Australia steps down aid in Asia, as it steps up in the Pacific - Micah

PROBONO AUSTRALIA // 18 FEBRUARY 2020

The Australian government has been slammed for its “short-sighted” approach to regional engagement, following revelations it has slashed aid in Southeast Asian countries to boost investment in the Pacific.

“Australia needs strong trading partners, reliable allies and close relationships in our immediate region,” Costello said. “Aid plays an important role in creating soft power and we are now seeing the defence and security sector in Australia speak up and say, ‘We have lost influence, we have lost soft power’.”