Leaders need to open eyes

THE FACT that thousands of country South Australians donate to World Vision annually demonstrates that everyday Australians are deeply concerned about issues beyond our borders.
It's disappointing however, that the leaders of the two major parties in this election campaign have largely failed to lift their focus beyond domestic issues.
Of course domestic issues are important but do we really think that Australia, as an island nation, is not impacted by global issues?
The impact of climate change reminds us that national borders can be meaningless and the much publicised boats carrying asylum seekers demonstrate that conflict and violence overseas will impact us here.
It is pleasing that both major parties support a boost in Australia’s overseas aid budget, yet we could and should do much more. We need to elevate overseas aid to a ministry level alongside Foreign Affairs and Trade, if we are to ensure the aid money we spend is of maximum benefit to poor communities.
Our leaders must strengthen our response to climate change both domestically and internationally and they must restore respect to our asylum seeker policy and end any notion of offshore detention.
If you are concerned about any of these issues, please ask your local candidates what Australia is doing to help others in our region and beyond.
TIM COSTELLO
CEO
World Vision Australia