George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much indeed, Senator Day, and thank you for the courtesy of giving me advance notice of this question. I can give you some information. I acknowledge, by the way, your longstanding interest in this area and the important contribution you make to the public discussion of it. In 2015-16, Australia will provide an estimated $4 billion in official development assistance. That makes Australia the 13th largest donor in the OECD.

Senator, you will understand that the current level of spending in this and other areas is in the context of the budget position left us by the Labor government and imposed by Labor through their current irresponsibility. Despite the budget constraints imposed by Labor's legacy of debt and deficit, the coalition is delivering a responsible, affordable and sustainable aid program. We remain committed to ensuring that appropriate funding flows to the most effective programs and will continue to focus on priorities outlined in our aid policy, Australian aid: promoting prosperity, reducing poverty, enhancing stability.

In addition to maintaining a generous aid program, the government is committed to improving the real outcomes of our foreign aid. We have introduced new performance benchmarks to enhance accountability and ensure a stronger focus on results and value for money in the aid program. In March 2015, the Minister for Foreign Affairs launched a $140 million InnovationXChange within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to transform the way we deliver aid.

Australia is continuing to make a strong contribution to humanitarian efforts globally. The Emergency Fund remains at $120 million. We have also established a competitive Gender Equality Fund of $50 million to enhance women's participation in decision making and leadership, promote women's economic development, and help end violence against women and girls in our region. (Time expired)