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News and Updates:
Latest News: 15th May 2008 Western Australia State Budget 08/09 The Salvation Army is extremely disappointed at the State Budget handed down on the 8th May 2008 which fails to appreciate the considerable impact of hardship and distress on families and individuals driven by a strong Western Australian economy.
Whilst we do acknowledge that investment in infrastructure is important to our future, it seems that there is inequality in comparison to the investment in social issues such as housing, drug and alcohol services and providing relief for the many thousands of people struggling to provide for their basic needs.
By far the greatest need is adequate housing with record low availability and record numbers on the public housing waiting list. Low income earners are either priced out of the market in attempting to secure a rental property or forced out by eviction. The price in these economic conditions is being paid by people with the least resources; however it would appear that the government does not acknowledge the enormity of this crisis.
We welcome the following pleasing announcements:
? Hardship Utility Grants Scheme to address the rising cost of utilities. It is our concern however that this scheme will fall to the agencies to manage doing little to reduce the demand and cost of services.
? Increase in financial counseling and acknowledge this as a necessity given the continued hardship and lack of relief.
? A new safe house in the metropolitan area for women and children
Despite the above, it is our belief that this State Budget will show minimal impact from a social perspective and once again an opportunity has been missed to make significant inroads into real community concerns.
The following issues are identified as not being addressed sufficiently or at all:
? Stock of public housing ? Rising cost of living in goods like food and transport ? Support to seniors ? Appropriate level of funding for SAAP services ? Inability of the social sector to retain and attract staff
Whilst we are pleased that the state government have committed to the development of a Social Inclusion Framework, this budget does not indicate a strong desire, commitment and understanding of the severe crises that many West Australians are experiencing. The hopelessness that is created when basic needs are beyond reach is a dibilitating disease and is destructive in our community. We remain hopeful that the State Government may see the benefit in investing in people in a balanced approach with other needs.
The Community and The Salvation Army - All in this together
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