Annual data from the St Vincent de Paul Society has exposed the depth of the cost-of-living crisis, as more and more people seek financial assistance while struggling to make ends meet. Source: News.com.au
Data released by the society on Friday revealed a 40 per cent rise in calls for assistance or support in the past year.
“The Christmas period is one of celebrating and joy; however, this isn’t the reality for many Australians,” St Vincent de Paul Society national president Mark Gaetani said.
“Currently, there are 761,000 children whose families lack adequate food and struggle to pay essential household bills.”
As the cost of living crisis bites, demand for services provided by St Vincent De Paul is spiking.
State-by-state, NSW had an 18 per cent increase in people seeking assistance over the past year, according to St Vincent de Paul’s new figures.
In Queensland, calls for general need jumped 15 per cent overall.
“Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of all our companions supported in the last year had not previously asked for help,” the figures state.
St Vincent de Paul staff in Victoria experienced an 18.4 per cent increase in the amount of assistance provided to people coming to the organisation.
Tasmania had a 40 per cent increase in complex cases and 67 per cent rise in cases managed by case co-ordinators.
FULL STORY
‘Concerning trend’: Figures reveal huge jump in Aussies seeking financial help (By Blake Antrobus, News.com.au)
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