Despite pleas from people all over the country, prominent Australians and the aid & development sector, the federal government has been unable to stay on track with its promise to increase foreign aid for 2012- 2013. Last night the 2012-2013 budget was released, producing a budget surplus at the expense of an increase in overseas aid and sending the government’s previous aid target of $8 billion or 0.5% of GNI (Gross National Income) by 2015 into jeopardy. So what does this mean for people living in poverty? Figures calculated by Australian based aid organisations are stating that up to 250,000 lives could be lost due to the reduction in foreign aid. That’s a staggering number. It highlights the significant impact that Australia can have in the fight against poverty.