Comments

From Michael Wilson on Closing the country: where to next for Australia’s asylum seekers?
An Australian refugee policy: Take 50 000+ of the most needy refugees as identified by UNHCR processing. Significant financial support for UNHCR so that the conditions of millions of refugees in camps throughout the world can be improved. Increase Australian Aid to at least 0.7% of GNI (which we and other donor countries agreed to many years ago and some have actually done) to promote better lives for people at home. Quietly absorb asylum seekers presently Australia's responsibility into Australia without the smugglers finding out. (OK, difficult but it's been done before.) I don't know what the policy should be if the boats start coming because it does seem clear that the more boat people Australia accepts the more will come. Does anybody out there have an answer that will do more good than harm?
From Rohan on International exchange rate comparisons with PNG: two years on
[Update]: Since initial writing, Nigeria has <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/business-36538379" rel="nofollow">also moved to a floating exchange rate</a>, revealing an up to 27% overvaluation of the currency (i.e. it dropped by as much as 27%).
From Kimani on Australia’s idealistic medical students: an under-exploited development opportunity?
Nice post there. Thanks for information
From Kimani on The curious case of sustainability
The concept of sustainability is very critical and its more than environmental though many still believe environmental sustainability is still key to development and growth.
From Kimani on The long-term impact of aid
This is a nice post, very informative and enjoyable to read through. Thanks
From Kimani on Settling as an expat in Port Moresby – a personal account
Thank you Carman this is an excellent piece of writing, pure talent and experience.
From Nigel on Election 2016: how do the parties compare on aid and development?
Hi Paul and Camilla, Yes, I think that Paul has a point the money needs to be well spent as the first priority. However, the answer is not just to cut it until there is nothing. When done properly, development funding serves a to benefit not just the country receiving the funds but Australia also receives stable, friendly and co-operative neighbors. I believe that is a good thing! Cheers, Nigel
From Camilla Burkot on Election 2016: how do the parties compare on aid and development?
Hi Paul, Thanks for your comments. I agree that how aid is given is as important as how much aid is given. For that reason we do find it encouraging that the parties which responded to ACFID’s survey seem are expressing interest in placing greater emphasis on transparency and evaluation. Just a side note on the the subject of a departmental response to the Senate report on aid to PNG, as I understand it these are usually published on the Senate inquiry website (see for example the government response to the 2014 aid inquiry <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/Overseas_aid/Government_Response" rel="nofollow">here</a>). Hopefully after the election takes place and the caretaker period ends then the Department will be able to produce a response before too long! I too would be interested to read what they have to say. Camilla
From Paul Oates on Election 2016: how do the parties compare on aid and development?
The real issue is not how much should be 'given' but how the amount 'given' actually helps those who it is supposed to be helping. The recent Senate Report highlights the question of accountability for results of Australia's overseas aid as opposed to simply 'spend!, spend!, spend!'. Funny how no one of any persuasion seems to be prepared to take up the points raised in this Report? When queried the Department replied that: “The department welcomes public scrutiny of the Australian aid program and thanks the Committee for its work. We are considering the report's recommendations closely and will provide a detailed response in due course.” To who the response will be supplied to was not said. Yeah! Right! Don't hold your breath. The graph above merely illustrates the similarity of both Labor and Liberal planning and the absolute fantasy of those who apparently think they can just allocate what they like. Should that ever happen the same people would be screaming about all the advantages they now enjoy that would disappear since there wouldn't be enough funds to go around. The 'warm and fuzzies' won't help the poor and suffering if aid money simply just gets distributed to those who have made an art form of siphoning aid money off into their own bank accounts. The introduction to the Senate Aid Report to PNG is telling in it's factual detail. In addition, the problems of overpopulation in regions and countries that are currently increasing to the point they will not be able to feed themselves will only exacerbate the future aid dilemma. One of those regions is the Pacific and most importantly PNG. The expression 'Do more with less' is sounding like a good mantra to start chanting. Hello...Is anyone listening?
From Gabu on Where are all the seasonal workers? The most comprehensive survey of employers yet
Incredible post.. i agree with Tess Newton Cain on pre-deployment training and post-deployment mentoring on investment. very important.
From musyoka on Connectivity can create islands of opportunity in the Pacific
I agree having connections means opportunities
From Brendah on Connectivity can create islands of opportunity in the Pacific
Very true. connectivity creates opportunities.
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