ACTCOSS cans the budget

Wednesday, August 28, 1996 - 10:00

ACTCOSS cans the budget

By Sue Bull

CANBERRA — Lyn Morgaine from the ACT Council of Social Service told a meeting of 40 people on August 21, "Many of the measures outlined in the budget will have a harsh impact on the most disadvantaged people in our community. In particular, the reduction in expenditure on labour market programs and the tightening of the activity test on unemployed people represent an unacceptable burden on those already struggling."

Morgaine pointed out: "Not one significant measure in the budget has been aimed at women, and many special needs groups have been abandoned with the government's withdrawal from important programs such as mental health, women's health and programs to reduce violence against women".

According to ACTCOSS, the federal budget revealed that ACT Housing will suffer a $10.4 million (25%) funding cut. The ACT government has refused to confirm or deny this until it releases its own budget next month.

From GLW issue 244