1%  not 14% of GDP is spent on foreign aid Research suggests that while some Australians think our aid budget is too low, most Australians believe that the federal government spends far too much on foreign aid, especially in times of economic hardship – such as those existing in 2019. Setting aside the debate over […]

1%  not 14% of GDP is spent on foreign aid Research suggests that while some Australians think our aid budget is too low, most Australians believe that the federal government spends far too much on foreign aid, especially in times of economic hardship – such as those existing in 2019.Setting aside the debate over whether those complaining about foreign aid are experiencing hardship, or whether we are just selfish and short-sighted about the potential benefits of foreign aid, it is instructive to consider the following: Voter perceptions of Australia’s aid budget 2018 – 14% of GDP Voter perceptions of the right amount to spend on foreign aid – 10% of GDP Actual expenditure on foreign aid – less than 1% of GDP (and falling) It is also worth considering that the federal government has been explaining the low level of foreign aid and the media has been reporting this disparity…