Lisa Chesters (Bendigo, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Bendigo welfare agencies and its not-for-profit sector are speaking out against the harsh cuts in Tony Abbott's first budget. Among those speaking out is Bendigo Community Health Services Chief Executive Officer Kim Sykes, who last week in a meeting of Bendigo welfare agencies said, 'There needs to be a rethink of any policy that further embeds disadvantage.' She went on to say, 'We seem to be driving this idea that if you're poor, or if you're without a job, if you're struggling, it must be your fault and your government will leave you in your own. We need to have a decent and civil society. We cannot allow society to be built around a concept that does not help those most vulnerable and most in need.' I agree with Kim. Kim raised her concerns regarding the federal budget during a meeting with Bendigo welfare groups last week. These groups are outraged and upset by the attacks this government has made on the people they spend every day working to care for and working to ensure that they are able to make ends meet. Included in this meeting of the Bendigo welfare agencies were Bendigo Community Health Services, the Salvation Army and Haven; Home, Safe as well as some Anglican and a number of other groups. They were there to support those most in need. I call on the government to listen to Kim's concerns and to come to Bendigo to meet with our welfare agencies. It is time that the government found the time to talk to those on the front line about how its budget is putting the poorest in our community— (Time expired)

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