SENATOR CLAIRE MOORE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE PACIFIC
SENATOR FOR QUEENSLAND
LIBERALS FLAG FURTHER CUTS TO SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH FUNDING
Labor is deeply concerned about further cuts to reproductive health funding in our own region following DFAT's confirmation in Senate Estimates this afternoon that they "can't confirm the amount but there will be a reduction".
The Liberal's have slashed Australia's aid funding at every opportunity and this puts some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in our region at risk.
While Labor welcomes today's confirmation Australia has accepted an invitation to attend She Decides, the European conference to consider the devastating worldwide impact of the reintroduction of the "Global Gag Rule", it is critical that the Australian Government matches its words with meaningful action.
Labor remains deeply concerned about the impact of the United States' reimposition of the so-called "Global Gag Rule" and the devastating impacts that it will have on the women in developing countries if alternative sources of funding are not identified.
Labor continues its call for the Turnbull Government to participate in an urgent international financial response to the 'Global Gag Rule' which has slashed funding for vital women's health programs - including contraception, HIV/AIDs clinics, maternal healthcare, cervical cancer screenings, and routine vaccinations.
Labor welcomes the Government's promise to continue Australia's funding for the International Planned Parenthood Federation to deliver the Sexual and Reproductive Health Program in Crisis and Post Crisis Settings (SPRINT).
However, SPRINT funding is a drop in the bucket compared to the Liberal's harsh aid cuts and will not help fill the gap resulting from the implementation of the "Global Gag Rule".
THURSDAY, 2 MARCH 2017
