The Government will meet Australia's international responsibilities by making significant contributions to international security in Afghanistan, Iraq and Timor‑Leste, and through the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). The 2008‑09 Budget is the first step in the Government's long‑term commitment to expand Australia's Official Development Assistance (ODA) program.
Strengthening security
This Budget contains funding to boost international security efforts. Defence funding includes:
The Government will meet its commitment to withdraw the main land combat force from Iraq, beginning mid‑year, with other contingents to remain, at a total cost of $155 million
Federal Police funding includes:
Expanding overseas development assistance
To reduce poverty and enhance stability in our region, Australia's ODA will increase to around $3.7 billion in 2008‑09. The Government is taking a step toward achieving its long‑term commitment to a ratio of ODA to Gross National Income of 0.5 per cent by
2015 by meeting its interim target of 0.35 per cent a year early in 2009‑10, and continuing to increase to 0.38 per cent in 2011‑12.
As a means of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Government will support economic growth in developing countries. Initiatives include:
Australia's expanding Official Development Assistance to Gross National Income ratio