Blue Mountains News

The funding will reverse Liberal cuts to emergency relief organisations and provide a much-needed funding top up to the sector.

Over the next four years, Labor will provide additional funding to the emergency relief organisations that work in the Blue Mountains.

This includes around $30,000 to the Winmalee Neighbourhood centre in Winmalee.

In addition, Labor will provide funding to organisations that work in the Blue Mountains as well as across the state, including:

• $588,000 to Anglican Community Services.
• $317,000 Wesley Community Services Limited.
• $3 million to the Salvation Army to deliver services across the ACT, NSW and Queensland.

Services like the Winmalee Neighbourhood centre support vulnerable people who have nowhere else to turn by providing food hampers, funding for fuel to attend specialist medical appointments and other financial assistance.

The charities and not-for-profits that do this work are increasingly stretched and need more resources.

Under Liberal cuts, many emergency relief services will be forced to close their doors or slash services by the end of the year.

Only a Shorten Labor Government will re-invest and support these vital services.

In addition, Labor will provide more support for Australians in financial hardship by:

• Doubling the number of financial counsellors across the country;
• Expanding low cost alternatives to pay day loans for low-income Australians; and
• Reversing the Morrison Government’s $5.5 million a year cut to emergency relief organisations across the country.

A Shorten Labor Government will make sure our charities have the resources they need to support those who most need it.

Shadow Assistant Minister for Families and Communities Senator Jenny McAllister said, “Under the Liberals everything is going up except wages. The cost of living is skyrocketing and families are struggling to keep their heads above water.”

“Emergency relief organisations help Australians who are falling through the cracks.”

“We need to support Australians in financial hardship, not give more handouts for big banks and the top end of town.”

Labor Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman said, “Relief organisations such as Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre provide incredibly important support to families in need of help.”

“I know that many families in the Blue Mountains are doing it tough and are reaching out to these services.”

“Labor will make sure that emergency relief organisations in the Blue Mountains have the resources they need to support Australians who have nowhere else to turn.”