Fed: Liberal welfare package recognition of damage of policies

AAP General News (Australia)
04-17-2000
Fed: Liberal welfare package recognition of damage of policies

CANBERRA, April 17 AAP - A leading welfare agency has welcomed the federal government's
$240 million welfare package as recognition of the damage being caused by its economic
policies.

"We are delighted to have this federal government acknowledging the impact of its policies
on rural Australians and vulnerable families and communities, Melbourne City Mission chief
executive Reverend Ray Cleary said.

But the federal opposition said the package was only a drop in the ocean and the Australian
Democrats expressed sceptism that the money would actually go to those in need.

Addressing the Liberal Party national convention yesterday, Prime Minister John Howard
outlined a four-year, $240 million plan designed to offer greater support for those in
remote areas and parents struggling with the pressures of work and bringing up children.

Reverend Cleary said while it was good to see the government had recognised the downside
of their economic changes, it was too soon to say whether the package would help repair
damage done by the policies.

That would depend on yet-to-be-announced detail such as who was included in it and
the definition of family.

Meanwhile, Labor women's spokeswoman Jenny Macklin criticised the $70 million in the
plan for childcare services as the flying nannies scheme.

"This is just a drop in the ocean for Australian families when you compare what this
Howard government has taken out of childcare," she told reporters.

"And these flying nanny squads are not going to help those families, hardlly at all,
make up for that massive increase in costs that families have had to pay."

Democrats Leader Meg Lees said she would believe the package when she saw it in action.

"Until we see the colour of the money - on the ground, actually being spent and not
just being talked about - you will forgive us for being just a little sceptical," Senator
Lees said.

The government's commitment to social policy would need to go beyond convention hall
rhetoric before Australians would take it seriously, she said.

Mr Howard's attempt to move the government's image from hard-nosed economic rationalist
to compassionate conservative would be viewed with great scepticism.

"Unfortunately for us all, this government has a well deserved reputation for slashing
social spending," Senator Lees said.

"Let's see some spending ... and perhaps Australians will accept that the leopard is
really trying to change its spots," Senator Lees said.

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