New International Development Policy

The Australian Government is preparing a new international development policy to guide our support for a secure, stable, prosperous and resilient Indo-Pacific.

Global changes are unfolding at a rapid pace, presenting new opportunities and challenges for Australia and our partners. The new policy will ensure Australia is positioned to effectively support our partners to respond to new and emerging priorities. 

“The Government’s vision for Australia’s development cooperation forms part of a comprehensive effort that supports our developing country partner priorities and helps to generate enduring, sustainable outcomes,” Minister Payne said.

“The new policy will reflect Australian values, including our commitment to human dignity, gender equality and inclusive development, and our commitment to poverty reduction and helping those impacted by natural and manmade disasters.”

Minister Hawke said the policy would reflect Australia’s increased focus on economic infrastructure and connectivity, as well as leveraging private sector investment and expanding opportunities for Pacific workers to fill workforce shortages in regional Australia.

“Building on the Foreign Policy White Paper 2017, the new policy will reflect the Government’s increased emphasis on strategic and economic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and our deepened commitment to our Pacific neighbours through the Step-up,” he said.

The new policy will be accompanied by a streamlined performance framework that will enable the Government to communicate the value and impact of Australia’s development cooperation program.

The Government is pleased to have appointed an expert panel, led by Dennis Richardson AO, to provide strategic, independent advice on the new policy and performance framework.

Stakeholder consultations commence today and will ensure a range of views inform the new policy. 

The Government is also calling for written submissions of up to five pages by 31 January, 2020.  

Further information, including on the expert advisory panel and submissions process, can be found at https://dfat.gov.au/devpolicy.