Welfare group wants action on poverty

from Adelaide Now

EVERY political party must commit to a national action plan on poverty to ensure all Australians are given a fair go, a peak welfare body said in its pre-election demands.

The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) released its election wish list today, calling for the Federal Government to ensure the needs of disadvantaged and low-income Australians are met, particularly health care, child care, affordable housing and education and training.

Executive director Andrew Johnson said federal politicians continued to forget disadvantaged Australians.

"Despite large budget surpluses and good economic times, significant numbers of Australians still lack access to basic services such as child care, health care and affordable housing," Mr Johnson said.

"To ensure a fair go for all Australians, all parties must commit to a national action plan with targets to address poverty and disadvantage."

There are several key aspects to the ACOSS document, including a national affordable housing agreement, reform of the welfare payment system and a plan to address the disadvantages of indigenous Australians.