The Morrison Government has yet again failed to provide any focused funding to assist the most marginalised and underprivileged Australians in its 2022/23 budget.
Chair of Catholic Social Services Australia, Francis Sullivan, said that while some of the Government’s initiatives might flow through to people living on or below the poverty line, there is very little that is specifically designed to alleviate their hardship.
“At a time when some 3 million Australians, including nearly 750,000 children, are living in poverty, temporary sweeteners such as cuts to fuel excise, extending a low and middle income tax offset, and a one-off cost of living payment will do little to address long-term disadvantage,” Mr Sullivan said.
“Once again we are seeing those most in need being left behind and we all know that short-term sweeteners won’t fix long-term disadvantage.
“And sadly, the Government has failed to demonstrate how wages for low-income earners are ever going to be able to keep up with inflation.
“The frontline workers who served us throughout the pandemic have been virtually ignored by this budget which offers little for aged care, disability support, health or child care workers.
“The facts are one-off payments and savings don’t do anything to cover weekly increases in grocery bills, rents and other costs for people who can only just afford them now.
“As has been the case with the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, NDIS funding, funding for social and emergency housing the Government always finds a way to leave those most in need behind.
“The Government has missed its opportunity to help by increasing the lowest income support payments, making it easier for people to pursue decent wage rises, and investing in social housing,” Mr Sullivan said.
Media Contact: Michael Salmon | 0417 495 018
PO Box 6067, O’Connor ACT 2602. T 02 6285 1366 | E admin@cssa.org.au