Micah Challenge Australia Blog

 

The Micah Challenge blog is a space for discussion and debate about the issues of global poverty, faith, advocacy and justice and the Millennium Development Goals. This blog aims to provoke thought and challenge you to learn more about the issues discussed. We welcome your comments.

Micah Challenge is a global campaign of Christians speaking out against poverty and injustice. Click here to visit the Micah Challenge website.

  • Better Aid

    Posted by Micah

    10 January, 2011

    There are, of course, many ways aid can continue to be improved. But these achievements are outstanding changes to the way Australian aid is focused. Catalyst believes the overriding reasons Australia should give aid is to reduce poverty. Historically, this has not always been the case. During the Cold War, for example, much aid was given for political purposes. In recent years the Australia aid program has seen many improvements. • Reducing poverty is now identified as the primary purpose of the aid program; • Australian aid is no longer 'tied'. This means that recipient countries are no longer required to spend aid dollars on goods and services provided by Australian companies; • An Office of Aid Effectiveness has been created. This Government unit examines the effectiveness of Australian aid and recommends ways to increase effectiveness. The first report was produced in 2008 and identified some key areas to address; • The Millennium Development Goals have been adopted by the Australian Government as a key framework for directing aid. This means that as aid… read more

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  • More Aid

    Posted by Micah

    10 January, 2011

    Micah Challenge and Make Poverty History began campaigning around aid in 2004. At this point in time the Australian aid budget was just 0.25% of Australia's national income. Not only was this one of the lowest levels among richer nations, but it was Australia's lowest level ever. Since then a massive scale-up has begun. The aid budget in 2008-09 stands at 0.32% of Australia's national income and the Government has promised to increase this to 0.5% GNI by 2015. In 2007 dollar terms aid has risen from $2.3 billion in 2004 to $3.4 billion in 2009. Assuming the Government maintains its commitment to reach 0.5% by 2015, Australian aid will rise further, to around $6.6 billion (2007 prices). Compared to 2004 that means an additonal $1.1 billion in aid in 2009 increasing incrementally until it reaches an additional $4.3 billion delivered every year from 2015 on. Increased Autralian aid means more roads built; more schools and teachers and resources for them; more hospitals, health clinics and community health workers; more clean water and sanitation;… read more

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  • Carlyn Chen talks about Micah Challenge campaign achievements

    Posted by Micah

    23 September, 2010

    Voices for Justice Coordinator, Carlyn Chen, talks about the impact the Micah Challenge campaign is making in Australia. Voices for Justice from CPX on Vimeo. read more

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