9 Apr 2019

Pacific 'step-up' spared but concerns about aid remain

From , 3:05 pm on 9 April 2019

Australia's big step-up in the Pacific has come largely at the expense of other regions, which has some development agencies worried. 

Aid spending was cut yet again in the government's budget last week, but the Pacific has been largely spared. 

But some are critical that Australian aid is becoming a strategic tool more than a development one, arguing it's becoming directionless. 

Jamie Tahana reports. 

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison (R) and treasurer Josh Frydenberg (L).

Photo: AFP