Making 2012 better
In 2012 families and individuals facing hardship will be most helped by price controls on utilities, additional social and public housing and better access to disability support services.
“This year we have seen the devastating impact of increased energy prices on families and individuals already experiencing hardship”, said Sue King, Director Advocacy at ANGLICARE Sydney.
“We are expecting significant increases in water prices next year, coming after a 17% increase in the cost of electricity in 2011.
“Much hardship is driven by random factors like sickness, accident or injury and breakdown of relationships. Hardship is being made worse by poorly controlled price increases for basic utilities.
“When you add the high cost of accommodation and terrible lack of social and public housing, families who face temporary hardship are forced into a long term battle”, said Ms King.
ANGLICARE Sydney continues to call on all levels of Government to continue investment in additional public housing, and strongly supports efforts made so far.
“Secure housing is the most strategic spend of public dollars. When people have an affordable home they gain stability and opportunity to make choices about their future”, said Ms King.
The Federal Government’s commitment to establishing a National Disability Insurance Scheme has been a big win for the community and should be progressed swiftly in 2012.
“As the largest provider of disability support services in Western Sydney, ANGLICARE Sydney sees the suffering of families who will benefit from increased funding for individual care packages.
“A NDIS is a historic and much needed reform. Its implementation will test State and Federal Government’s resolve to better care for the most vulnerable group in our society.
“A funding source for a NDIS must be identified in the next Federal Budget, and the Council of Australian Governments needs to reach agreement in early 2012 on principles and timeframes for implementing a NDIS.
“The new year offers immense opportunity to make Australia more socially resilient and invest in smart policy reforms that manifest compassion”, said Ms King.
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