Page 2080 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 25 October 1989
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Peacock, who told him he was wrong. I am not quite sure what the agenda is at this stage, and I am sure that there will be other announcements in respect of it, but I am sure that any advance on that which the Liberals have already announced could only make the situation worse.
While increasing the problems faced by the unemployed, disabled and ill in our community, the Federal coalition, by cutting labour and employment programs and transferring unemployment recipients to special benefits, would make it even more difficult for the long-term unemployed to find jobs. Cuts in funds for community support, education and employment programs targeted at the Aboriginal community will result in an increased demand on mainstream services. Cuts in public awareness campaigns will reduce the effectiveness of a variety of programs relating to employment, public health and community services. Reduced Commonwealth funding will make it very difficult, if not impossible, for this shortfall to be covered by any State or territory government.
In summary, the increased hardship likely to be felt amongst disadvantaged groups as a result of the coalition economic and tax policy would cause a heavier reliance on, and demands for extension of, services such as family support programs; child welfare; emergency relief; social welfare benefits; credit and debt counselling services; general counselling and support services; youth accommodation services; concessions on electricity, transport and so on. Difficulties in meeting the increased demand would be compounded by continuing the need to target and prioritise assistance more rigorously.
In short, the coalition policies, if implemented, would push higher costs onto ACT taxpayers. They would exacerbate existing social problems - and I do not see much concern on the bench opposite - and increase crime rates. In regard to crime rates, it seems the Liberals were perhaps anticipating this sort of policy when they attempted to increase police powers but, even worse, they would harshly penalise the poorest and most vulnerable members of the ACT community - and for what purpose? It is simply a heartless attack on the underprivileged in our society.
I am confident that the ACT community is a caring one and will reject these narrow, uncaring policies of the Federal coalition parties when it comes to the next election. I am sure that the Australian people are far more compassionate than has been anticipated by the likes of the people who operate Liberal Party policies behind closed doors. I present the following paper:
Impact of Federal Coalition economic and tax package on welfare services - Ministerial statement, 25 October 1989.
I move:
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