"The Australian Government's overseas aid program is a federally funded program that aims to reduce poverty in developing countries. The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) manages the program. The aim of the program is to assist developing countries reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development, in line with Australia's national interest. Australia gives aid because we want to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Nearly one billion people live on less than US$1 a day. Two billion people have no access to clean water, while 150 million children never get the chance to go to school. Australians believe that giving aid is the right thing to do; it makes a real difference to other people's lives. Australia gives aid to other countries because it improves our regional security. Australia helps partner governments improve law and order, prevent and recover from conflict, and manage a range of transnational threats such as people trafficking, illicit drugs, HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases. By helping to build stronger communities and more stable governments we improve our own economic and security interests." - Read more