NSW State Election
The NSW State election campaign has so far missed the mark on effective, long term strategies to manage the rising cost of living and improve support for those caring for someone with a disability.
ANGLICARE Sydney has launched its 2011 NSW state election platform, focusing on three key issues; the rising cost of living; carers and disability services; and housing insecurity.
“There is a direct relationship between rising energy costs and food insecurity with most people who need Emergency Energy Assistance also needing Emergency Relief for food”, said Peter Kell, CEO ANGLICARE Sydney.
ANGLICARE says electricity rebates and caps on Government fees for families earning up to $150,000 per annum are only short term measures which fail to address systemic policy issues.
“It’s easy to offer incentives to comfortable, middle income families but vulnerable families are not buying and selling homes and cars – they will not gain anything from caps on Government fees. Long term energy price controls and assistance with energy efficiency will be more effective.”
Mr Kell said the desperate shortage of public and social housing is a major factor driving more families to the edge of vulnerability. Chronic underinvestment by State and Federal Governments in social housing means vulnerable families are forced onto the private rental market.
“I am dismayed by the NSW Government’s failure to significantly increase the supply of public and social housing – vulnerable families’ benefits are eaten away by private rents rather than helping them attain independence, which is what they want.”
Mr Kell is also concerned that flexible respite for carers and co-located accommodation for older parents looking after a son or daughter with a disability are being overlooked. He said clear policy wins could be achieved on the back of existing research and provider expertise.
“The test of great Government is how it cares for the vulnerable; opportunities for effective reform have been clearly identified, now the parties must step up and prove their leadership”, said Mr Kell.
Fact Sheet: Disability & Carers
Fact Sheet: Housing Affordability
Fact Sheet: Cost of Living
