We can’t afford to spend less on aid
By Emma Wyndham Chalmers
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
In recent weeks we’ve seen both the UK and USA governments announce significant reductions to their foreign aid programs. These decisions will have devastating and deadly consequences for people who live in the world’s most vulnerable contexts.
In my conversations with colleagues and friends in the days following these announcements, reactions ranged from disbelief to despair. And amongst my Christian community, an aching grief for the lack of compassion that reflects God’s heart for people suffering and in need.
Whether they’re packaged in bravado or rationalism, these decisions ultimately fail to honour the inherent value and dignity of every human life – an idea that is rooted in the Christian understanding of humanity as God’s image-bearers. They also fail to recognise the important role that aid plays in building the security and safety of our global community.
Tearfund’s partners are amongst the many local Christian organisations whose work has been directly impacted. Essential health services in Ethiopia, fistula treatment and care for women in Nepal, programs for displaced persons in Somalia and South Sudan, mental health support for people in Afghanistan. These are just some examples of the good work that will end or be scaled back without alternative funding.
And so Australians have some decisions to make now too. A federal election is on the horizon, an announcement expected any day. Politicians are making the decisions they think will win them votes. Voting citizens are making decisions about who they think is most fit to lead and govern our country.
These aren’t simple or easy decisions to make. But here’s one that I think is: whether it’s national pride, national security or national interest that’s being served up, cuts to aid should be off the table. We can’t escape the reality of the intersecting crises facing our world right now, the disproportionate suffering they inflict on the poorest and most marginalised peoples, and the destabilising threat they are to our shared security and prosperity. Conflict, food security, global health challenges, and a changing climate. Solving these problems requires governments committed to necessary action and finding a way to work together. Coming alongside poorer nations in this effort is the right and smart thing to do.
Another decision that I hope you will find simple to make is to use your voice to speak up for compassion and generosity when it comes to Australian aid.
Many Australians are surprised to learn how little Australia’s aid contribution is – currently just 0.68% of our federal budget. Australia can’t afford to spend less on aid. Our spending is already as low as it has ever been and nowhere near where it should be at a time of such global need and uncertainty. Despite being amongst the world’s wealthiest countries, we are near the bottom of the ladder when it comes to our aid generosity. Even with its recent cuts, the UK still outspends Australia on foreign aid as a percentage of its national wealth.
Eric Ha, president and CEO of faith-based Medical Teams International, recently wrote that the Christian calling to serve and care for the poor is not dependent on cycles of government funding. To feed the hungry, to lift up those who are vulnerable, to care for those who are suffering is to live out of Jesus’ command to love our neighbour. And so too is the role of Christians in calling on leaders and decision makers to fulfill their responsibilities to do the same.
One of the ways you can use your voice is by emailing your MP.
Through the Safer World for All campaign, we’re calling on our leaders to increase aid to at least 1% of the federal budget. This modest and affordable increase would make a substantial impact on the ground, while Australians can be reassured that 99% of federal spending remains focused at home.
Another action you can take is to join Tearfund’s upcoming Advocacy Workshop.
We’ll be joined by special guest Rev. Tim Costello, to dive into the biblical roots of advocacy, the importance of Christians speaking up at this time, and the practical ways you can use your voice for compassion and generosity amongst your church and community networks.
We can’t afford to let this moment pass by without taking action. Each one of us can choose to show love to the hungry, to the stranger, and the oppressed – and know it is Jesus we are loving and serving as we do.
Emma Wyndham Chalmers is Head of Advocacy and Influencing at Tearfund Australia