Families should be thriving not just surviving

Today is the United Nations International Day of Families.  The release of Budget 2002 provides the opportunity to reflect on the welfare of families in our community.  We are reminded of the importance of families as the foundational unit of society.  It is highly regrettable that in a country such as Australia some are struggling to survive healthily as family units.

Catholic Welfare Australia welcomes the programmes and initiatives that have been taken by this Government to support families.  In particular some features of the Budget are applauded.

“The continued funding of Men and Family Relationships Services and Family Relationship Education Services programmes is welcomed,” said the National Director of Catholic Welfare Australia, Mr Toby O’Connor.  “However, the decision to slash $16.5 million from the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy is a great disappointment.  The basis for this decision has been the delay in organising projects.  Surely the time needed for communities to develop projects indicates that more rather than less funds are needed in this area.”

Commenting on the International Day of Families, Mr O’Connor said, “Around the world, many people are forced to raise their children under the shadows of war, political unrest and poverty.  Some are forced to flee and hope to seek asylum in other lands.  In Australia we are indeed fortunate and there is no reason why all families should not be able to share in the good things of this great country. 

“The International Day of Families provides this nation with an opportunity to ensure that our social policies are targeted towards those who are most in need of protection.  This day is a reminder that all families should be able to thrive and not just survive,” he concluded.