Agencies caught by Labor’s poverty trap
Feb 15, 2012
John Gardner MP
Shadow Minister for Families & Communities
Shadow Minister for Housing
Shadow Minister for Disability
Shadow Minister for Youth
Agencies caught by Labor’s poverty trap
South Australians struggling under increasing cost of living pressures are turning to welfare agencies in record numbers due to the Labor Government’s abolition of 44 financial counsellors.
The 44 financial counsellors were cut in the 2010 Budget as part of recommendations from the Sustainable Budget Commission.
The Government has offered to fund fewer than four full time positions in the non-government sector as a replacement for the 44 staff cuts.
“Figures released this morning show that since Labor’s cuts to the anti-poverty program, the non-government sector has been flooded with requests for support from people trying to avoid the poverty trap,” Shadow Families and Communities Minister John Gardner said.
“Uniting Care Wesley has seen requests for assistance increase by 34 per cent between November 2010 and November 2011. The Salvation Army’s requests have increased by 69 per cent, and the Salvos’ ‘Doorways Helpline’ has seen a 42 per cent increase in calls.
“Anglicare has reported an overwhelming 373 per cent increase in requests for assistance.
“These financial counsellors do a very important job – they are at the front line in helping people look after themselves.
“If we can give people a little help with their budget and personal arrangements, when they start to struggle with the rising cost of living, it can save a huge cost on government resources later on when they might start to demand acute services.
“Cost of living pressures are hitting hardest at those South Australians who can afford them least.
“But Premier Weatherill and his Government have shown that they don’t care, and won’t help – otherwise they’d be working with the non-government sector to reinstate support for these positions.”