Labor makes health, equality focus of aid

Health, education, climate, human rights and gender equality will be at the heart of a future Labor government's international aid budget.

Labor's foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong announced in a speech at the University of Queensland in Brisbane on Tuesday a plan to spend $32 million on a Pacific-wide fund to tackle blindness and vision impairment.

The plan, which will involve the training of up to 600 health workers over four years, is part of a broader focus on improving health across the region.

"Investment in health care and family planning improves individual wellbeing and contributes to prosperity and stability in communities and countries," Senator Wong said.

"Aid can and does make a difference."
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As well, Labor would appoint a global human rights ambassador.