“One of the widest gaps in the developed world”
– Experts warn imbalance poses security risks as global crises grow
“One of the widest gaps in the developed world” – Experts warn imbalance poses security risks as global crises grow
Australia is now spending ten times more on defence than on aid, according to new data modelling from the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre, released today as part of the Safer World for All campaign.
Australia’s aid investment has fallen to just 0.68% of the federal budget, down from 1.12% under Prime Minister John Howard — the very leader Opposition Leader Peter Dutton described last week as his greatest foreign policy influence. This comes at a time of escalating global need, intensifying climate threats, and increasing geostrategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.
New ANU projections show that if defence spending were to increase to 2.5% of GDP by 2029–30 — without a real increase in aid — Australia’s defence-to-aid ratio would rise to 16:1, more than double what it was at the height of the Vietnam War.
If defence spending were to rise even further to 3% of GDP — as advocated by the Trump Administration and backed by some leading defence voices in Australia — the gap would widen to a record 19:1.
“This is one of the widest aid-to-defence gaps in the developed world,” said Tim Costello, spokesperson for the Safer World for All campaign.
“It was Trump’s own former Defence Secretary, General James ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis, who warned: ‘If you’re going to cut money on diplomacy and aid, you better buy me more bullets.’ That’s because real security requires more than just military power — it requires stability, trust, and reliable partnership. That’s why we must invest in aid, not let it slip further behind.”
This Tuesday, key voices from politics, security and faith will gather at Parliament House to urge Australia’s leaders to affirm their commitment to maintaining and building upon the aid budget, before the gap widens further.
Press Conference: Aid & Security – Striking The Right Balance For Australia’s Future
9:30 AM, Tuesday 25 March – Mural Hall, Parliament House, Canberra
Speakers:
Tim Costello, Safer World for All campaign
Zali Steggall MP
Admiral Chris Barrie (Retd), Australian Security Leaders Climate Group
Rev Charissa Suli, President, Uniting Church in Australia
New Research And Public Backing For Aid
The Safer World for All campaign has compiled a comprehensive package of data, polling, and policy analysis for journalists, including:
- New ANU modelling, showing current and projected gaps between aid and defence
- Historical comparisons of aid as a share of the federal budget under past Prime Ministers
- Polling and focus group research by RedBridge, which found:
- When Australians learn aid is less than 1% of the federal budget, they are surprised—and supportive of modest increases
- Framing aid as “just 1%” reassures voters that 99% remains focused on domestic priorities
Speaker Quotes
Tim Costello
“This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about what kind of middle-power leader Australia chooses to be. Australia can’t credibly talk about stability in our region if we’re only investing in one part of the equation.”
“RedBridge polling shows that when Australians learn that aid is less than 1% of the federal budget, they support modest increases—especially when they realise 99% remains focused on domestic priorities.”
“Public support is real and growing. This month alone, over 1,000 Australians will attend events in capital cities and key electorate forums to show support for aid. That follows more than 55 MP meetings led by constituents—many held in electorate offices—organised by the campaign in recent months.”
Zali Steggall MP
“The Pacific faces rising climate risks — driving displacement, food insecurity, and growing geopolitical instability.”
“When disasters strike, fragile infrastructure and limited resources turn climate shocks into prolonged crises, increasing the risk of unrest and displacement.”
“It’s not enough to invest in defence alone. True security means helping our neighbours prevent crises — by building resilience before disaster strikes.”
“Aid that supports climate resilience for our Pacific neighbours isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart, strategic move for Australia. By helping communities withstand rising sea levels, extreme weather and displacement, we’re strengthening relationships, promoting regional stability and protecting lives.”
Admiral Chris Barrie (Redt), Australian Security Leaders Climate Group
“Maintaining strong aid programs in our region is essential to building climate resilience and reducing the security risks to our nation.”
“When we allow aid to stagnate or fall behind, we weaken our security—especially in our region where climate disruption is becoming the biggest threat to our security.
“Investing in aid is one of the smartest security strategies we have. It builds resilience before crises escalate into conflict.”
Rev Charissa Suli, President, Uniting Church in Australia
“Australian aid transforms lives—and I’ve witnessed that first-hand. After the devastating volcano and tsunami in Tonga in 2022, I travelled there and saw the incredible impact of our aid program—vital supplies, shelter, and long-term recovery support.”
“Tongan communities still tell the story of those first days of fear and uncertainty. Through the ash and silence, the first humanitarian plane they saw carried the image of a kangaroo. It’s a moment they will never forget.”
“As a person of faith, I believe love must be shown in action—and our aid program is exactly that: a lifeline, an act of justice, and a reflection of our shared humanity.”
“Today, we are publicly releasing a letter signed by the Heads of every major Christian denomination in Australia, sent to the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, and Crossbench MPs.”
“We urge our nation’s leaders to affirm their commitment not just to preserve aid—but to let it grow, forging stronger partnerships and transforming more lives together.”
About the Campaign
The Safer World for All campaign is coordinated by Micah Australia, the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and Global Citizen. It brings together voices from faith, development, security, and the community to advocate for a stronger, values-driven approach to Australian aid.
The Australian Security Leaders Climate Group (ASLCG) is made up of former members of the Australian Defence Force, defence sector, and security community, working to reframe the climate conversation through a national security lens.
Media Resources
Journalists can access the full package of research—including:
- ANU data and modelling
- RedBridge Research on Public Attitudes to Australian Aid
- Campaign Policy Proposal for Australia’s Official Development Assistance to reach 1% of Federal Budget
- Australian Church leaders’ letter
- Key stats and graphics-ready data
📁 Google Drive folder: Media Folder
Media Contact
Matt Darvas – 0416 280 340