One of Victoria’s largest not-for-profit community services providers, Uniting Vic.Tas, has welcomed a ‘fair and balanced’ 2023-24 Victorian State Budget which maintains support for those who need it most.
Uniting Vic.Tas CEO, Bronwyn Pike said funding guarantees for housing and homelessness support programs, and family violence crisis accommodation, will provide safety and security to thousands of Victorians.
“We have a housing crisis in Victoria which has been exacerbated by the rising cost of living and leading to more people experiencing poverty, so housing and homelessness support is critically important,” Ms Pike said.
“We’re pleased the Government will continue supporting the Homelessness to a Home program. This program has given many Victorians – some who had spent years on the streets – a sense of dignity and the safety and security of a home.
“We’re also relieved the Government has committed additional funding to our Marrageil Baggarrook service, which provides accommodation for women over 55 with a history of intimate partner violence.
“We strongly believe the therapeutic model for out-of-home youth residential care delivers the best outcomes for young people. The Government’s move to transition all residential care for young people to the therapeutic model by 2026 will change lives.”
“We’re delighted there is significant funding for the self-determination of First Nations people in Victoria, which will improve outcomes across a broad range of areas, including health.
“As a major provider of the Kindergarten Inclusion Support program, we know maintaining ongoing funding for the program will help young children with significant disabilities to be able to achieve positive learning outcomes alongside their peers.
“The continuation of the $250 Power Saving bonus is important, but a 3.3 per cent indexation for community support services, is less than half the level of inflation and will go nowhere near covering our basic costs.”
Media enquiries: Cameron Tait 0407 801 231 – [email protected]
