Abstract:

The Australian Labor Party pledged in 2015 to introduce aid legislation with certain features if elected. Twelve of the main donor countries get by with no significant aid legislation. The United Kingdom’s aid volume legislation has real bite but risks a backlash. In eight other countries, legislation exists but has little practical effect. Nevertheless, there is a case – regardless of the 2016 election outcome – for Australian legislation in two apolitical, fundamental areas: aid monitoring and evaluation, and aid transparency.