CANBERRA — The Australian aid program is in the early stages of a policy refresh, according to staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at its recent procurement forum, with work happening internally to begin identifying new priorities — and how to embed them into the program.
Australian NGOs are a key partner in the delivery of the aid program. Their views are expected to be sought to identify which elements of the program are working and what shifts may be required to make Australian aid relevant in the world today.
Speaking with Devex, NGOs highlighted priority areas in the Australian aid program to maintain: a focus on gender, building greater support for disability-inclusive development, and increasing engagement by the private sector, introduced by former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.