5 years ago
GOVERNMENT CHAOS SEEPS INTO EMERGENCY RELIEF
SENATOR JENNY MCALLISTER
Grants processes are chaotic under the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government.
Delay in grant announcements for emergency relief services are leaving community organisations with unanswered questions over funding leading into the critical Christmas - New Year period.
The announcement yesterday by Minister Fletcher on funding for emergency relief services comes just two months before the expiry of current grant funding. This is unacceptable.
The Minister’s media release was big on rhetoric and light on detail and when it comes to supporting community services the detail is critical.
Any changes to grant funding for community services will have an impact on the delivery of services.
Given the short notice on funding announcement, there are real concerns as to how recipients will be able to deliver services over demanding periods if their funding has changed.
This Government does not take the portfolio seriously. The Social Services portfolio has had four different Ministers in five years. The chaos of this Government is seeping into the delivery of emergency relief services to those most vulnerable in our society.
The community sector deserves clarity on funding arrangements so they can continue to deliver vital services to those experiencing hardship throughout the Australian community.
This is no way to run a funding program for essential services. The Coalition Government has provided no compelling explanation as to why these grants have not been determined sooner.
Labor calls on the Government to be transparent about who wins and who loses in new grant arrangements.
Delay in grant announcements for emergency relief services are leaving community organisations with unanswered questions over funding leading into the critical Christmas - New Year period.
The announcement yesterday by Minister Fletcher on funding for emergency relief services comes just two months before the expiry of current grant funding. This is unacceptable.
The Minister’s media release was big on rhetoric and light on detail and when it comes to supporting community services the detail is critical.
Any changes to grant funding for community services will have an impact on the delivery of services.
Given the short notice on funding announcement, there are real concerns as to how recipients will be able to deliver services over demanding periods if their funding has changed.
This Government does not take the portfolio seriously. The Social Services portfolio has had four different Ministers in five years. The chaos of this Government is seeping into the delivery of emergency relief services to those most vulnerable in our society.
The community sector deserves clarity on funding arrangements so they can continue to deliver vital services to those experiencing hardship throughout the Australian community.
This is no way to run a funding program for essential services. The Coalition Government has provided no compelling explanation as to why these grants have not been determined sooner.
Labor calls on the Government to be transparent about who wins and who loses in new grant arrangements.