This special episode is a joint production of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre, the Australian Council for International Development, the International Development Contractors Community and the Safer World for All Campaign.

The episode opens with Minister Pat Conroy outlining Labor’s record and vision for Australia’s international development program. He highlights the government’s significant increases to the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget, surpassing $5 billion for the first time in over a decade, and emphasises reforms to policy performance, gender equality, disability inclusion, and transparency. Conroy frames Australia’s aid as both a moral obligation and a matter of national interest, particularly as other donors withdraw from the region. He points to the importance of partner-led approaches, long-term indexation of the aid budget, and new mechanisms such as the Australian Development Investments vehicle. On humanitarian funding, Conroy acknowledges rising global needs but argues that the government’s overall humanitarian spending far exceeds the fixed $150 million Humanitarian Emergency Fund, with total humanitarian outlays projected at $859 million in the coming year. He also stresses the need for flexibility in policy settings to respond to evolving challenges and partner priorities, underpinned by ongoing sector consultation.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi presents the Greens’ vision for a “bigger and better” aid program grounded in solidarity, global justice and climate justice. She critiques traditional aid paradigms based on charity or narrow national interest, advocating instead for needs-based, partnership-driven assistance that addresses historical injustices and centres the rights and voices of recipient communities. Faruqi calls for Australia to increase its aid budget to 0.7% of GNI over ten years, as recommended by the UN, and to provide additional climate finance in recognition of Australia’s role as a major fossil fuel exporter. She proposes an independent development oversight agency to improve accountability and ensure aid is not captured by commercial interests. Faruqi is critical of the government’s approach to climate change, arguing that continued fossil fuel expansion undermines claims of climate leadership. On humanitarian crises, she calls for increased support, particularly in the face of funding shortfalls caused by US and UK aid cuts, and highlights the need for Australia to play a constructive role in addressing global inequality and conflict.

Independent MP Zali Steggall argues that strong international development is essential for both regional stability and Australia’s national security. She supports calls to restore the aid budget to 1% of federal expenditure, noting that current levels are well below public expectations and international standards. Steggall emphasises the importance of climate resilience, both domestically and regionally, and advocates for a $10 billion Climate Resilience Fund domestically with similar investments regionally. She frames aid not as a “nice-to-have” but as a strategic investment in Australia’s future, particularly as global leadership from traditional donors wanes. Steggall also calls for a reassessment of DFAT’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund, which has remained static despite rising needs, and urges a more humane and consistent approach to refugee policy, including clearer pathways for those fleeing conflicts such as Gaza. She sees a leadership opportunity for Australia, especially in partnership with Pacific nations, to advance climate and humanitarian objectives.

Throughout the episode, all three interviewees respond to the withdrawal of major donors like the US and UK, agreeing that Australia must step up its support for the region and beyond. While there is consensus on the need for increased aid and a focus on climate resilience, the parties differ on the scale of ambition, the role of commercial interests, and the mechanisms for delivering and overseeing aid. The discussions also highlight broader themes of national interest, moral responsibility, and the interconnectedness of security, development, and climate action.

Devpolicy Talks is the podcast of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre. The producers of this episode were Robin Davies, Amita Monterola and Cameron Hill. Music by Finn Clarke.

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