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Anglicare WA 2024 State Budget Reaction

Key points:

Anglicare WA welcomes significant investment and priority given to immediate cost of living and housing measures.

This is the best budget in 10 years that responds to community need and we congratulate the government on listening.

While the response is welcome, we remain concerned it is insufficient and lacks scope and scale given the levels of financial and housing stress in the community.

Quotes attributable to Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson:

“The government will be mindful this was their last budget before the election. As the campaign ramps up, Anglicare WA – and voters – will be looking for commitments to long-term structural change.

“The government has got the foundation and focus right in this budget – now we want to see that philosophy embedded in election commitments for true reform that give everyone the chance to thrive.

“We want to see a move from rent relief and short-stay incentives to establishing a Housing Future Fund to guarantee 6% social housing (from 3.7%). From electricity credits to extending utilities relief to all concession card holders. From FDV crisis response to prioritise initiatives which keep victim survivors and children in their own home.

“We have yet another surplus of more than $3 billion – largely off the back of selling the iron ore we all own. Now is the time to support Western Australians and invest in the changes to stop this crisis happening again. If not now, when?

“Beyond iron ore, we ask the government if we need a review of royalties across the board to ensure West Australians are getting a fair return on all our resources.

“Budgets are about choices and priorities by governments. The WA Government has made some good choices in this budget and we can afford to keep investing more.”

media@anglicarewa.org.au 

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