2020 Federal Budget Leaves Millions Facing an Uncertain Future

The 2020 Federal Budget is a missed opportunity to support people at risk of poverty according to the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.

Vinnies NSW CEO Jack de Groot expressed concern that the 2020 Federal Budget failed to address the socio-economic concerns faced by people reliant on JobSeeker and JobKeeper payments.

“We are disappointed this Budget fails to provide a clear future for people who have lost work or don’t have enough hours to get by without the certainty of a secure safety net in place,” Mr de Groot said.

“Before COVID hit there were thousands of people living below the poverty line, struggling to put food on the table and keep the lights on.

“The government has made a number of announcements with the assumption that the economy will recover, but there is no certainty that the recession will be over in twelve months, international borders will re-open, a population-wide vaccine will be available or that people will spend the proposed tax cuts.

”It is vital that the government commits to a permanent increase to JobSeeker that allows people to live with dignity and plan beyond one day at a time.”

Vinnies NSW State President Peter McNamara expressed similar disappointment over the absence of funding for social housing.

“The pandemic has highlighted the absolute necessity for people to have a safe and secure place to live. The Federal Government has neglected their duty to provide social and affordable housing and left the states to shoulder the responsibility,” Mr McNamara said.

“At a State level, the NSW Government has taken positive steps to address homelessness by housing rough sleepers and funding the “Together Home” initiative. Vinnies NSW believes the Federal Budget has missed the opportunity to invest in social housing. We call on the NSW Government to take the lead so that everyone has a place to call home.”

Vinnies NSW does welcome announcements of 23,000 aged care packages, doubling concessional psychology visits, the $2 billion concessional loans to support farmers impacted by drought and additional funding for frontline social services impacted by the cessation of the Social and Community Services Special Account.

Vinnies NSW also welcomes the Government’s decision to provide one-off payments for pensions.

Media contact: Lachlan Jones | 0417 446 430