$1.35 billon to tackle poverty a welcome move
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The Victorian Council of Social Service welcomed today’s announcement by the Victorian Government to boost spending on tackling poverty by $1.35 billion.
Chief Executive of VCOSS Cath Smith acknowledged a lot had been achieved to tackle poverty and social disadvantaged in Victoria since the Government announced its first A Fairer Victoria statement in 2005. “We’re headed in the right direction as a community in tackling poverty and social disadvantage.”
Ms Smith was pleased with announcements this week in the State Budget that $38.4 million is to be spent over four years to provide ongoing support to the families of children with a disability. “These funds will help families unlock the hidden potential of children with a disability.”
Other funding announcements welcomed by VCOSS include $5.4 million for support for refugee students, and $22.8 million to improve transport connections, including future funding for new projects in the growth corridors of Melbourne.
Ms Smith acknowledged that more has to be done to eradicate poverty in Victoria, and looks forward to further Government announcements related to socially excluded communities like Indigenous Victorians, people at risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable groups such as the isolated elderly and unemployed young people who missed out on education and training during the economic downturn.
“There’s still a way to go before Victoria can claim to be a fairer, better, safer society for everyone including low income earners and the socially isolated, but we’re headed in the right direction,” Ms Smith added.
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VCOSS
Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
T: 03 9654 5050 F: 03 9654 5749 W: vcoss@vcoss.org.au E: vcoss@vcoss.org.au