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Ahead of the 21 May Federal Election, the Development Policy Centre co-hosted a series of International Development Election Forums.

The Forums aim to provide political parties with the opportunity to convey their platform and priorities for Australia’s international development cooperation and humanitarian assistance programs. They are also an opportunity for stakeholders, the media and the general public to hear from the candidates on these issues and to gain clarity on the parties’ specific policies and commitments ahead of the election.

This third Forum featured the Coalition’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator the Hon Zed Seselja.

Following an address from the Senator, there was a moderated discussion with a small number of in-person invitees. The discussion was moderated by former ABC journalist, broadcaster and researcher, Louise Maher.

The International Development Election Forums are a joint initiative of the ANU Crawford School​ of Public Policy’s Development Policy Centre, the Australian Council for International Development and the International Development Contractors’ Community.

The first Forum featured the Australian Greens’ spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Senator Janet Rice, and spokesperson on International Aid and Development, Senator Mehreen Faruqi. The second was presented by the Opposition’s Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy MP.