Abbott policies reduced effectiveness of foreign aid to combat climate change

Exclusive: Government report says change in priorities from 2013 saw a loss of expertise and project oversightA decreased emphasis on climate change and cuts to the foreign aid budget under the Abbott government caused a loss of expertise, a lack of oversight and early closure of some projects, according to an internal government report.Two-thirds of selected projects by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade achieved a modest or significant impact on climate outcomes, the evaluation said. Related: Withdrawing from the Paris agreement makes no economic sense | Peter Castellas Related: Richard Di Natale: global warming is the most urgent threat to Australia's security Related: Aid groups lambast Coalition for halving family planning foreign aid Continue reading...