News

One of Australia’s largest church-based charities Wesley Mission has described the 2006-07 Federal Budget as a budget largely designed for those with financial independence.

For those who rely on the types of services Wesley Mission provides – those with a disability, the homeless and who have complex physical, social and emotional needs - their circumstances remain largely unchanged.

The Superintendent of Wesley Mission the Rev Keith Garner said that while the Mission supported the Government’s $1.9 billion mental health initiative, some tax relief to working families and the raising of the Family Tax Benefit threshold to $40,000 there were some notable omissions from the budget.

“While the budget rewards older Australians who continue to work or have accumulated assets those who are over 60 with low income or no assets remain fearful because their choices remain limited,” he said.

“Wesley Mission supports this Government’s belief in families. However Wesley Mission looks at the impact on the most vulnerable families and genuinely believes many will be untouched by this budget. The vast majority of working families will only be $10 a week better off.

“There is little in this budget for sole parents and little investment in public and community based housing for low income people – these are people who are often marginalised and whose best opportunities lie in gaining employment and having a secure and stable place to live.

“A community is not only judged on its economic success but on how it is able to improve the situation of those in most need. Like Jesus Christ we are committed to speak for the poor as it seems to me they have been forgotten in this budget.”

Graeme Cole
Public Affairs Manager
0408 470 722