The results of a yearlong parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s aid program show a dramatic room for improvement, providing 37 recommendations including the removal of “red tape” which is impacting development outcomes.
The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade on Monday tabled the report, “Partnering for the Greater Good”. Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop announced in February 2014 the inquiry, which was designed to look into the role of the private sector in promoting economic growth and reducing poverty in the Indo-Pacific region.
The implementation of recommendations could see Australia’s funding methods change to maintain greater control of how and where funds are spent but become more open and transparent to businesses wanting to partner in the aid program.
About the author
Lisa Cornish@lisa_cornish
Lisa Cornish is a freelance data journalist based in Canberra, Australia. Lisa formerly worked with News Corp Australia as a data journalist for the national network and was published throughout Australia in major metropolitan and regional newspapers, including the Daily Telegraph in Melbourne, Herald Sun in Melbourne, Courier-Mail in Brisbane and online through news.com.au. Lisa has recently been awarded the 2014 Journalist of the Year by the New South Wales Institute of Surveyors.
