Greens show of force in support for community agencies

Submitted by Kirsty Lawson on Thu, 08/07/2010 - 11:24

Senator Rachel Siewert has led a group of Greens MPs offering their support to community agencies and their fight to continue assisting the most disadvantaged people in our society.

Senator Siewart, Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren and Fremantle candidate Kate Davis made the pledge during a morning tea for south metro community agencies. 

Senator Siewert said the Greens were working hard in the Senate to keep the government from hammering underprivileged groups for the sake of votes.

“I am passionate about making sure we treat everyone in our society with respect and kindness. Unfortunately, I see this going downhill,” Senator Siewert said.

“The recent Income Management legislation is a good example. It took just one hour to pass through the Senate, even though it’s the biggest change we’ve seen in social security since World War II.

 “The legislation is full of pitfalls and essentially demonises disadvantaged groups. It makes me sad that people are treated this way,” added Senator Siewert.

Community agencies at the morning tea included The Smith Family, WACOSS, Jobseekers2communities, St Patrick’s Community Support Centre, Wyn Carr House, South Metro Youth Link and Headspace.

Greens South Metro MLC Lynn MacLaren assured them that there were plenty of avenues of support at a State level as well.

“Again and again we hear about essential community agencies not getting enough support and funding from the government,” said Ms MacLaren.

“Just today we heard that the Fremantle Multicultural Centre has lost some of its funding and I intend to get some answers from the government about this decision.

“The community agencies sector is under growing financial pressure at a time when its services are needed most,” added Ms MacLaren.

Fremantle Greens candidate Kate Davis believes the government needs to preach less and listen more.

“From my experience at the Women’s Law Centre, some government policies are currently undermining efforts to create a fair and just society. Compulsory Income Management certainly falls into this category.”

For more information or media enquiries, please contact Kirsty Lawson on 0428 207 007