Anglicare attacks gaps in Budget

Anglicare Great Southern regional manager Tim Christie says the Federal Budget has forgotten about those who need the most help.

With a focus on small businesses and growth, Mr Christie said not enough had been allocated to the disadvantaged.

“I think the Budget is more notable for what’s not there than what’s there,” he said.

“We welcome the youth employment initiative but the issue of housing affordability and homelessness haven’t been addressed or tackled, also nothing has been done to increase income security for people on benefits.

“They have committed the same amount of money (to homelessness) but there (has been) no increase to cover increased costs such as inflation, so it is effectively a cut.

“And there is no indication of what they are going to do at the end of the year.”

Mr Christie said there were some positives in tax, particularly if tax cuts for small businesses led to increased employment.

“The (tax) cuts for small business are good for the economy,” he said.

“If it leads to an increase in unemployment yes, one of the best ways to help disadvantaged people is to ensure a decent job and decent income.

“Because (it’s) the best way to get people out of poverty.”

Mr Christie said another Budget concern was the funding of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“What they are doing is setting up a savings fund to pay for NDIS but they are taking it out of other social security,” he said.

“And they haven’t specified where the money is coming from.”