Budget a healthy step towards a skilled, inclusive workforce

11 May 2010

The Brotherhood of St Laurence was encouraged by the significant investments in employment and training as announced in today’s Federal Budget. Tony Nicholson, Executive Director, said:

‘We welcome the Government’s focus on improving training opportunities for disadvantaged job seekers in order to promote national productivity.’

‘Assisting disadvantaged Australians to gain and remain in mainstream employment is key to enabling them to build a good life for themselves and their families. Today’s announcement of the $661 million ‘Skills for Sustainable Growth’ strategy shows the Government is serious about bringing disadvantaged Australians into mainstream employment.

‘This investment is central to driving Australia’s long term productivity. The ‘National Entitlement to a Training Place’ scheme, and the provision of more support for Apprenticeships, will enable young Australian job seekers to prosper along with the wider Australian community. Support for literacy and numeracy is an important element in supporting mature age job seekers in re-entering the workforce. Similarly, investments in supporting people with a disability and older Australians to gain work will help mitigate the effects of the ageing population as outlined in the 2010 Intergenerational Report.

‘The Brotherhood is particularly pleased with the number of health initiatives that address mental health, which is one of the key drivers of homelessness. Increased funding for early intervention into mental health both for prevention and early clinical care, and more support for mental health nurses in the community, will contribute to a healthier and safer society for vulnerable individuals.

‘Health remains an area of concern for disadvantaged Australians. Today’s Medicare reform does not address our ongoing issues with the availability, accessibility and timeliness of dental care for people on low incomes. Poor dental health continues to be practical barrier to work and training for numerous disadvantaged Australia. Remedying the piecemeal funding of our current dental system and drawing it into a national funding framework like any other part of the body would give dental services the priority it deserves in assisting people to participate in the social and economic life of our community.

‘Research undertaken by the Brotherhood last year indicated that low income households are less likely to lodge a tax return, so initiatives to simplify the tax system are particularly welcome. Today’s introduction of Standard Deductions for all Tax Returns has the potential to assist low income families who currently do not claim work-related expenses, or those will now be able to invest in their own training without incurring extra cost. The Brotherhood encourages the Government to continue to reform the tax system with an eye to ensuring that it delivers increased workforce participation, economic efficiency and social inclusion.

‘The care of vulnerable children is pivotal to the health and welfare of our society. The government’s investment of $59.4 million over the next four years for budget-based funded childcare centres (where commercial childcare is not viable), to improve existing infrastructure and increase staff qualifications, is most welcome.

‘We especially welcome confirmation of the Government’s $15 million contribution to GoodStart, the new not-for-profit organisation purchasing the ABC Learning and Childcare centres. It will help ensure these centres become exemplars in the drive to improve standards in Australia’s early learning and childcare sector.

‘Australia needs a skilled, educated and healthy workforce to build future prosperity for all Australians. Today’s Budget is a further step in the long term task of building the personal capacities and material resources of disadvantaged Australians in order for them to participate in the mainstream economic and social life of the nation.’

Media enquiries: Johanna de Wever on (0424) 751 920 or email jdewever@bsl.org.au