People in poverty left high and dry in Federal cash splash

“This budget, with its modest tax cut of $10 a week, has cash for everyone except those with the least” said ACTCOSS CEO Dr Devin Bowles.

“It is shocking that in the face of a cost-of-living crisis, there were no moves to lift Canberrans out of deep poverty by fixing JobSeeker and other income support payments,” said Dr Bowles.

“ACTCOSS welcomes investments in Medicare, the PBS and specifically in women’s health. However, these investments are only patches to a health system that has suffered years of neglect.

“ACTCOSS also welcomes investments in public education and early childhood education. These will make our community stronger,” said Dr Bowles.

“We welcome the government’s $6.8 billion investment in energy bill rebates. However, it is disappointing they are not targeted to those who need it most. Under this approach, even billionaires can receive the same level of assistance with their energy bills as those facing financial hardship. Instead, this amount of money could have been directed toward energy upgrades for every social housing property in Australia, permanently reducing the bills each year for those doing it toughest,” said Dr Bowles.

“This budget missed a critical opportunity to make Australia a much fairer place. The Government will continue to waste over $30 billion a year on super and capital gains tax breaks for people in the top 10% of incomes.

“It has also missed the opportunity to make fossil fuel gas companies pay the Australian people their fair share of tax for the privilege of shipping our natural resources overseas.

“In these uncertain times, Australia needs Government to boldly envision a positive future for everyone. We need Government to have the courage to fairly increase the tax base to ensure all Australians can live decent lives,” concluded Dr Bowles.

ACTCOSS advocates for social justice in the ACT and represents not-for-profit community organisations.
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For more information or comment, please contact
Dr Devin Bowles, CEO, ACTCOSS, on 0413 435 080.

Authorised by Dr Devin Bowles on behalf of the
ACT Council of Social Service Inc (ACTCOSS)