The Rudd Government must help the people hit hardest by the global financial crisis and deliver a real increase in foreign aid spending in tomorrow night’s budget, international aid agency Oxfam said today.
The Federal Government is taking a step in the right direction by committing to reduce Australia’s carbon pollution by 25 per cent below 2000 levels if the world agrees to an ambitious climate deal, according to Oxfam Australia.
Asylum seekers trying to reach Australia’s shores are desperate to escape persecution and violence in their home countries.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and other G20 leaders have delivered a vital pick-me-up for poor countries struggling to survive the economic crisis, but much more is needed to ensure their long-term recovery, international aid agency Oxfam said today
Australian spending up, but more still needed
A 10% increase in global foreign aid spending by OECD member countries announced overnight overnight is welcome but still nowhere near enough to meet the needs of poor countries in the face of global economic meltdown, international aid agency Oxfam said today.
Thousands of Australians will take part in events to mark the third annual National Close the Gap Day on Thursday 2 April, to urge State and Federal Governments to end the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health crisis.
Oxfam is calling on Pacific Brands and other major Australian clothing companies to take more responsibility for the rights of the overseas workers who make their goods. This follows today’s release of a report that found a Hong Kong-based company that coordinates the manufacture of some Pacific Brands products rates poorly on efforts to eradicate sweatshops.
The Close the Gap coalition has welcomed the Rudd Government’s Report Card on closing the gap in Indigenous life outcomes, in particular the $58.3 million over four years for eye and ear health – with a trachoma element – and the appointment of a Coordinator General for remote Indigenous services.
Women from all sides of politics will sit down with 88 Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander women from around the country to talk about the issues facing indigenous communities in an historic national summit held by international aid agency Oxfam Australia at Parliament House on Friday 27 February.
Emergency funding provided by international aid agency Oxfam for health services to halt the Narrogin suicide crisis ran out on Saturday.