Crossbench calls for aid lift in face of meagre pledges

Crossbenchers have called for Australia's foreign aid budget to be more generous. (HANDOUT/DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE)

Crossbenchers who could hold the balance of power have backed more than tripling Australia's meagre foreign aid budget to meet international benchmarks.

The nation's development assistance - particularly for the Pacific - has roared into relevancy in the federal election campaign in recent days.