It has been reported over the last two days that the federal government are planning to divert $375m of foreign aid to pay for the overrun in costs associated with the processing of refugees this financial year. The aim, clearly, is to ensure their short-term focus on a budget surplus is achievable.
The effects are dramatic. It will effectively make Australia the third largest recipient of its own aid. It will divert funds from countries and programs that are alleivating poverty, toward a program within Australia that we, as a country, have always funded separately.
Please view, for more details:
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/labor-mp-slams-foreign-aid-cut-20121217-2bjd1.html
http://www.micahchallenge.org.au/blog/n/overseas-aid-and-refugees-in-australia-121219
Please also consider writing to your Labor MP to ask that the government do not proceed. In South Australia, our Labor senators are:
Hon Sen Penny Wong
Hon Sen Don Farrell
Sen Alex Gallacher
Sen Anne McEwan
We also have two Greens senators and an independant from South Australia:
Sen Sarah Hanson-Young
Sen Penny Wright
Sen Nick Xenophon
In the Marion area we are represented by Liberal members of the house of representatives, however our neighbours who may also be worth contacting is:
Hon Kate Ellis, Member for Adelaide
Hon Steve Georganis, Member for Hindmarsh (Glenelg and West Torrens area)
Ms Amanda Rishworth, Member for Kingston (Noarlunga area)
I have written to Sen Farrell, already and I'm trying to spread the word. Please consider your views on this and think about contacting the government to voice your concerns.
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