Caritas Australia has welcomed a commitment of $5.1 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA) - an increase of $135.8 million from 2024-25 - while raising concerns about growing international instability and need. 

Caritas Australia is part of The Safer World for All campaign, which calls for the restoration of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) to 1% of the Federal Budget - as it was during both the Howard and Rudd administrations. However, ODA comprises just 0.65% of this budget. 

Caritas Australia interim CEO, Kirsten Sayers, said, “The Australian government has made clear its commitment to support a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world for all. In line with this, the budget includes some welcome investment into the futures of our brothers and sisters in need overseas – in the Pacific, in Myanmar, and further afield through the Humanitarian Emergency Fund.” 

Australia’s increased aid budget comes amid broader global aid disruption, from USAID stop work orders, to the slashing of aid budgets across major European economies, underscoring the responsibilities of Australia within our region. 

“Global aid disruption threatens to leave millions of the world’s most vulnerable without lifesaving assistance in the form of food, water, medicine, and shelter. At Caritas Australia we are putting our faith into action to support increased humanitarian need in our complex and conflicted world. Part of that includes advocating with all political parties for the restoration of the aid budget to 1%, ensuring we do our part to create better and safer futures for everyone.” 

Caritas Australia works hand in hand with the most marginalised and remote communities in Australia and overseas to address poverty and inequality with a focus on long-term and sustained development programs. Over one million people were directly supported over a 12-month period to the end of June 2024, with 74 national and international partners fundamental to the success of these programs.