Thread by @ashbetteridge

I think the #Tonga situation is the first disaster/humanitarian crisis in a while that has captured widespread attention on Aus/NZ Twitter (rightly so but I can list a lot y'all ignored). But some of the takes on what should be happening right now are... interesting. 🧵

Can definitely understand cynicism on Australia's response given we are facing a domestic crisis of inaction on COVID-19 +other issues. But humanitarians are doing the things. $1 million is fine as an initial commitment. Once more is known, that number will increase.

Also, you don't just show up with heaps of stuff or personnel and throw massive amounts of money at something like this without working closely with the national govt of the affected country. $1m is for initial humanitarian need. Then, there will be more once needs are assessed.

We have learned a lot from responses to past crises that were wasteful or chaotic or colonialism, essentially. Localised responses are the norm, accelerated even moreso by COVID. That doesn't mean there won't be issues/learnings, and there will be need for external support.

Politically for Aus, crises like this in our region will always be supported. But we should be advocating for all the other slow-burn, protracted crises as well. And still remembering to check in on how things are going in Tonga in six months, or a year, etc.

Australia's aid budget is at a historic low. It's not the Tonga crises this affects as much as the Afghanistans, East Africa famines, etc. So while our hearts go out to the people of Tonga and we should ensure that AU/NZ provide sufficient support...

... don't be the person that only thinks about the dramatic volcano this week. Just a few months ago islands across the Pacific were facing sea surges due to climate change/coastal erosion. Every year, the region's cyclone season becomes more intense due to climate change.

If you are interested in these issues rather than just pot shots at a govt you don't like in Australia, then this is a great opportunity to engage a little more deeply on the Pacific, humanitarian issues, climate change issues, and our broader aid policy...

And maybe consider letting your local MP or candidate know during this election lead-up that our aid budget shouldn't be historically low during a pandemic, and that the issue is important to you.