New report on disadvantage paints a bleak picture ahead of the Federal Budget

The Australian Greens said today that a new Anglicare report into disadvantage paints a bleak picture of what we will see in the future as expected Federal budget cuts take effect.

"Locked Out, Anglicare's 2014 State of Sydney report makes it clear that disadvantage, including poverty and deprivation is a serious problem, for some of the most vulnerable people in the community. This is a situation that will be happening around the country," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on families and community services said today.

"Anglicare's report highlights the fact that disadvantage becomes intergenerational, showing that children living in low income households having a higher risk of poorer health and educational outcomes. These experiences with disadvantage at a young age can deprive children of lifelong opportunities.

"63% of all children included in the report were from single parent households, highlighting the pressures faced by single parents, especially those on Newstart. These families face the prospect of further cuts in coming months as the government tries to repeal the School Kids Bonus.

"The fact that one in four households in Anglicare's report receive the Disability Support Pension underscores the severity of potential changes to this payment in the budget, which could force more people into poverty.

"The Commission of Audit recommendations and the Government's plans for next week's budget fly in the face of Anglicare's recommendations to address disadvantage. The budget should be used to make the investments that will provide people with adequate income support, affordable housing, and services that help them into work.

"The Federal Government must pay attention to the key drivers of disadvantage across Australia and take action. The needs of our most vulnerable cannot be ignored," Senator Siewert concluded.