Australia’s new international development policy – the first in almost a decade – will drive the Government's aid investments in tackling regional challenges like gender equality, poverty, economic growth, healthcare, infrastructure investment, and climate change. The Government's commitment to gender equality and climate action will be at the heart of the development program. New targets will ensure Australian development assistance tackles climate impacts and improves the lives of women and girls. Under the new rules, all new international development projects worth more than $3 million will have to include a gender equality objective.

“Placing gender equality at the centre of development creates opportunities for people to thrive, making our countries stronger, more secure and more inclusive,” the statement on the policy changes noted.