Major Church Providers Are Ready To Act On Today's Stimulus Package

Major church providers of social services are ready to act on measures announced in the stimulus package which has just been passed by the Senate.

Those people who are least responsible for the global financial crisis ought not bear the brunt of the downturn.

The measures contained in this package to address social housing, community education, infrastructure, environmental measures and emergency relief funding are very welcome.

The package will provide lasting employment and benefits to the community but will also improve confidence across the community.

The Government pursued the dual goals of economic stimulus and social benefit. Providing assistance to low income Australians, investing in social and community housing, insulating Australian households and providing community infrastructure in Australian schools will provide immediate benefit to many vulnerable citizens, and lasting infrastructure of the community.

We also acknowledge the valuable contribution of the Australian Greens in amending the package to achieve better social outcomes for the Australian community. Their commitment to low income earners, students and other disadvantaged groups is to be commended.

We are ready to start work on implementation of these measures today.

The major church provider networks provide the majority of social services in Australia. Spokespeople include:

• Major Brad Halse, Territorial Communications Director, The Salvation Army
• Lin Hatfield Dodds, National Director, Uniting Care Australia
• Kasy Chambers, Executive Director, Anglicare Australia
• Frank Quinlan, Executive Director, Catholic Social Services Australia

13 February 2009

Contacts:

• Major Brad Halse, The Salvation Army, 0417 537 950
• Michael Brown, UnitingCare Australia, 0418 916 936
• Judith Tokley, Catholic Social Services Australia, 0408 824 306
• Kasy Chambers, Anglicare Australia, 0401 494 380