall aid contributions by DAC member countries fell by 5.1% from 2005.
Australia gave a total of $2.825 billion in overseas aid in calendar year 2006 representing 0.30 per cent of our gross national income (GNI), against 0.25 per cent the previous year.
Australia now ranks thirteenth out of 22 OECD member countries in terms of total ODA disbursed in 2006.
Australia's overseas aid contributions have steadily increased over the past few years and are expected to grow as we move towards doubling our aid budget to around $4 billion by 2010.
Media contacts:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's Office) 02 6277 7500
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590