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From Lydia Bezeruk on Felled before forty: the once and future AusAID
I perhaps didn't realise the extent to which AusAID has become part of my DNA until it was being taken from me. In this part of the world it is still 31 October so I find myself grasping at what little of myself remains, afraid to power down the laptop so I don't have to see the DFAT logo appear. Thanks Robin to a wonderful homage to "the agency formerly known as AusAID".
From Miri C on Felled before forty: the once and future AusAID
Thanks Robin for a perceptive and eloquent tribute to the AusAID that was. Thanks especially for singling out locally engaged staff - often the longest-serving and most under-appreciated. I look forward to your continued insightful analysis of the Australian aid that will be.
From Deb on Felled before forty: the once and future AusAID
Thank you Robin, I really appreciated that terrific homage to AusAID's past.
From Alex Marks on Felled before forty: the once and future AusAID
A great analysis. Indeed, the only perceptive analysis. Thanks Robin.
From chris on Felled before forty: the once and future AusAID
Well said Robin. As a DFAT officer who has worked with AusAID a lot in some pretty risky countries, I have a high regard for AusAID staff and for the organisation. Please don't assume that the antagonism for DFAT is reciprocated. I'm sorry to see AusAID go, but DFAT will be the better organisation for the AusAID influx.
From de Souza on Felled before forty: the once and future AusAID
A beautifully crafted AusODE. How ominous that our unqualified purpose of 'helping people overcome poverty' should be put to death on All Hallow's Eve; resurrected so fittingly in the sanctified form (the national Interest) on the 1st of November.
Having worked with AusAID as an implementing partner, I've seen the exceptionally good, the woefully bad and the frighteningly ugly. But as a taxpayer and a humanitarian, I believe wholly in the institution and feel yet more despondence about the government directing what we know to be its takeover.
The challenge for AusAIDers-that-were now lies in remaining as stoic, magnanimous and judicious in the more personal battle of (dis)integration, as in the professional ones of which Robin speaks. Great empathy for job uncertainty and logistical adjustments though I have, and my belief in enterprise agreements and fair remuneration notwithstanding, I implore all to remain principled not petty, constructive not conceited. When an enlightened government is returned, we (Australians) will need you to have penetrated the undesirable imperialism of DFAT culture, and equally, absorbed some of their oft-impressive acuity. When this miscalculation is reversed, both agencies will be the better for it.
From Jenny Turton on Felled before forty: the once and future AusAID
As somebody who has worked in Africa as part of the Australian Staffing Assistance Scheme of AIDAB back in the late 80s, and observed closely the initiatives of AIDAB/AusAID programs in my field in that region over the ensuing years, I am concerned at the implication this restructuring may have for effective Australian aid initiatives in the future. Restructuring appears to be a part of political change at state and federal level, but too often reinventing the wheel results in loss of dedicated staff and a step backwards in effectiveness of initiatives and outcomes.
From Bill Pennington on Felled before forty: the once and future AusAID
Thanks Robin, for eloquently expressing what many of us past AusAIDers are feeling. I, for one, am still proud to say I worked there.
From Rebecca Spence on Felled before forty: the once and future AusAID
Robin, THANK YOU! Thank you for honouring the commitment, the courage, the vision and the sheer tenacity of AusAID staff over the years. The Nonviolent Non-cooperation phrase made me smile and remember how many gender and conflict sensitive policies and programs have eventuated because people didn't give up. I have so many AusAID staff to thank for their support and encouragement. We wait and watch.
From Andrea Babon on Felled before forty: the once and future AusAID
A beautiful analysis of what Australia will lose with the loss of AusAID. I have met and worked with a number of AusAID staff- both Australian and national staff in developing countries. Smart, committed, compassionate people all of them. I hope DFAT and elsewhere find good use for their professionalism and passion.
From Phillip Passmore on Felled before forty: the once and future AusAID