Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) That the Reclink National Program has delivered over 100 000 participation opportunities to thousands of people experiencing disadvantage across Australia in partnership with over 450 community organisations,

(ii) there is no other organisation in Australia with the expertise, capacity and capability of effectively and efficiently providing over 100 000 participation opportunities every year to the most disenfranchised, disadvantaged and forgotten Australians, and

(iii) widespread community concern at the diminishing resources to support people experiencing disadvantage, many of whom have relied upon Reclink's program for social participation and social inclusion through engagement with sport and recreation programs; and

(b) calls on the Federal Government to reinstate funding to the Reclink National Program.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Whilst the government recognises the work of Reclink, it is hypocritical of Labor to support this motion when it was Labor who failed to provide ongoing funding beyond the 2013-14 financial year. The government has inherited a very significant debt because of Labor's addiction to spending, and the government has been required to make difficult decisions in the budget for the benefit of all Australians.

Question agreed to.