Here is a comment from UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide... This Monday, year 6 and 7 students from Westminster and Pembroke schools donated 200 sleeping bags to UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide... (Broadcast 21st, November, 2011)

The sleeping bags that will be used by their Byron Place Community Centre to help homeless people.
Meanwhile, last week, Adelaide University launched a new research centre, to investigate issues including homelessness.
Centre Director, Professor Beer said “owning a house is slipping out of reach for many Australians, with the poorest needing a staggering 27 times their annual income to purchase a median price house”.
The generosity of the Westminster and Pembroke Students is fantastic, it also reminds developers and governments that we all have roles to play in ensuring the availability of affordable housing, and reducing homelessness.

UnitingCare Wesley says....we all have roles to play in reducing homelessness.

Here is a comment from UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide... Some people in our community say that there’s a large number of unemployed people, receiving government benefits who aren’t ‘pulling their weight’... (Broadcast 14th, November, 2011)

The Advertiser reported last Saturday that there are 577,000 South Australians receiving some form of payment or concession through Centrelink.
But a major group of Centrelink payments recipients are aged pensioners and many more receive modest child assistance payments.
Government figures show that the proportion of people of working age relying on income support has declined in the past decade.
Importantly too, there are more people employed part time who want more hours of work than there are unemployed people.

UnitingCare Wesley says.... the focus should be on ensuring social security payments are adequate to meet the cost of living for all who receive them.

Here is a comment from UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide... This Saturday’s Christmas pageant is a great South Australian tradition, signalling the beginning of the Christmas season... (Broadcast 7th, November, 2011)

Although Christmas is a time of celebration, charitable organisations like UnitingCare Wesley know it is a ‘bitter-sweet’ time of year.
Recently released data from the Salvation Army reveals that almost a quarter of Australians admit they sometimes drink more than they intend to, while we know that alcohol abuse is strongly linked with mental ill health including depression, phobias and anxiety.
Sadly, levels of domestic violence and child abuse also increase at Christmas time and alcohol is a major reason for this increase.
Lets all enjoy the festive season, enjoying the company of friends and family. Let’s also remember to keep to safe levels of alcohol use.

Uniting Care Wesley...wishing you a safe and joyful Christmas season.

Here is a comment from UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide... The recent State government cabinet reorganisation provides some important changes... (Broadcast 31st, October, 2011)

Particularly encouraging is the creation of a Ministry of Education and Child Development.
Uniting Care Wesley has long advocated that amongst the most important roles for State government is supporting the very young, that is children from birth to the start of school, which are arguably the most important years of development.
Funding priority needs to be given to supporting new parents to be able to spend time with their babies and toddlers, particularly parents with limited family networks. Of course, keeping children safe is of paramount importance too.
Linking support services for families and young children, with educational structures is an important structural change that surely signals the new Premier’s commitment to safe and thriving children.

Uniting Care Wesley...commited to supporting families with young children.

The following are comments from Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide.. Anti Poverty week will be observed next month... (Broadcast 19th, September, 2011)

Many of us like to think that Australia is a fair country. However, the poorest 20 per cent of Australians currently have only one percent of the nation’s wealth and the wealthiest 20 per cent own 62 per cent of our wealth.
The reality is that slowly but surely Australia is becoming more unequal.
Uniting Care Wesley is not saying that a perfectly equal society is desirable; however they say that there is a level of inequality that stresses people, damages relationships and undermines our whole society.
This a crucial question for the tax forum in a couple of weeks; adjusting our social security system to remove poverty while providing incentives for creating jobs and increasing productivity.

Uniting Care Wesley...advocating an effective social security system.

