Comments

Terence, you pose the question: 'Does aid work?' You then go on to declare that: 'The debate should be over. Both sides were wrong. Sometimes aid fails. Sometimes it works. I hope the debate is over.' Your repeated assertion that the debate should be over is surprising, not only for professional and technical reasons, but because as it comes from a member of a university where debating and testing ideas is a fundamental value and duty. On the contrary, I hope the debate is not over. Experienced aid workers routinely explore questions such as: 'Does aid work? If yes, why; if not, why not? What is the nature of the circumstances around why — to use your words —" sometimes aid fails, sometimes it works?" If aid is not working, how can we work collaboratively to address the challenges presented and do better to achieve intended outcomes for the beneficiaries of aid?' Asking questions and debating the evidence are professional responsibilities to the intended beneficiaries and to the Australian community who ultimately pay the aid bills. Surely, if as you claim, 'aid has a positive average effect on development' then we either should be asking these questions to get above the average or abandoning aid in its present form, but not abandoning debates about it as you advocate. The last of your list of 'useful questions' summarises the point I am making here: 'how can aid become a genuine learning enterprise?’ If we cease debating whether aid works or not, we cease to learn and we limit progress. We risk making the same mistakes over and over again. Finally, questions around whether aid works or not are fundamental to the process of why donors bother monitoring and evaluating their aid projects and programs. By all means, ask the other questions you list, but we do need to keep asking 'does aid work?'

Explicate bien.

In the past 6 months, I've read three stories of Tongans who have died while participating in this program. The three deaths raise a red flag. This number is too much. I think the number of deaths should be zero. The government of Tonga ought to be alarmed and to investigate these deaths so they will critique and identify weaknesses of the program. Perhaps the workers are not healthy and physically not suitable to do the job. I doubt anyone in the government is paying attention to this aspect of the program. On 4 September 2013, the Parliament discussed this program. The discussion was focused on the middleman/company who organized and arranged the process including the necessary visas and plane tickets for the workers. After the workers gave them the cash for their visa and tickets, the company disappeared with their money. I think this is a great program.

Sarah, you are a beacon of hope for the silent majority. As a highlands man, I am truly grateful for all your selfless deeds. I would like to communicate with you regarding the work you do. Currently two tribes from my district are at war with each other, innocent lives have been lost, properties destroyed – can't put an accurate value to the damages, it's just terrible.

im interest to work and help the people of australia and its government programmes. let me be a volunteer.

Although globalization has been a dominant trend in the world economy, perceptions of its benefits have been divided. There are enduring concerns which remain regarding its controversial impact on humanity and social development. In the post-World War II era, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) began challenging the unfair trade system and developed fair trade practices to address inequalities in global value chains.

It's a pleasure to learn from your article and to revisit the CPC Report to really understand the future that was predicted back then. Great work Dr. Hukula. Good bless!

This is an interesting piece. It takes concerted efforts by all parties - be it government or individuals - to raise awareness about environmental disaster and take actions. This is in addition to influence from abroad. This case reminds us of this. Bashar Malkawi

As PNG is 85% remote and rural, it's ALL about grassroots. Opportunities to improve donor engagement with grassroot development actors by moving beyond Port Moresby and a handful of others centres, remains huge. Wonderful to read your story, Sarah. I believe in the telling you are already helping. Warmest wishes. (P.S. Any chance you are related to Jambi?)

Thanks Sonya for your excellent article. Your perspective as a young entrepreneur yourself is very valuable. In reading about some of the difficulties you faced (and still face) getting your ideas and business operating, I hope decision makers in government and elsewhere take note so that your dreams and those of thousands of other young Timorese are more easily realized. All the best and thanks again for your inspiring writing. Hugh Collett

Thanks for your comment. The World Bank survey I mentioned also asked seasonal workers in Australia how satisfied they were with their experience in Australia. Tongan workers gave the highest rating of 9.9 out of 10. 99% of Tongan wokers also say that they would recommend the SWP to others in their village. There are undoubtedly instances of exploitation of farm workers, but the SWP has good systems in place to report this. Employers will lose their license to employ SWP workers if they are found to have abused workers. More broadly, due to political and public pressure and media exposure, farmers are having to improve the way they treat workers. That's the main reason we argue that growth in the SWP has been so rapid - farmers are turning towards the more regulated labour supply option. Regards, Stephen

more than willing and able to work in any ground coundition, in any farm and any where.