Pre-budget submission for the 2014/15 Federal Budget
4 April 2014
‘Now that we have happened upon more fortunate times, let us recognise that we are our brother’s keepers, and set to work, regardless of party distinctions and religious differences, to make this world of ours a little bit more like home for those whom we call our brethren.’ - William Booth (1890)
Despite the growing levels of prosperity providing increased living standards and opportunities across most of Australia, disadvantage due to poverty, deprivation, low capabilities and opportunities and marginalisation continue to persist in our communities. The Salvation Army Australia sees this human face of disadvantage on a daily basis, and is concerned that increasingly this face is represented by children.
Operating in Australia for over 130 years and as one of the largest national providers of welfare and social support, The Salvation Army Australia has a long and significant history of working with the most disadvantaged and marglinalised members of our community. It is with this background that The Salvation Army calls on the Federal Government to consider the needs of those who are disadvantaged. We should not aim for the restoration of the nation’s budget at the expense of these individuals and families.
Whilst recognising the Federal Government’s imperative to rationalise expenditure during periods of challenging national and international economics, The Salvation Army’s imperative is to continue to advocate for a more just and equitable approach to addressing the current challenging fiscal climate.
As William Booth stated, in these more fortunate times The Salvation Army will continue to seek priority for those on the margins and for those who are voiceless. The Salvation Army believes that the social, economic and spiritual potential of those whose lives are at the greatest risk of disadvantage and poverty, homelessness, unemployment and disengagement can be transformed through:
- A thorough review of the current tax and transfer system
- Strengthening the social safety net, and
- Providing greater opportunities and pathways for low income households.
In its election policy platform, Our Plan: Real Solutions for all Australians, the Coalition Government stated its aim to deliver ‘a decent and respectful society that gives a “fair go” to all and encourages people to thrive and get ahead’(p.9). As an advocate and service provider to the most marginalised and voiceless of our communities The Salvation Army Australia welcomes this agenda and presents the following key priority statements for consideration in the development of the 2014-2015 federal budget. The Salvation Army urges the Federal Government to continue to invest in people who are most in need within the Australian community to ensure they, and their children, can fully participate in and make a positive contribution to our country.
The following key statement areas represent the priority concerns for The Salvation Army:
- Reducing the impact of disadvantage
- Housing and homelessness
- Alcohol and other drugs services
- Family and domestic violence
- Aged care
- Employment opportunities
- Asylum seekers and refugees.
The Salvation Army is uniquely placed to work together with the Federal Government to identify emerging trends and current issues facing our most marginalised citizens. The Salvation Army’s national Service and Mission Information System (SAMIS) collects considerable data on clients from funded and non-funded programs, providing regular and up-to-date information on service usage and client presentation trends and variations. In addition, The Salvation Army’s annual National Economic and Social Impact Survey (which recorded 2,700 responses in 2013) provides unique insights into the experiences of Australians who are struggling to make ends meet on a daily basis.
The Salvation Army welcomes the opportunity to engage and work with the Australian Federal Government in further discussions about these issues and to bring an active voice for the marginalised community to the table.
Commissioner Floyd Tidd
Territorial Commander
Australia Southern Territory
Commissioner James Condon
Territorial Commander
Australia Eastern Territory