Australia is a global citizen with an interest in enhancing regional stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and improving the lives of the world's poorest people, particularly in Africa. To that end, Australia maintains an international aid program which this year is spending almost 5 billion on development assistance. This amount represents 0.35% of Gross National Income; Australia's future aid commitment is set to increase to 0.5% of GNI within the next 3-4 years. This book reviews the Australian government's current aid commitments and reforms, exploring a range of factors including the reasons for aid, how it is delivered to partner countries, and issues in the debate over aid levels and effectiveness. The role of non-government organisations (NGOs) in delivering development assistance is also examined. What are the various forms of international aid, and how is it used in developing countries to reduce poverty, improve food security, health and education, enhance human rights, and assist with disaster relief? As an affluent, developed nation, is Australia making enough of a difference with its taxpayer-funded aid program? Also includes: Worksheets and activities ; Fast facts ; Glossary ; Web links ; Index.