Cold comfort for troubled Territorians

 

                                              

NTCOSS has welcomed the Treasurer’s focus on providing jobs through housing and other infrastructure projects in delivering today’s 2009-10 Northern Territory Budget in the context of the global financial crisis.

 

However NTCOSS has expressed concern about the limited support for vulnerable Territorians. 

“The budget will bring little comfort to those Territorians who are already marginalized” said NTCOSS Executive Director Wendy Morton.

 

“This is a budget for people who are already doing okay, but the most disadvantaged people in our community seem to have been overlooked” said Ms Morton.

 

NTCOSS supports the decision to extend concessions to pensioners and carers to help them cope with the increases in utility prices. However those on Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance have received no additional help.

 

As the effects of the global financial crisis become more apparent, many of those who lose their jobs will seek assistance from community organisations to help them through troubled times. However it appears that little provision has been made in the budget to support these groups as the demand for their service increases.

 

Chief Minister Paul Henderson has recently identified alcohol misuse as the most serious social problem facing the Northern Territory. “It’s disappointing that this budget doesn’t adequately address the pressing social issues faced by the community” said Ms Morton.

 

A Henderson Government’s 2030 fact sheet states that ‘A strong community is one in which all of its members have the opportunities and resources to participate in, and benefit from, all aspects of social and economic life.’ NTCOSS fully endorses this position.

 

“The best way to reduce antisocial behavior and to address the challenges that face Territorians is to give everyone a stake in the community” said Ms Morton. “We are concerned that our community will become increasingly fractured, and we appeal to the Government to ensure that no-one is left behind.”