Speculation that the Federal Government may reduce its future commitment to foreign aid and development has prompted Caritas Australia to appeal to the good will of the people and the national leaders, reports The Catholic Leader.

National media reports have speculated there may be a reduction in foreign aid levels as part of tightening this year's Federal Budget.

Caritas Australia said it was deeply concerned at the millions of people in need who may not be reached as a result of such a move.

It said Australia's selfless efforts to end global poverty had had a major impact on the lives of millions of people in the poorest nations on Earth and "now is a time to become leaders in the drive against poverty, not followers".

"We would like Australians to understand they have been directly responsible for changing the lives of countless men, women and children through their generous commitment to helping those in need both personally, during major natural disasters, and also through federally-funded programs that change lives in the long term," Caritas Australia chief executive officer Jack de Groot said.

"We are making genuine inroads on the injustice of world poverty.

"Disaster victims have not died because of Australia, families now have food that did not, communities have incomes that did not, mothers have access to maternal health services that did not and children now have textbooks and hope."

FULL STORY Caritas wary over foreign aid cuts (Catholic Leader)