In responding to the Federal Budget, Marcelle Mogg, Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) CEO said:
“Vulnerable Australians have again been overlooked in this third Federal Budget from the Coalition Government. The 2016-17 Budget provides tax cuts to the rich and service cuts to the rest. This Budget has given tax relief to those earning over $80K. This measure will cost $4 billion which could have been spent on investment in families and communities.”
“Australia has an estimated 600,000 children living in poverty and this Budget offers them little hope. If the Government invested in these children’s families directly they could have secured the future of the children and stimulated the economy.”
“For the third year running, this government offers nothing to those who are homeless or experiencing significant housing stress. Securing the basics in life – a house, an education, and health care – are increasingly beyond the means of average Australians, and impossible for those on low incomes. The successive failure of this government to address Australia’s housing crisis, rental affordability and rising homelessness is a disgrace. A long term strategy and binding agreement between the Commonwealth and States and Territories is needed to ensure all people have a home.”
“We are concerned at the compulsory rent deduction for public housing tenants who actually have a high degree of compliance in meeting their rental obligations. This restriction on people managing their own incomes, stripping people of the capacity to manage their budget in order to meet costs of food, utilities and health care, means that people who are already vulnerable are subject to greater disadvantage.”
“We know what works to arrest disadvantage and overcome poverty. Those living on the fringes of our communities would welcome the opportunity to be a focus of investment. Government and business, working with social service providers in innovative relationships could change the outcomes in life for the young people, families, people with disability and mental health challenges who are desperately looking for an opportunity to participate in the social and economic prosperity that all Australians desire.”
“We welcome the addition of $10.9 million over three years to provide additional support for recently arrived humanitarian migrants to strengthen their sense of belonging to the community and strengthen their participation.”
“We also welcome the commitment of government to work with the sector in developing innovative practice to support individuals moving from welfare to independence through its Try, Test and Learn Fund. The $96.1 million will go some way to recognising the innovation and creativity of social service agencies in delivering efficient and effective services to support individuals and families.”
“An additional $100 million channelled into domestic and family violence initiatives, building on the $101.2 million provided through the Women’s Safety Package announced at 2015-16 MYEFO, is also a welcome initiative.”
“With this Budget now released, and a Federal Election imminent, we call on political leaders from all parties to commit to building a future for all people, so that the common-wealth of this country may be shared to benefit all Australians, especially the most vulnerable.”