The following are comments from Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide.. They are saying that three important principles must be held in balance at next month’s tax summit:...... (Broadcast 12th, September, 2011)

Efficiency of the system, Adequacy and Fairness.
A crucial component of sustained economic growth is innovation, be it to find cures for cancer, engineer low carbon electricity production or improve our food production.
Australia has low levels of innovation, producing about five patents per million of population,  New Zealand produces patents at 5 times the Australian rate, while Finland and Norway innovate at more than six times Australia’s level.
Yet these are much higher taxing countries than Australia. So the summit and future tax plans must recognize that low tax rates do not lead to economic growth..
The tax system must include the development of incentives for innovation.

Uniting Care Wesley...advocating a tax system that promotes inovation.

The following are comments from Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide.. The national tax Summit is to be held early next month.... (Broadcast 5th, September, 2011)

It is crucial that this summit, is able to take a national perspective, rather than it being a series of battles between vested interests. Nor can the summit afford to take a purely short term approach.
There are three essential principles that need to be held in balance to provide a tax system that best serves the community.
Firstly, the system must be efficient, the cost of collecting the tax must be as small as possible.
Secondly, taxation must be adequate, it must raise enough money for governments to effectively pay for the services that are needed.
Thirdly, the tax system must be fair, no one should be paying disproportionately more tax, or less tax, that others.

Uniting Care Wesley...advocating a tax system that best serves the community.

The following are comments from Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide.. This Friday is International Youth Day.... (Broadcast 8th, August, 2011)

It may seem strange to some listeners for a day of focus on young people. Yet life is tough for many kids. Too many are victims of abuse and they are particularly affected by economic uncertainly, with stable employment difficult to find.
Uniting Nations general secretary Ban Ki-moon says..
"it is crucial that young people learn how to listen intently, empathize with others and acknowledge divergent opinions. Few endeavours are more important than nurturing these skills. Older generations also stand to learn a great deal from the experiences and examples of young people as they come of age in a world of accelerating interconnectedness”.
The theme of international youth day is "Dialogue and Mutual Understanding".

Uniting Care Wesley...We can seek to learn from each other..

The following are comments from Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide.. Last week, we (FIVEaa) ran extensive interviews about the stand off over services to low income families, between the State Department of Family Services and Community Services organisations....... (Broadcast 26th July, 2011)

Minister Rankine, and representatives from SACOSS and UnitingCare Wesley were interviewed about the removal of 44 Families SA positions that were focused on providing financial assistance services.
UnitingCare Wesley has had a 60% increase in demand for financial counselling appointments in June 2011, compared with June last year.
They are joining with other community agencies in wanting the SA Government to negotiate a fair and reasonable allocation of financial counselling and ‘anti-poverty program’ resources to counteract the loss of 44 positions.
Helping citizens to cope with pressures beyond their control is a core responsibility of Government.

Uniting Care Wesley...negotiating continued financial assistance services.

The following are comments from Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide.. They are supportive of the key elements of the Carbon Price package announced by the Prime Minister on Sunday...... (Broadcast 11th July, 2011)

Uniting Care Wesley is saying that the commitment of the government to fully compensate lower and middle income households is of vital importance since lower income people are currently paying about ten percent of their income on electricity, while high income households pay about 1% on electricity, despite using more energy.
Compensation will be achieved through an increase to the tax free threshold and increases payments through the social security system.
While most households are being compensated for the impacts on carbon pricing, other factors will continue to push up utility prices.

Uniting Care Wesley...working to rein in future price increases.

Uniting Care Wesley understands that our federal government is finalising plans to reduce Australia’s contribution to global warming... They support a price on carbon...... (Broadcast 20th - 27th June, 2011)

They support a price on carbon, because climate change will impact most heavily on poorer people and because we have a moral responsibility to leave the earth in good condition for our grandkids and beyond.
Uniting Care Wesley is supporting the recent open letter from Australia’s significant economists who say that a price on carbon pollution is the best way to reduce carbon emissions over time. The economists also say that a well designed emissions trading scheme will encourage the development of new technologies reducing future costs to our community of lowering emissions.
UntingCare Wesley says that the costs of no action on carbon emissions, over time, are much greater than the costs of action.

