Chapter 12 - Australian aid and NGOs

Question 1

Aid

Answer 1

Assistance given to countries or communities in the event of a crisis or for the development of long-term sustainable improvements.

Question 2

Official Development Assistance (ODA)

Answer 2

Financial assistance provided by donor government agencies to low- and middle-income countries or to multilateral aid agencies. Also known as aid.

Question 3

Types of aid

Answer 3

• Emergency/humanitarian aid
• Bilateral aid
• Multilateral aid

Question 4

Emergency/humanitarian aid

Answer 4

Rapid assistance given to people or countries in immediate distress to relieve suffering during and after emergencies such as wars and natural disasters. E.g. tsunamis, earthquakes. Emergency aid is also called ‘humanitarian aid’.
* Short-term
* Needed to keep people alive
* Provision of food, water, medicines and shelter
* Personnel. E.g. health workers, doctors, emergency workers from other countries or aid organisations.

Question 5

Bilateral aid

Answer 5

The provision of aid from the government of one country to the government of another country.
* Long-term sustainable development
* Help reduce poverty
* Helping governments of recipient countries strengthen their economic, political, health and education systems and eventually become self-sufficient.

Question 6

Why is the Indo-Pacific region the focus of Australia’s aid program?

Answer 6

Because of its proximity to Australia. There are many people living in poverty in countries in this region, and many people are struggling to meet their basic needs. Many of these countries are also affected by conflict, and this has the potential to directly affect our national and security interests. Stronger growth, prosperity and stability in our region will also benefit Australia. It is where Australia’s aid can make the greatest difference.

Question 7

Multilateral aid

Answer 7

Aid provided through an international organisation, such as the World Bank, United Nations, or the WHO. Governments provide aid to multilateral organisations that are then able to combine donations from many countries and use these funds to support countries in need.
* Often used to address global issues, including emergency relief from events such as famine through programs such as the World Food Programme, and funding for transnational (involving several nations) issues like global warming, control of disease like COVID-19, and major infrastructure projects (e.g. building of roads and sanitation systems).

Question 8

Non-government organisations

Answer 8

Non-profit organisations that work to promote health and wellbeing and human development. They operate separately from governments.
* Although suggests no government involvement, many of these agencies rely on funding from the governments as well as through funds generated from public donations.

Question 9

Advantages of aid provided by NGOs

Answer 9

• Focuses on small community-based projects targeted to specific needs of a community
• Often have strong connections with local communities, which means that trust is already established
• Can often access areas that others don’t or can’t reach, such as remote, fragile and conflict-affected areas.
• Focuses on health and wellbeing needs and promotes community development and participation

Question 10

Features of Australia’s aid program

Answer 10

Promote our national interests by contributing to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.
* Strengthening private sector development
* Enabling human development

Provision of Official Development Assistance (0.22% of GNI)

Indo-Pacific region is the focus of Australia’s aid

Question 11

Aid partnerships

Answer 11

• Bilateral partnerships
• Multilateral organisations
• Non-government organisations
• Private sector partnerships
• Other government departments

Question 12

Priorities of the Australian government’s aid program

Answer 12

• Infrastructure, trade facilitation and international competitiveness
• Agriculture, fisheries and water
• Education and health
• Gender equality and empowering women and girls
• Building resilience: humanitarian assistance, disaster risk reduction and social protection

Question 13

NGOs (examples)

Answer 13

• World Vision Australia
• Oxfam Australia
• Australian Red Cross

Question 14

World Vision works to create change through:

Answer 14

• Community development and poverty reduction
• Humanitarian and emergency relief
• Advocacy

Question 15

Work of the Red Cross

Answer 15

• Reducing the impact of disasters
• Meeting humanitarian needs in crises
• Health and wellbeing (water, sanitation and hygiene)

Question 16

Oxfam’s activities

Answer 16

• Long-term development projects
• Respond to emergencies
• Campaign for a more just world
• Involve the Australian community

Question 17

Features of an effective aid program

Answer 17

Ownership by recipient country
* Recipient countries (countries receiving the aid) must be involved in deciding the type of aid that will best meet their needs

Focused on results
* Addresses patterns of disease and illness
* Seeks to reduce poverty and inequality
* Aid reaches those who need it
* Focuses on women
* Health and wellbeing indicators are monitored to ensure the program is having the intended effects of improving health and wellbeing and resources are being used effectively

Partnerships and collaboration
* Ensures community involvement and ownership
* Combines different strengths and expertise
* Resources are used effectively
* Develops knowledge and skills of local communities

Transparency and accountability
* Information is published and openly available
* Funding is used for its intended purpose
* Regular monitoring of progress against program aims

Question 18

**When analysing and evaluating the effectiveness of an aid program, you must include: **

Answer 18

• Its purpose
• The SDGs being addressed
• Details of its implementation, particularly in relation to the features of effective aid and relevant partnerships in place
• How the program will promote health and wellbeing and human development