Govt blames Labor for aid budget cuts

Julie Bishop says foreign aid could be boosted if Labor allowed budget savings to pass the Senate.

The foreign minister on Tuesday defended the government's spending on development aid for Vanuatu, which has been devastated by Cyclone Pam.

The projected spending for Vanuatu, excluding the $5 million being spent to address the disaster, was identical to that earmarked by Labor in its final year of government.

"Vanuatu is also the recipient of aid through regional programs and UN programs ... our seasonal workers program and Defence co-operation program," Ms Bishop said.

However that overall aid spending, which took a hit in the 2014 budget, could be boosted if Labor agreed to pass budget savings from last year, she said.