Donor profiles

Abstract

Australia is the 9th most generous humanitarian donor among the OECD/DAC group, relative to its size. Its bilateral humanitarian aid amounted to US$201 million in 2007. AusAID, the Australian Agency for International Development, manages the coordination and communication of humanitarian action within its wider overseas aid program. AusAID is an administratively autonomous agency within the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio. Its Humanitarian Action Policy (January 2005) is strongly based on the GHD Principles, and guides Australia’s response to emerging humanitarian needs. It is framed within the broader context of conflict prevention, peace-building, and post-conflict recovery programmes, and development assistance, as set out in its 2001 Strategy on Peace, Conflict and Development Policy. Australia’s humanitarian action remains primarily focused on the Asia-Pacific region. Australia has established regional emergency response standby mechanisms together with key donors in the Pacific, empowering prevention and preparedness, and capacity-building for reducing vulnerability to natural disasters. AusAID’s delivery channel depends on consideration of the most effective and efficient response. If government systems are failing, or operating outside the Asia-Pacific region, Australia’s assistance is channelled mainly to community organisations, NGOs or other civil society organisations. Australia supports humanitarian partnerships with leading multilateral and international organisations, including the WFP, OCHA, and the ICRC.