ABSTRACT
Australians have an ambiguous view of the value of aid and its underlying humanitarian aspirations. The history of Australian aid cannot be told without reference to these decision-makers, the courts they formed and the ways they sought to win legitimacy for the aid effort. Policy legitimacy stems from the ability of aid to serve multiple ends. Technical legitimacy stems from the complexity of aid delivery and the corresponding need for expert knowledge. Administrative legitimacy stems from the need to protect the minister and the government of the day from unnecessary risk by ensuring coherence in policy development and program delivery. Despite the achievements and what would appear to be incremental gain, the Australian story would nevertheless appear to demonstrate the fundamental limits of government aid programs; without strong popular support, Australian aid will always be a hostage to political fortunes.
