Anglicare Australia has said that in trying to help people with living costs, tonight’s Budget misses the opportunity to target those who need it the most.
“Ahead of a crucial Federal Election, Anglicare Australia called on the Government to invest in people – especially those who need it the most,” said Executive Director Kasy Chambers.
“Across Australia, living costs are spiralling. Essentials like food and transport are shooting up, and housing is more expensive than ever.
“Everybody might be feeling the pinch, but nobody is doing it tougher than those on the lowest incomes. Over 3 million people are living in poverty, including 840,000 children.
“These Australians need real action, and real leadership. That means raising Centrelink payments over the poverty line, investing in job programs, and taking action to make housing more affordable.
“Yet this Budget has failed to take on these challenges or plan for the future. Instead, it offers short-term fixes, tax cuts and one-off payments including for those on higher incomes who don’t need or want them.
“Tax cuts and one-off payments do not help people out of poverty, and they will do little to tackle rising costs. Other Budget measures, like changes to the Help to Buy scheme, will only help small numbers of people instead of making housing more affordable for those who need it most.
“That’s why more and more people are saying they want action on jobs, social housing and services instead of tax cuts and on-off payments. They want leadership to make Australia fairer.
“We know what we need to do to fulfil that vision – invest in housing for those in need, create secure jobs, and raise payments over the poverty line.
“Instead of putting a band-aid over these problems, we need to invest in people who need it the most and fix them once and for all,” Ms Chambers said.
Anglicare Australia’s Investing in People manifesto calls for increases to working age payments and a major boost to social housing.