The St Vincent de Paul Society says Tuesday’s Budget promised minimal financial relief to millions of Australian households, including the 3.3 million people known to be living in poverty.
“The society notes the Australian economy appears to have turned the corner; but a great many people have been left behind. There is no sign that this Budget offers immediate financial relief or inspires greater confidence for a brighter future,” said the society’s national president, Mark Gaetani.
“We welcome many of the budgetary measures announced but regret that various much-needed reforms aimed at helping less well-off households were ignored. The situation of people doing it tough will barely be affected by this Budget.”
Mr Gaetani said the society supports public health measures such as extra funding to boost GP bulk billing, urgent care clinics and public hospitals, and caps on medicine prices.
“We also support increased funding for public education at all stages, from early years through schools to tertiary learning.
“However, we have serious concerns that the proposed tax cuts do little to help people on low incomes or government payments who are struggling to meet their daily expenses, such as food and grocery items, rents and school costs.
“Inequality in Australia is at a 20-year high, with single parents hit the hardest. The best way to address inequality is to properly reform taxation and increase income support payments.”
Mr Gaetani said the society was “particularly disappointed by the Budget’s absence of support for the volunteer sector, which is essential to the fabric of Australian society. So many essential services rely on volunteers, yet the sector has been overlooked.”
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Budget stress will continue for millions of households (St Vincent de Paul Society)
