Thanks to Australia’s presence here and that of our American, Dutch, Singaporean and Slovakian allies, there are now 26 girls’ schools out of 200 schools in Uruzgan – that’s a twentyfold increase since 2001. Up to 80 per cent of expectant mothers receive at least some prenatal care, care that was almost non-existent a decade ago and 200 kilometres of roads and bridges have been upgraded.
It is unsustainable to continue massive projected growth in foreign aid funding whilst the Australian economy continues at below trend growth.
Australia needs a stronger economy today so that it can be more generous in the future.
The Coalition will cut the growth in foreign aid. We will index the increase to the Consumer Price Index.
Afghanistan could easily revert to the dark ages once Australian and allied forces withdraw, but every day our soldiers stay means more girls going to school, more rights for women, and more awareness of the possibility of a better life.
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