MOTIONS › International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Senator RUSTON (South Australia—Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) (15:06): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator RUSTON: The Australian government recognises the fundamental importance of addressing poverty. It is embedded in the purpose of our aid program to promote Australia's national interests by contributing to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. We recognise the strong link between human rights and poverty. Where human rights are not respected, there can be marginalisation and discrimination against people and populations. This is manifested in an inability to access fundamental necessities such as health, education and security of livelihoods. Deep and entrenched poverty is the result. Question agreed to.