Presidential Comment
"The Government has promised to ensure Aboriginal community
control will be at the heart of this investment, from decision-making to
employment and business procurement. If it does this, it will be an
excellent outcome.''
Mr McMillan was delighted at the extension of Medicare funding for
dialysis services in rural and remote regions and confirmation that
Purple House – Western Desert Dialysis in Alice Springs will receive
$23 million in funding over the next few years.
“This is wonderful news and something which the Uniting Church has
campaigned for over many years,” he said.
However Mr McMillan said he was disappointed the Government
hadn’t directed more of its $25.9 billion revenue windfall to those most
in need.
“Treasurer Morrison was blessed to receive manna from heaven in the
form of extra revenue. Despite this providence, the Government has
continued its freeze on foreign aid and there is no increase to
Newstart.”
“We know that this only entrenches poverty at home and abroad,” said
Mr McMillan.
The aid freeze means that development partners will miss out on more
than $140 million over the next four years. If this trend continues
Australian aid will only make up 19 cents in every $100 of gross
national income by 2021-22 nowhere near the United Nations’ ODA
target of 0.7%.
“I’m sure there are many Australians who would happily set aside their
tax cuts of around $10 a week if they knew that there was a safety net
for the most vulnerable people in their community and our region,” said
Mr McMillan.
Mr McMillan also expressed concerns about the Government’s dimin-
ishing commitment to developing clean energy – a key factor to
addressing climate change.
He warmly welcomed the funding commitment of $3.6 million towards
the establishment of an Anti-Slavery Unit in the Department of Home
Affairs.
St Margaret’s News
2
May 2018