Launceston residents are invited to learn about the success stories of Australia’s aid program, and what they
can do to save it, at a public talk launching The Campaign for Australian Aid in Launceston on Wednesday
29th April.
Last year Australian aid built more than 9,000 new classrooms and enabled over 1.3 million more children to
enrol in school. It gave 2.9 million people access to safe drinking water and helped support 14 million people
after emergencies in 24 countries, including Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
Life-changing programs like these are now under threat, with $11 billion in budget cuts set to take our aid
contribution to its lowest level in Australia’s history and hindering progress to ending global poverty.
Make Poverty History Executive Officer, and The Campaign for Australian Aid spokesperson, Tony Milne,
said like most Australians, the people of Launceston believed in a fair go for all, including their neighbours
living in poor communities, who are working hard to overcome poverty.
“People are extraordinarily generous in Launceston, we know that 20% of voters in the Bass electorate give
to aid and development organisations personally, and they understand what an enormous difference their
contribution can make,” Mr Milne said.
“Thanks to Australian Aid, the people across the world are breaking down the barriers of poverty that prevent
them from realising their potential. But, aid cuts proposed by the Australian Government could prevent
millions of people from clearing these hurdles.”
The Launceston launch event invites local community members to learn about the Campaign, and actions
they can take to stand up for this critical, life-changing work.
“The Campaign for Australian Aid is a movement of Australians who believe more can and should be done
as a nation to end extreme poverty. With the help of Launceston residents we hope to get the benefits of
Australian Aid out into the community and onto the government agenda, putting Australian aid back on track
to giving its fair share,” Mr Milne said.
Event information:
DATE: Wednesday 29th April
TIME: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
WHERE: Ida Birchall Room, 34 Paterson Street, Launceston (opposite Myer car park)
About the Campaign for Australian Aid:
The Campaign for Australian Aid is a joint initiative of the Make Poverty History and Micah Challenge
coalitions. More than 50 member organisations in the campaign – including Oxfam, World Vision, Caritas and
The Oaktree Foundation – are working together to raise awareness of global poverty and achieve policy
change.
Sarah Rogan | Campaigns and Engagement Coordinator (Vic & Tas) | Oxfam Australia
