Aid Buzz (April 10): The civilian presence in Afghanistan | 2012-13 budget and the 0.5% commitment | AusAID’s multilateral assessment | and more

Increased civilian presence in Afghanistan?

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Federal Opposition’s Defence Spokesman attacked AusAID’s presence in the country as “extremely low,” arguing that he “would want to see our civilian commitment increased dramatically.” This echoes last year’s comments by former chief of the army Peter Leahy that Australia was relying too heavily on its Defence forces and pursuing “half a strategy in Afghanistan.”

The aid program in Afghanistan is estimated to total $165.14 million for 2011-12 and the aid review forecasts a growth rate (combined with Pakistan) of 2010-11 figures by a further 40% by 2015-16, a significant increase. The challenges of increasing the civilian presence in a conflict zone have been highlighted by the recent serious wounding of AusAID worker David Savage in Afghanistan, the first civilian casualty in the conflict. Stephen Smith has now called for a review of aid worker protection in light of the tragic incident.

Will the Government break its 0.5% commitment?

The Oaktree organisation has launched a national campaign to pressure the Labor Government to maintain its 0.5% commitment by 2015-16 stating that “right now, the Labor Government is considering breaking this promise.” This comes as the Government has confirmed its commitment to bringing the federal budget back into surplus, even if that means spending cuts.  In a recent interview, Prime Minister Gillard did not rule out aid cuts but had high praise for the aid program and maintained that the Government was “committed to the Millennium Development Goals.” The budget will be announced sometime in May.

Meanwhile, newly released data from the OECD show that worldwide aid fell by 3% in 2011 after adjusting for inflation, and that Australia has become the 10th largest donor.

AusAID’s multilateral assessment

 AusAID has released its Australian Multilateral Assessment report, which “provides comprehensive evidence of the effectiveness of the Australian aid program’s multilateral partners and their relevance to Australia’s interests.” Based off of its UK equivalent, the information in the AMA will be used to ensure AusAID getting value for money from our multilateral funding.  Overall UN agencies have come out poorly, with the World Bank, World Food Program and GAVI Alliance found to be providing good value for money. Stay tuned to Devpolicy as we will be reporting more on the AMA in an upcoming blog.

In brief

AusAID is conducting a survey as part of its review of the ‘Adviser Remuneration Framework’, now entering its second year and looking for submissions of recommendations on any improvements to the policy.

Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of the GAVI Alliance (GAVI), visited Australia in March. Dr Berkley gave a presentation at the ANU, summarised here. A video will be made available in the coming week here.

March 22 marked World Water day. Here is AusAID’s summary of some of the major activities they are working on in water and sanitation and here a blog from Adam Laidlaw, CEO of WaterAid Australia.

March 24 marked World TB day. The day draws attention to an area of particular focus for Australia, especially in the Torres Strait region – the topic of a Devpolicy forum on May 23rd (details  to follow).

The ‘Australia–Philippines Development Cooperation Program Statement of Commitment 2012-17’, was recently signed by the respective governments, providing a roadmap for the next five years of the $120 million per year program.

Two of the “missing evaluations” of AusAID’s Office of Development Effectiveness (ODE) have now been released: the Philippines country evaluation, and the evaluation of AusAID’s engagement with civil society.

AusAID has signed a new strategic partnership agreement with the World Bank to support its operations in Vietnam, providing $58 million to the Bank’s investment and advisory program in the country over the next five years.

Toll has suspended its joint venture venture partnership agreement with a Cambodian firm to operate the railways being restored in a $145 program partially supported by AusAID. The ADB reported that the suspension was for one year due to refurbishment delays and slow construction. Toll has made no official comment.

AusAID has committed $1 million in emergency funding to the worst hit areas of Fiji after devastating floods swept the country.

Minister Carr promises more aid and fewer sanctions for Burma “proportionate with democratisation on the ground.”

World Vision has released a new video showcasing everyday Australians views on overseas aid.

In recent weeks the oaktree foundation has conducted launches around the nation for its 2012 ‘Live Below the Line’ Campaign.

Jonathan Pryke is a Researcher for the Development Policy Centre.

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Jonathan Pryke

Jonathan Pryke worked at the Development Policy Centre from 2011, and left in mid-2015 to join the Lowy Institute, where he is now Director of the Pacific Islands Program. He has a Master of Public Policy/Master of Diplomacy from Crawford School of Public Policy and the College of Diplomacy, ANU.

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