A farmer support charity is calling for the Australian government to spend less money abroad.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was in Samoa recently announcing millions of dollars in funding for various projects across the country.

The ABC reports that whilst in Samoa, Minister Bishop has had to defend the level of Government spending in foreign aid.

Brian Egan, co-founder of Australian Charity Aussie Helpers looks after farmers in times of need.

Currently farmers in Eastern Australia are facing a severe drought. Mr. Egan says the amount of dead livestock is devastating.

He told the ABC he thinks government money should go towards Australian farmers struggling in the drought.

“Why aren’t we helping our own people at home, surely they must come first?”

Much of the concern on foreign aid spending has been aired on social media, reports the ABC.

Shadow Minister of Human Services, Linda Burney said people should take responsibility for what they post online.

“We should not be setting up one group of people against another,” she said.

In a statement to the ABC, Minister Bishop said Australia’s foreign aid spending is 0.8 per cent of the national budget.

“The aid budget does not divert any funds from social services or welfare budgets,” she said.

In her statement, Minister Bishop said the Government does not have to decide between foreign aid and money for farmers.