Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Bilyk for her question, for her interest in this matter, and I thank all of my colleagues for their support for a development program that serves both our national interest and the interests of our partner countries. We do believe, on this side of the chamber, that we should deploy all elements of our national power to advance Australia's interests, to shape our region and the world for the better. The new international development policy is the first long-term policy in almost a decade. It will deliver a development program that is effective, responsive, transparent and accountable.

We've all spoken in this place and beyond about how we face the most challenging strategic circumstances in many generations. That's why we have to deploy all aspects of our national power, all tools of state craft to help shape the region we want, a region that reflects Australia's national interests and the shared interests of the region. That includes our development program because development underpins stability. Minister Conroy and I, in government, have had a clear purpose of revitalising Australia's development policy and funding. Australia will offer genuine partnerships based on respect, listening and learning from each other. We will support local leaders to create local solutions while contributing to our own strengths, our economy, our institutions and the connections and knowledge of Australians.

After an unfortunate decade of denial and disrespect from those opposite, we are committed to working respectfully with our regional partners. We are committed to supporting our regional partners address the biggest threat to our region, which is climate change. New targets will also ensure our development assistance tackles climate impacts and improves the lives of women and girls. A new performance and delivery framework will guide the implementation of policy. It is an international development policy fit for the challenges and opportunities of our time. (Time expired)