Tax cuts and one off payments welcomed but more ongoing support needed
Tax cuts and one off payments welcomed but more ongoing support needed says ANGLICARE
ANGLICARE Sydney’s CEO Peter Kell has welcomed the Federal Government’s Budget as providing important first steps towards fulfilling the Government’s social inclusion agenda.
The increased funding for the aged care sector, funding to ease access to affordable housing, one off payments to carers, a new employment services model were welcomed by ANGLICARE Sydney in response to the Rudd Government’s Budget announcement last night.
Other welcomed initiatives include changes to the system of temporary protection visas for refugees and the increase of places allocated under the humanitarian migration program.
Where the budget could have gone further however, according to ANGLICARE Sydney CEO Peter Kell, was in more investment in ongoing care and support structures for the vulnerable members of our community.
“I’m sure the tax cuts and child care rebates would be welcomed by low income families with jobs, but we would also like to have seen greater investment that addressed disadvantage,” said Peter Kell.
“In the area of housing and rental affordability, the respective funds to help ease the housing affordability crisis are a welcomed step in easing the burden on many of the low income families we help. However, we were disappointed that there was neither mention of greater funding for casework programs nor more investment in crisis accommodation for those at risk of homelessness,” he said.
“As we’ve stated previously, safe and appropriate accommodation as well as appropriate case management are vital in providing the physical and psychological security needed before a young person can move on toward training and employment opportunities.”
While welcoming the aged and disability subsidies, Peter Kell also said more was needed.
“We were pleased to see an additional 19,000 carers of children with sever disability are now able to access the Carer Payment, but there were no mention of more capital funding for housing people with a disability nor were there mentions of greater ongoing community support for these people,” he said.
“One in five Australians has a disability and an estimated 2.6 million carers who provide some assistance to those who need help because of disability or age. While many cope with out assistance, recent reports by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare claim there are 23,800 people with disabilities waiting for housing support and respite services.”
Welcoming the contribution to the aged including the increase of Conditional Adjusted Payment to 8.75% over the next four years, Peter Kell said “What we would also like to see is a reform of the residential aged care funding especially the inclusion of real cost indexation in the next few years.”
Peter Kell is available for an interview on 0402 849 010.
