A new Galaxy poll has found the majority of Australians want their federal government to spend more on foreign aid and reach the UN target of providing 0.7 per cent of gross national income (GNI) in aid.

The poll, conducted on behalf of the Make Poverty History (MPH) coalition, found that 64 per cent of voters support lifting Australia’s aid spending to 0.7 per cent of GNI. Support was particularly strong among young people, with 84 per cent of those aged between 18 and 24 supporting the aid increase.

Make Poverty History co-chair Andrew Hewett said that with just a few days until the election, there was still time for both major parties to commit to lifting their aid spending.

“It’s good that Labor and the Coalition have reaffirmed their commitment to lifting Australia’s aid spend to 0.5 per cent of GNI. But this still leaves us lagging behind many other wealthy countries such as Britain, and means we will not meet the UN target,” Mr Hewett said.

Make Poverty History has also released its Policy Report Card which rates Labor, the Coalition and the Greens around five key policy areas the MPH coalition believes are essential to Australia doing its fair share to end global poverty.

These are:

• Australia does its fair share for the Millennium Development Goals – accelerate growth in the aid program and commit to 0.7% of GNI to aid.
• Further improve the focus and quality of Australia’s aid and do our share to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
• Take a leadership position in the global fight against climate change.
• Ensure food for all.
• Provide greater global leadership in development negotiations.

“Every side of politics has made some encouraging commitments during this election campaign. But Australia is still falling short of where it should be in providing an aid program that means we are really doing our fair share to make poverty history,” said Tim Costello, Make Poverty History co-chair.

 “Australian voters have demonstrated time and time again that they do want Australia to do its fair share. Its time for our politicians to also do the right thing,” Mr Costello said.

Make Poverty History is a coalition of more than 60 aid agencies, community groups and religious organisations working to hold governments accountable to their commitment to halve global poverty by achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

See the  Report Card.

For media inquiries contact: Ariani Soejoeti (+61448684033) / ariani@makepovertyhistory.com.au

Note to editor: The poll was conducted on the Galaxy Omnibus on the weekend of 6-8 August 2010, using CATI (computer assisted telephone interviewing) with telephone numbers randomly selected from electronic White Pages. The data was weighted by age, gender and region to reflect the latest ABS population estimates. The sample was 1,052 respondents aged 18 years and older distributed throughout Australia, as follows: NSW/ACT = 316; Victoria = 296; Queensland = 192; South Australia = 124; Western Australia = 124.