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can work towards a sustainable future.

Uniting Care Wesley understands that significant announcements will soon be made by our federal government about reducing Australia’s contribution to global warming... They support a price on carbon...... (Broadcast 6th June, 2011)

They support a price on carbon, both because climate change will impact most heavily on poorer people and because we have a moral responsibility to leave the earth in good condition for our grandkids and beyond.
There is considerable debate about the cost impacts of pricing carbon. Uniting Care Wesley is well aware that all of the basics costs for households are continuing to rise at a much faster rate than CPI, without a price on carbon. They accept the government’s commitment to fully compensate lower and modest income households for carbon pricing impacts.
They conclude that the costs of no action on carbon emissions are much greater than the costs of action.

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can ensure carbon costs are compensated for those on lower incomes.

Uniting Care Wesley says that the State budget will be handed down on 9th June. ...An aspect of this budget that they are most concerned about is funding for financial counselling.... (Broadcast 23rd & 30th May, 2011)

Financial Counselors provide free and independent assistance to households experiencing financial stress. Agencies including Uniting Care Wesley, are seeing growing numbers of people with jobs and a mortgage seeking help. Low wages and unreliable hours, even with a modest mortgage means that constantly rising costs are leading to ever greater financial stress.
Yet in last years state budget, 44 government based financial counselor positions were identified for defunding, meaning at least 5,000 low income households will go without assistance.
Uniting Care Wesley is supporting the call to the state government to fund at least 30 community based financial counselor positions in this coming state budget.

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can seek funding for financial counselors.

UnitingCare Wesley says that the budget is the most important policy announcement made by governments each year... ...because it is the process that puts real dollars to government priorities.... (Broadcast 9th May, 2011)

This week is federal budget week and UnitingCare Wesley says that the budget is the most important policy announcement made by governments each year, because it is the process that puts real dollars to government priorities.
In considering the federal budget, the emphasis from commentators is increasingly to focus on winners and losers in the short term, with much of the supposed expert comment coming from very powerful corporations and their representatives.
In considering the impacts of this budget, Uniting Care says we should apply three tests: what are the likely impacts on our grand-children and their children, that is to take a longer term view. The second test should be to consider the impacts on children and their safety and development and the third test; is the budget fair for everyone, including poor, disadvantaged and low income households?"


Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can consider budget priorities.

UnitingCare Wesley suggests that in the upcoming State Election we need to focus on priorities for our State... ...it is our quality of life that is most important.... (Broadcast 15th March, 2010)

As the state election approaches, Uniting Care Wesley is suggesting that as citizens we should be focussing our attention on the priorities for our state.
They say it is our quality of life that is most important.
UnitingCare Wesley is saying that our State's top priority should be to "Invest in Children". Caring for our kids builds strong communities both now and into the future..
They are also saying that other 'quality of life' issues need prompt attention, including:
Housing affordability. Historically public housing in South Australia has been central to reducing levels of poverty, Affordable housing remains a high priority.
Mental Health. There is no health without mental health and so must be a priority for a strong and inclusive society.

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can be a state with a high quality of life for all citizens.

UnitingCare Wesley suggests we ...invest in our children.... (Broadcast 22nd February, 2010)

As the state election approaches, UnitingCare Wesley is suggesting that as citizens we should be focussing our attention on the priorities for our state. They then suggest that it is our quality of life that is most important, even ahead of economic growth and major public works.
UnitingCare Wesley is saying that our State’s top priority should be to “Invest in Children”.
This is easy to say, but what does it mean?
Surely keeping our kids safe is essential.
To achieve this our Government needs to ensure that all reports of potential child abuse are responded to promptly to ensure the safety of our children. This means that additional funding is urgently needed to ensure that Families SA is able to promptly investigate all child protection notifications.

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can make children our priority.

