Vinnies Recommendations Welcomed

The Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission welcomes the Report issued today by the St Vincent de Paul Society, Two Australias: Addressing Inequality and Poverty.

National Director Toby O’Connor said: "Vinnies have reminded the nation of the single most important problem facing Australia: the scandalous inequality between rich and poor in our society. The Vinnies Report is a timely and invaluable contribution to a debate that must now take place. Vinnies are correct to warn us that the gap between rich and poor is now so wide that unless action is taken, two separate ‘nations’ may emerge within Australia.

"The Commission welcomes Two Australias recommendations, especially for a national summit to establish strategies to reduce poverty and inequality, and against which Government may be held accountable. The Commission strongly supports the recommendation that social security breaching and penalties be greatly reduced and that all welfare payments be increased to ensure a basic standard of living."

Supported by the research and assistance of reputable social analysts and drawing on the experience of the Society’s 40,000 members who volunteer to serve the most impoverished people in our community, Vinnies have produced an invaluable contribution to the national debate on poverty.

Mr O’Connor concluded that "the St Vincent de Paul Society are absolutely correct to emphasise that poverty is entrenched within particular localities and that action must also be taken at this regional level to address the specific needs of each. In the context of the Budget and the forthcoming election campaign, Parties will be judged on how poverty and inequality are proposed to be addressed."