May 2010
The 2010 Federal Budget has begun to do what ACOSS has long been advocating - a health system that coordinates and integrates health promotion and primary care within a clearly multi-disciplinary model. However, important pieces of the puzzle are missing, not least in the areas of oral health and mental health. This analysis and commentary addresses announcements for the health portfolio in the 2010 Federal Budget, including some previously agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments, that are directly relevant to ACOSS priorities of improving access to health services and improving health outcomes for low income Australians.
May 2010
This initial ACOSS briefing on the 2010-11 Federal Budget outlines key measures announced in the Budget in areas of interest to ACOSS members, to assist them in their work. It does not offer extensive comment on the merit of these measures.
March 2010
Recommendations for the Federal Budget 2010-11
In this submission, ACOSS outlines policy recommendations for consideration by the Federal Government in its 2010-11 Budget. These recommendations allow the Government to continue its vital funding for social security payments; for social and community services to alleviate the effects of poverty and its consequent social exclusion; and to prioritise the expenditure of public funds in the context of the global recession and its impact upon revenue.
Specifically, ACOSS is urging the Federal Government to tackle growing disadvantage among unemployed Australians by setting up a program of paid work experience and by lifting unemployment payments for singles by $45 per week.
July 2009
Changes to family payments will increase child poverty. Proposed changes to the Family Tax Benefit from the 2009 Budget will mean a loss of income over time for families who can least afford it. This will almost inevitably lead to an increase in child poverty. ACOSS is concerned that low income families will pay the price of the pension increase.
May 2009
Following the release of the Federal Budget, community sector organisations are increasingly concerned that gaps between income support payments are widening and there is now a four-class system of income support. There is a $147 per week gap between the top and bottom income support payments.
New research released by ACOSS shows a stark contrast in the different levels of income support payments and an increasingly complex system.
May 2009
ACOSS has prepared this briefing on the 2009-10 Federal Budget. This paper explains the funding announcements made in the Budget in relevant areas of interest to ACOSS members. It does not offer extensive comment on the merit of these measures. It is intended to assist member organisations in their work.
January 2009
Social Inclusion and Economic Security: Recommendations for the Federal Budget 2009-10
In this submission to the Australian Treasury, ACOSS outlines policy recommendations for consideration by the Federal Government in its 2009-10 Budget to increase social inclusion at a time of economic uncertainty.
Includes: Community Services and Health; Employment, Education and Training; Housing and Infrastructure; Indigenous Communities; Social Security; Tax.
June 2008
ACOSS has prepared this briefing on the 2008-09 Federal Budget. This paper explains the funding announcements made in the Budget in relevant areas of interest to ACOSS members. It does not offer extensive comment on the merit of these measures. It is intended to assist member organisations in their work.
For ease of analysis, at times the Budget announcements are set out by population group, even where this crosses Government portfolios. Revenue and expenditure measures are also set out under relevant portfolios, which explain why some programs are repeated. These include policy decisions announced on Budget night and those already announced beforehand (including many of the election promises).
May 2007
ACOSS has prepared this briefing on the 2007-08 Federal Budget. This paper explains the funding announcements made in the Budget in relevant areas of interest to ACOSS members. It does not offer extensive comment on the merit of these measures. It is intended to assist member organisations in their work.
April 2007
In this submission to the Australian Treasury, ACOSS outlines policy recommendations for consideration by the Australian Government in its 2007-08 Budget.
ACOSS Paper 147. Includes: Community services. Home and Community Care. Child care. Unemployment. Dental care. Medicare. Health care. Housing. Rent Assistance. Public housing. Indigenous communities. Legal services. Rural and remote communities. Social security. Poverty. Tax.
