" And that is the way it should be! "
Which is exactly why the pollies find the money that is liberally distributed more attractive and allows China, Taiwan etc to get established in impoverished countries.
Those countries distributing liberally will continue to do so and develop regional relationships and influence despite Australia doing it properly. If Australia was to stop the money would keep flowing, probably some into the projects Australia was involved in - plus a bit more into local hip pockets.
There is a case for the return of colonialism.