Border Protection and War on Terror flush with funds but at what cost to the domestic landscape?

The 40 year 'vision' outlined in tonight's Budget poses a frightening future for tomorrow's battlers.  Rather than setting the foundations for an inclusive Australia, with employment and social opportunities for all, Costello’s vision implies more of the same.  While the well-off continue to make hay in the economic sun, the unemployed, disabled and other welfare recipients are again expected to bear the burden of savings to preserve the nation's low-interest lifestyle.

“This Budget fails to deliver a social dividend” said Mr Toby O'Connor, National Director of Catholic Welfare Australia.  "A focus on increased labour market participation for people with disabilities and the long-term unemployed is worthy enough.  But the glaring omission of any strategy to create jobs for these pensioners and beneficiaries will see the compliance focus of welfare reform coming to the fore.

“The Treasurer has attempted to lessen the blow of cuts to the Disability Support Pension by announcing an increase in funding initiatives to the States and Territories.  However, in reality, spending in 2002-03 is only a 2.8% increase over current levels,” said Mr O’Connor.

"Tightening eligibility to the Disability Support Pension will see thousands forced onto unemployment benefits with the associated reduction in payment levels and exposure to activity testing and the breaching regime.  The worthy initiative of 73,000 rehabilitation and employment program places for the disabled will nevertheless be limited by the small amount of $20 million allocated over the next two years.  Ultimately, these programs will be of little benefit where jobs remain scarce.”

“The Government has failed to live up to its Welfare Reform promises with a one year delay of the $506 million Working Credit scheme which was to be the centrepiece of Australians Working Together.  Instead, it will focus on immediate welfare savings and funding 25,500 additional Work for the Dole places over three years — hardly a job creation strategy,” said Mr O’Connor.

“Catholic Welfare Australia welcomes the Government’s initiative to provide Job Seeker Accounts, averaging $850, to 165,000 Intensive Support clients of the Job Network system” said Mr O’Connor.  “We also welcome the continued funding for Men and Family Relationship Services and Family Relationships Education Services programs.

“The Treasurer does well to turn national attention to the sort of Australia we want in 40 years.  However, the vision he outlines is chilling.” Mr O’Connor concluded, “Pensioners and beneficiaries should not be bankrolling border protection.  A vision for Australia that sees no place for those who are vulnerable is no vision at all.”