Date of Award

2026

Keywords

Australian aid, localisation, locally-led, Pacific Island countries, Solomon Islands

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

School

School of Arts and Humanities

First Supervisor

Kwadwo Adusei-Asante

Second Supervisor

Vicki Banham

Abstract

Using public ethnography anchored in the interpretivist epistemological paradigm, the study examines how Australia’s international development aid programs are faring in local communities in the Solomon Islands. Specifically, the research uncovers how Australian aid works on the ground, what they fund vis-à-vis the local needs of the people, and how the situated context shapes programmatic outcomes. The study also seeks to understand how Australia’s aid programs are perceived by civil society organisations/groups and local communities in Solomon Islands through decolonial thought and the localisation concept, and the Australian aid’s current geopolitical climate implications. Findings reveal that while Australia increasingly references aid localisation in its programming, implementation remains donor-driven and structurally resistant to local agency. Thus, small infrastructure programs and aid programs are seriously being problematised as neo-colonialist, racist, and patriarchal, where local communities are expected to mimic donor standards. Further, Australia’s well-meaning intention to localise aid through community aid projects may continue to marginalise some local beneficiaries while benefiting a few elites due to its elitist nature in delivering these projects. The study exposes the systemic contradictions in donor rhetoric and practice and proffers recommendations for policy and praxis.

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Access to this thesis is embargoed until 28th July 2031

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.25958/c4t2-hg80