The Child Poverty Action Group says Budget 2018 makes a start at addressing children’s needs – but there’s still a long way to go.

Social services spokesperson Mike O’Brien says Budget predictions of a $3.8 billion surplus show resources exist to provide children living in the worst of poverty the real, substantial lift they need over the next six months.

He says the Families Package promise is only a catch-up for nine years of cutbacks to Working for Families budgets, and many very low-income families have incurred high levels of debt over that time.

A family on the benefit with two children needs something like $100 more a week to get to the 50 percent poverty line, rather than the $47 they will get from July 1.

CPAG is also concerned that the Government has not yet lifted the benefit sanctions that harm children, in particular the sanction that applies when the father of a child is not named.

The group endorsed the extension of free primary healthcare and prescriptions for children up to their 14th birthday, as well as additional funding for the early childhood care and education sector.

Follow us on &

Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com