19 September 2013 — Australian Ethical Investment is helping to fill the void that is expected with the news that Prime Minister Tony Abbott has ordered that AusAID merge with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The news also led to the resignation of AusAID director general Peter Baxter.
Mr Abbott said the move to integrate AusAID, which administers Australia’s $5 billion official aid program, would ensure the aid and diplomatic arms of the country’s foreign policy are more closely aligned.
Australian Ethical strategy general manager Paul Smith, announcing the recipients of its 2013 community grants program where 10 per cent of company profits are donated to outstanding not-for-profit and social organisations operating locally and abroad, said charities were already in a challenging funding situation.
“With this announcement on the future of AusAID in the climate of post-election uncertainty, we are likely to see an escalated reliance on the generosity, leadership and foresight of corporate givers,” he said.
“It’s a privilege to be able to provide this essential funding and support to projects and organisations at the forefront of positive environmental and social change – in particular two groups that are currently receiving AusAID funding and are looking at an uncertain future.”
The recipients, who receive between $4000 and $30,000 each, are:
- 40K Foundation, “40K PLUS”
- Asylum Seeker Centre, “Employment Assistance Program”
- Australian Conservation Foundation, “100% Renewable Ready”
- Communities@Work, “The Yellow Van Food Rescue”
- East Timor Women Australia, “Fair futures for women & girls in Timor-Leste”
- Free to Shine, “Scholarship for girls at risk”
- Inanna inc, “Comforting kids”
- Kokoda Track Foundation, “Lighting up PNG”
- Primary Ethics, “Delivery of ethics classes”
- Street Swags, “80 Street Swags”