1. Reducing foreign aid is a denial of Australia's humanitarian tradition
It has been argued that Australia's democratic, humanitarian society depends on a respect for the rights of others. It has further been argue that this respect for human rights cannot be displayed in isolation. If we seek to advance the rights and wellbeing of our own citizens, we should seek to do this on an international level. Foreign aid enables us to do this.
On September 15, 2013, Joe McKenzie, an editor of the University of Technology Sydney's student magazine, Vertigo, stated, '...we live in a democratic society that is centred around protecting the rights of its citizens through all of its institutions. And as a free and democratic society we have an obligation to be concerned with the dignity of other human beings; an obligation that extends beyond "strategy" and "niceness" and that is instead an application of the values that actually bind us together as a polity.
It has been claimed that many Australians will be ashamed at the selfishness and indifference being displayed by their country's government.
John Brown, a specialist who has worked in the field of foreign aid for 30 years has stated, 'Australians who pride themselves on a fair go, generosity and a commitment to global justice and leadership are ashamed by the government's decisions on aid. We have the means to help, so let us pull our weight, partner others who wish to see a better world and play our role as a good global citizen. The electorate may well care much more about people living in poverty than the new government understands.'
2. Australia's foreign aid has made an important difference in the lives of those living in poorer nations
Opponents of a reduction in Australia's foreign aid claim that altering aid policy runs the risk of undermining the achievements gained so far.
Australia's Catholic bishops have noted that extreme poverty has been