In 2007, Australia achieved a bipartisan commitment to give 0.5% of Gross National Income (GNI) on foreign aid. Since then, the leaders of both sides of Parliament have affirmed this commitment numerous times, with Tony Abbott saying that "I want to make it very clear that the goal of 0.5% of national income in overseas deveopment aid is a bipartisan one."

However, recently proposed budget cuts of up to $448 million to educational projects in Indonesia have brought this commitment into question. Cuts like this would seriously jeopardise Australia's ability to contribute towards the Millennium Development Goals and the commitment to 0.5% of gross national income. 

In the lead up to the 2011-2012 Federal Budget and the Oppositions reply, it is important that Tony, the Liberal Party and the Australian Government know that the public supports this spending on foreign aid.

In 12 days the Federal Budget will be released, and the Opposition will also release its budget reply. Tell Tony to keep his commitment to the world's poor, and keep the bipartisan commitment to foreign aid.