Why Australia Funds Foreign Aid

Writing for the Daily Straits, Jane examines why Australia's foreign aid program is a strategic investment rather than a simple outflow of capital. Drawing on Lowy Institute polling showing two-thirds of Australians regard the current aid budget as appropriate or insufficient, Jane makes the case that partnerships with Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Pacific Island nations are essential for regional stability and that in an increasingly uncertain global environment, Australia's outward-looking approach is more vital than ever. 

The article was written with journalist June Ramli.