[Greens-Media] Budget a brutal and vicious attack on vulnerable Australians

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

14 May 2014

Budget a brutal and vicious attack on vulnerable Australians

The Australian Greens said today that the federal budget represents a brutal and vicious attack on vulnerable people in our community, the young, people with disability, single parents and older Australians.

"Tony Abbott is completely out of touch with people trying to live on payments like Newstart or Youth Allowance," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on family and community services said today.

"What does the Government think people will eat? Where does he think they will live? 

"Budget cuts and eligibility changes to Youth Allowance and Newstart will see people forced to live without income support. There are also cuts to programs that provide training for young people, including Job Services and Youth Connect programs.

"Work for the Dole programs have failed in the past. The Government's Green Army program doesn't require training to be provided and won't lead to work.

"These cuts will fundamentally damage our society.

"This is not a budget emergency, it's an ideologically drive attack on our most vulnerable," Senator Siewert concluded.