Minister for Community Services and Development Nic Street has revealed the level of discontent and split in cabinet regarding funding for the community sector.
At the post budget TasCOSS briefing on 26 May Minister Street stated that the funding provided by the Liberal Government to help Tasmanians struggling with the housing crisis and the soaring cost of living “isn’t adequate.”
He also stated:
“I’m sorry that the boost to community service organisations was only what it was… it was not what was asked for and it’s not what I wanted either. It was what I was able to deliver in the end.
“We know that what we’re spending this year isn’t adequate anyway, so the fact we’re going to spend more doesn’t mean it’s going to be adequate next year as well.”
This damningly honest critique of Michael Ferguson’s ability to manage a budget and provide adequate support to vulnerable Tasmanians throws his inept Treasurer under the bus.
With a growing number of Tasmanians turning to community services for assistance, Treasurer Ferguson’s budget was an insult to those in the sector who have stepped in to fill the void, and clearly Nic Street agrees.
The government has failed to see the critical value of these essential services, which will leave the most vulnerable with nowhere to turn, and clearly Nic Street agrees.
If they haven’t addressed the cost of living crisis in their 10 years in office, they never will.
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Minister for Community Services