Battlers get an electric shock

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the harsh reality of the global financial crisis hits home, thousands of vulnerable Territorians will be relying on the NT Government to produce a budget which will help them weather the storm. 

 

Wendy Morton, Executive Director of NTCOSS, today urged the Northern Territory Government not to lose sight of the battlers as the Treasurer finalizes the 2009/10 Budget which will be unveiled early next month.

 

“We are dismayed at suggestions that the cost of power could be increased by as much as 18 per cent next year,” said Ms Morton. “This would be a disaster for many families, who may have to consider leaving the Territory for locations where living costs are more affordable.”

 

Ms Morton urged Treasurer Delia Lawrie to rule out any increase in power costs in the short term. “Many Territorians will be doing it tough this year,” said Ms Morton. “They are already struggling to meet the high cost of living in the NT including rental and fuel costs.”

 

Ms Morton said that NTCOSS members such as St Vincent De Paul routinely receive requests for assistance from working families who can no longer make ends meet. “These people simply cannot afford any further price increases.”

 

NTCOSS member organisations will play a key role in providing a soft landing for those most affected by the global financial crisis. “Services that provide housing assistance, emergency relief, and counseling for drug and alcohol misuse will see an inevitable spike in demand as the hard economic times bite” noted Ms Morton. “It is critical that they are in a position to assist those who most need help.”

 

“The NT Government must ensure that community service organisations are well-resourced so that they are in a position to provide assistance to Territorians in the difficult months ahead,” said Ms Morton. “A strong community sector will help Territorians through difficult economic times”.