Church Charities Boycott Govt. Demands

Members of the Catholic Church recently rejected the governments' new scheme to deal with people who have defaulted Centrelink. The government proposes to withdraw payments from people who fail to comply with Centrelink requirements, missing appointments or submitting forms late for example, leaving them with no income for eight weeks. The government has asked for charities to step in and 'manage' these cases, for which the charity would be paid approximately $600 per month.

The Salvation Army, the Smith Family and now the Catholic Church are amongst charitable groups who reject this scheme. Personally, I think it is outrageous that the government seeks to offload responsibility for members of society who are most vulnerable. Many people recieving Centrelink benefeits have great difficulty with bureaucratic processes such as attending interviews, filling out forms, or participating in society in a structured way. This is often due to mental health issues, a recognized disability, isolation due to language or domestic abuse or simply through lack of education.

Whilst abuses of the welfare system do occur, they are completely insignificant compared to those who abuse government systems at a higher level through tax rorts or the recent AWB scandal where millions of dollars are involved. The one charity accepting this proposal is the Hillsong Church, who were recently charged with misappropriation of funds supplied by the government for an Aboriginal welfare scheme.

I think for the government to abandon those members of society unable to cope with Centrelinks' confusing and complicated procedures to already overstretched charities shows a complete lack of compassion. More money should be directed into the Centrelink infrastructure to enable people on welfare to fulfil their obligations. I wholeheartedly support those organizations who reject this corrupt and cynical scheme.