Brett Mason (Queensland, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank my colleagues. Much as I often agree with Senator Stephens, I want to remind the Senate that over the final 15 months of the previous Labor government they removed $5.6 billion from the forward estimates of the aid budget. In contrast to Labor, our commitment to the aid program will be demonstrated by a reliable allocation of aid spending at around $5 billion per year. Finally, the coalition will ensure that the overseas development assistance is spent efficiently and effectively by committing to strengthening performance measures and by consolidating the program in the Indo-Pacific region. I thank my colleagues.

Original question agreed to.