[Greens-Media] Aid budget robbed for Iraq war

[Jegatheeswaran, Brami (Jegan) (Sen L. Rhiannon)]

MEDIA RELEASE
2 October 2014

Aid budget robbed for Iraq war

The Greens have condemned the Abbott government's decision to abuse money allocated for overseas aid programs to pay for military operations in Iraq.

Greens overseas aid spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said "Diverting aid money to pay for the war in Iraq will have fatal consequences.

"Funding humanitarian programs including health, education and sanitation are critical for peace, security and bringing stability to this region.

"Earlier this year the government ended all overseas aid funding to Iraq. Five years ago AusAID provided more than $360 million to Iraq.

"Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has shown that she is a poor advocate for the overseas aid component of her portfolio.

"Once again Australia's aid budget is being abused and treated like an ATM by the government that is thrashing around for funds for another ill-fated program.

"This decision goes against the strong public support for Australia to do its fair share to end global poverty," said Senator Rhiannon.

Contact - 0487 350 880

Brami Jegan
Communications | Strategy
for Australian Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon

72 Campbell Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
p: (02) 9211 9523 | m: 0487 350 880

http://lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au/

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