Independent member for Denison , Andrew Wilkie, will tomorrow take budget day to a whole new level, feeding himself off just $2 for 24 hours in support of the Oaktree Foundation’s Live Below the Line campaign.
“It’s only 24 hours, but this is about raising awareness for those living in extreme poverty during a crucial time in Australian politics,” said Mr Wilkie.
Mr Wilkie’s acceptance of the $2 challenge coincides with this week’s budget release, as concern grows about the Labor Government’s plan to back away from its promise of increasing aid to 0.5% of GNI by 2015.
“We need to send a strong message to the government that the cost of cutting foreign aid is more than just money,” said Mr Wilkie. “1.4 billion people are forced to live on less than $2 a day and Australian aid is an integral part in reducing these figures”.
The Oaktree Foundation’s Acting Manager for the Don’t Cut Aid campaign, Emilee Freeman, says that Mr Wilkie’s commitment to increasing foreign aid is something we need to see from all federal and state politicians.
“The difference between the Government cutting aid and keeping it’s 2015 promise is about 800,000 lives. It begs the question, how can the Government justify cutting aid?” .
Live Below the Line is now in it’s third year and asks participants to feed themselves off $2 a day for five days, beginning today and running until May 11. The campaign is raising awareness and funds for education and development programs for Australia’s poorest neighbour, Papua New Guinea
To support the Don’t Cut Aid campaign or find out more about Live Below the Line go to: www.theoaktree.org
Earlier,
MEDIA RELEASE
May 1, 2012
Constituents of Dension will be campaigning tomorrow to thank Independent Member for Denison, Mr Andrew Wilkie, for his support of the Australian government lifting its contribution to overseas aid to 0.5% of GNI by 2015.
Mr Wilkie will be appearing in a Press Conference in Sydney this afternoon with anti-poverty organisations such as World Vision, Get Up! and the Oaktree Foundation to call on the Prime Minister to keep the ALP’s promise to help the world’s poorest this budget.
An event organised for 2pm tomorrow, Wednesday May 2, outside of Mr Wilkie’s Hobart office will collect signatures, thanking Mr Wilkie for his support and calling on him to continue to stand up for the 800 000 people in developing countries it is estimated could be saved by the increase in Australia’s aid, if spent on humanitarian assistance.
State Manager of the Oaktree Foundation, and Denison resident, Robert Hortle says it is very important that Mr Wilkie continues to take a strong stance on this issue.
“Australia’s aid giving is saving the lives of those living in extreme poverty and it would be morally wrong for us as a country to balance our books on the back of the poor,” he said.
“According to research compiled from our past campaigns, Denison has one of the highest density of aid supporters in the country and we are calling on Mr Wilkie to strongly voice our concerns.”
Those interested in joining the campaign can gather tomorrow outside 188 Collins St Hobart at 1.30pm tomorrow or contact Emilee Freeman at [email protected] for more information.
