Is development aid still serving the Australian national interest?

After a tumultuous reception, PM Rudd was told by Kela Smith there was zero to show him that Australia had funded in his province since independence!!

It's got worse since then.

Readers may know I have the privilege of being a patron of the Townsville based YWAM medical ships program in PNG. It has most recently been expanded to provide support for communities away from the coast.

Its support from the Australian Government amounts to a six-figure allocation each year. That is welcome, but inadequate.

The government should entrust YWAM, churches and NGOs with delivering programs that promote the Australian national interest AND benefit the good people of PNG.

The current aid system does neither.

The sooner it is jettisoned the better. The bi-lateral relationship is vital. But it needs revitalisation.

Canberra should review the whole program as a priority. Consult widely in doing so. And if it succeeds expand it to other island nations we generously support.