St Vincent de Paul Society ABN: 68 879 107 149 Unit 4-5 22 Thesiger Court Deakin ACT 2600 PO Box 243 Deakin West ACT 2600 Telephone: (02) 6202 1200 Facsimile: (02) 6285 0159
Media Release
25 November 2009
Govt ramps up discrimination with new welfare laws The St Vincent de Paul Society National Council condemned the Federal Government’s latest move to extend the imposition of compulsory income management. Mr Syd Tutton, National President said: “The people we assist are struggling on inadequate levels of Centrelink benefits. We are deeply disappointed to see that instead of addressing this problem the Government has chosen to subject welfare recipients to further measures of control. This does nothing for people’s dignity. Neither does it address any of the problems some might be having in their lives.” Dr John Falzon, National Council Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is a cynical manoeuvre by the Government. In an effort to get around the Racial Discrimination Act it has decided to go down the American path of close supervision of people who are doing it tough. This is insulting to the people we stand in solidarity with. “We fail to be convinced by the highly questionable evidence that is being presented as a justification for this poorly-targeted policy. It is sad to see a government that claims to be committed to a path of social inclusion indulging in such a coercive and controlling approach rather than honestly looking at the supports that people need, starting with a review of inadequate payments. “To suggest that exemptions will be available for some welfare recipients if they can demonstrate responsible behavior is an indication that the government is beginning with the assumption that welfare recipients are guilty until proven innocent. “This paltry effort to conceal racial discrimination merely leads the government into the equally dangerous waters of class discrimination.”
Contact: Dr John Falzon
0421332247
Every day in Australia the Society helps many thousands of people through Home Visitation, Migrant and Refugee Assistance, Hospital Visitation, Prison Visitation, Aged and Special Care Services, Retail Centres, Sheltered Workcentres, Hostels for Homeless Men, Women and Children, Overseas Relief, Disaster Recovery and Youth Programs.