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| NCOSS calls on Rees Government to remember the most disadvantaged in NSW Mini Budget |
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10 November 2008 While there has already been a steady stream of announcements about what will and won’t be in the Mini Budget, NCOSS is urging the Premier and Treasurer to consider the impact of cuts to programs and services on those who are least able to afford it. NCOSS Director, Alison Peters, said, “In difficult economic times, it is even more important to focus on those in our community who are already doing it tough. These are the people who most rely on government services and support in their day to day lives”. “It’s important to assess the total package as well as the individual effect of specific measures to make sure that the impact is fair and doesn’t further disadvantage our community’s most vulnerable members”, Ms Peters said. NCOSS has been arguing that it is long overdue for the Government to invest in important community services as well as physical infrastructure that will make a difference for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. There is a growing concern that the measures to be announced will be more about placating the credit ratings agencies than concentrating on longer term strategies to see NSW weather the current economic circumstances. “Triple A credit ratings mean very little to vulnerable and disadvantaged people and will mean even less if the consequences are that they are worse off because the support and resources they need to lift themselves and their families out of poverty are no longer available”, Ms Peters said. “Now is the time to be bold and courageous and truly make a difference. NCOSS will be closely considering the Mini Budget to see if the Rees Government is up to the challenge or if it’s just more of the same thinking that has seen a huge surge in demand for community services as more people fall through the gaps”.
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