Page 2623 - Week 12 - Thursday, 16 November 1989
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There will be a need for family support during waiting periods. Assessment and review of eligibility for concessions associated with the receipt of social security payments is expected to be delayed, further increasing the suffering of the underprivileged. There was not a mention of that. While increasing the problems faced by the unemployed, disabled and ill in our community, the Federal coalition - that is, this mob over here - - -
Mr Stefaniak: No, we are local.
Mr Humphries: Are we the Federal coalition? I see.
MR BERRY: That is where they think they are headed, this hopeless mob over here. Have a look at them. They get a bit edgy when the truth starts to come out.
The transferring from unemployment to special benefit will 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, another disadvantaged group, will result in an increased demand on mainstream services. There was no discussion of what effect that would have on this Government - no discussion at all, Mr Speaker. It just demonstrates how hopeless this lot is.
Mr Kaine: It will have less effect than $150m for the hospital, mate.
MR BERRY: You had a go at that yesterday, and it was a big fizzer.
Mr Kaine: We will have another go later today, too.
MR BERRY: It was a big fizzer yesterday. You keep lining up on the stage, but you cannot deliver the goods.
Reduced Commonwealth funding will make it very difficult, if not impossible, for this shortfall to be covered by any State or territory government. This is a territory government, but there was no mention of that.
In summary, the hardship likely to be felt amongst the disadvantaged groups as a result of the coalition's economic and tax policy would cause a heavy reliance on, and demands for extension of, services such as family support programs, child welfare, emergency relief - here we go; these are all of the people who are ignored by the people opposite - social welfare benefits, credit and debt counselling services, general counselling and support services, youth accommodation services, and concessions on electricity, transport, et cetera. These are the people who have been ignored by the Liberal Party. (Extension of time granted)
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