Society welcomes reforms that align with its priorities

St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia has contacted leading Ministers in the Albanese Government to commend them for driving policy change and financial commitments aimed at improving the wellbeing of many Australians who continue to struggle with daily demands. 

‘It was heartening to see recent funding announcements made for Homelessness Services ($73M) and the Financial Wellbeing and Capability program ($114.8M and $14.4M in 2023-24), which includes Emergency Relief. We called for this funding in our 2024 pre-budget submission,’ said the National President of St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia, Mark Gaetani.  

‘We were also pleased to see the Prime Minister announce additional funding for Closing the Gap initiatives, especially ongoing funding for community-led justice reinvestment programs and funding to increase remote housing. This aligns with our advocacy position on First Nations Peoples.’ 

Mr Gaetani said, ‘We have written to Minister Collins and Minister Rishworth to express gratitude on behalf of the many Australians who have been seeking our assistance in ever increasing numbers.  

Mr Gaetani added, ‘Judging from recent actions in certain policy areas affecting less privileged Australians, the Government seems prepared to ‘take risks’ and make what it considers 'difficult decisions’, but we don’t see these actions this way, and we believe that much still needs to be done to create the fairer society we have been asking for’. 

Mr Gaetani said key areas requiring urgent budgetary action include  

• Addressing the root cause of poverty by increasing income support payments. There is widespread acceptance of this priority. 
• Increasing Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 25 per cent and reviewing the program. Almost 44 per cent of low-income households renting privately are in rental stress.  
• Offering people seeking asylum fair treatment and an adequate safety net while awaiting visa determination. Funding of the Status Resolution Support Services Program must be increased. 
• Funding to support finalisation and implementation of A Better Deal for Renters. 

‘We believe that the Albanese Government is committed to improving the wellbeing of all Australians, but it is essential that no one gets left behind. At present, as we know from the many people who contact us for assistance, often in emergencies, this is not the case. 

‘The next opportunity to address some of the injustices could be the May Budget and we are hoping and praying for good news focused on the many families and individuals who are in the greatest need.’ 

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia consists of 45,000 members and volunteers who operate on the ground through over 1,000 groups located in local communities across the country.

 

MEDIA CONTACT
0475 068 209 or media@svdp.org.au