Welcome investment for people with disabilities in Australian aid

Media-release | June 18, 2024

Leading disability-inclusive international development agency, CBM Australia, and peak disability-inclusive development coalition, the Australian Disability and Development Consortium (ADDC), warmly welcome the Federal Government’s $3.3 million increase to the disability central allocation in the Australian aid program. 

CBM and ADDC have praised the Federal Government’s recognition of disability inclusion throughout the budget, where it has promised “effectiveness” through prioritisation of “practical support” for people with disabilities in Australia’s aid program, along with the broader increase in development assistance.

CBM, ADDC and other coalitions have lobbied successive governments to reverse the cuts to the disability-inclusive development central allocation, which had fallen to just $9.6million in recent years.

“Tonight’s increased investment in disability-inclusive development means that more people with disabilities and their representative organisations will have more of the support and resources they need,” CBM’s CEO, Jane Edge said.

“We know from our partners in the region and beyond that the pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on people with disabilities. The decision to reinstate the central allocation is vital to ensuring the most marginalised are not left further behind.” 

The government’s recognition of disability inclusion is a critical part of the aid program’s effectiveness, and along with the increase of the allocation to prior levels, is an important step to building a truly inclusive Australian aid program.

ADDC Executive Officer, Kerryn Clarke, highlighted the central disability budget cuts over recent years meant that further year-on-year increases would be needed in future budgets to ensure people with disabilities are given the support they need to partner in Australian aid initiatives.

“Australia is a world leader when it comes to disability inclusion in international aid,” Ms Clarke said. “To ensure that leadership continues we must maintain specific  funding to ensure that people with disabilities are consulted and included in all aspects of Australia’s international development and humanitarian response. The increases we see in the budget affirms Australia’s commitment to working in partnership with people with disabilities.”

The central allocation funds critical work in partnerships, capacity development and technical expertise, including for our nearest neighbours in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Media inquiries contact Kerryn Clarke, ADDC Executive Officer on kclarke@addc.org.au 

Jane Edge is Chief Executive Officer of CBM Australia and a member of the Board of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID).

For media, contact Alison Dean on 0416160773.

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