Have nots missing out in vote buying extravaganza

Catholic Welfare Australia calls on all parties to take the time in the final week of the election to clearly outline programs to help Australia’s most disadvantaged: the homeless, the hungry, the mentally ill and the chronically unemployed.

“The fact that we are seeing the huge Federal Budget surplus being whittled down with no assistance to the very poor is a disgrace,” said Executive Director of Catholic Welfare Australia, Mr Frank Quinlan. “The majority of financial spending has not been well targeted and, unless we have missed something to date, those who suffer the most poverty and disadvantage in this community will continue to suffer. Yes, there has been some tinkering around the fringes but this is not enough.”

“In a time of such economic prosperity we should be taking advantage of the good times and helping those who need it most. Can Australia leave money in the bank while some don’t have a roof over their head?” said Mr Quinlan. “We should be spending at least some of the surplus to ensure that every Australian has equal access to health, education, housing, child care, aged and disability care and employment.”

“Many of the policies we have seen in this Election campaign drive a widening gap between the haves and have-nots in this country and we should be asking ‘is this the society that we want to create?’” he said. “Many people who are struggling to make ends meet are single mums, families, people with a disability, aged pensioners and young and mature-aged people seeking full-time, permanent employment.”

“It is a disgrace that whilst we are one of the wealthiest countries in the world we also have the fourth highest rate of poverty in the OECD,” said Mr Quinlan. “Having 3.6 million Australians living on a household income of under $400 a week in the current financial climate is unacceptable.”

“We hear a lot about Australia’s wealth “trickling down” to the poor as a result of our strong economy. In a time of record surplus, we should be giving those who have not enjoyed the benefits of economic growth a reliable “hand up” with specifically targeted programs. If we can’t do this now, what hope will there be in less prosperous times?” Mr Quinlan concluded.

Media inquiries to: Jackie Brady on 0417 220 779