UnitingCare Wesley says that last week two signifigant reports were released ...regarding Not-For-profit Community Services.... (Broadcast 15th February, 2010)

The Productivity Commission reported that Australia wide, this sector has over 600,000 separate organisations contributing $43 billion dollars annually to Australia’s GDP.
The report also says that 4.6 million Australians volunteer, providing a wage value of fifteen billion dollars. Lifeline, for example, is a service that saves lives and is mainly provided by volunteers
A second report released by the Australian Council of Social Service says that in South Australia last year about 6,500 people seeking help were not able to be seen because services were at capacity.
Community service organisations need continued volunteer support and increased funding from both government and donations.

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can improve community services.

UnitingCare Wesley says that recently the Productivity Commission released a report; ‘Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage’. It reports that in some areas, progress is finally being made.... (Broadcast 14th July, 2009)

The report deals with six indicators agreed by Australia’s governments.
The first of these indicators is: life expectancy at birth, which is a broad indicator of a population’s long term health and well-being.
For indigenous women, life expectancy at birth is 73 years, compared to 83 years for non indigenous women. For indigenous men, life expectancy is 67 years, 12 years less than for non indigenous men. Closing the gap in life expectancy has been chosen as a national priority.
Indigenous death rates were much higher for diabetes, cervical cancer and kidney diseases.
This information provides clear evidence about health priorities.

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can ‘close the gap’

UnitingCare Wesley says that last week the Productivity Commission released a report; Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage.... (Broadcast 5th July, 2009)

It contained some welcome news that in some areas, progress is finally being made. More Indigenous young people are completing Year 12 and employment rates are increasing.
In too many areas, however, there has been no improvement. Incarceration rates are increasing. In South Australia, Indigenous people are 13 times more likely to be in prison than non Indigenous people.
This week – across Australia – people from all walks of life have the chance to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the annual NAIDOC week celebrations.
UnitingCare Wesley hopes the stories of Aboriginal success and triumph will inspire our leaders to find a way to close the gap of Indigenous disadvantage once and for all.

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can ‘close the gap’

UnitingCare Wesley says that cold weather means many people desperately need warm clothes.... Goodwill is a great place for anyone to shop for good quality, pre-loved, winter clothes.... (Broadcast 29th June, 2009)

Goodwill always needs donations of used clothing and household goods too, and donations often slow down over winter. So if you are clearing out some of your winter clothes, consider Goodwill
Goodwill was established to provide the dignity of an affordable shopping opportunity for low income people and it continues to be a very popular place to shop, for bargain hunters and for work clothes too.
They have also argued for the continuation of hardship programs, because rising energy bills are going to create financial stress for more households in the future. A key aspect of hardship programs is that no customer should be disconnected due to inability to pay.

Uniting Care Wesley...together we can all have a warm winter

Australian governments are currently developing a National Energy Customer Framework....... Previously, consumer protection for energy was a state level responsibility, managed by the Essential Services Commission in this state... (Broadcast 15th June, 2009)

Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide has responded to the 285 page exposure draft of Laws and Rules, reinforcing the importance of customer protection in energy markets.
They have said that energy is an essential service, so there must be a guarantee of electricity supply to all citizens.
They have also argued for the continuation of hardship programs, because rising energy bills are going to create financial stress for more households in the future. A key aspect of hardship programs is that no customer should be disconnected due to inability to pay.
For more information google “NECF Exposure Draft”

UnitingCare Wesley ..Together we can have an affordable energy future.

A major review of Australia’s Tax System is currently underway...... chaired by Ken Henry, Secretary to the National Treasury.... (Broadcast 10th March, 2009)

UnitingCare Wesley says that our taxation system must meet three essential criteria:

  It must be efficient
  It must be fair
  It must be adequate

Adequacy means that enough tax dollars must be collected to pay for the government services that we need..
The Henry Review is examining the relationship between our social security payments and the tax system, because the tax system must provide an incentive to work.
It is unfair that in our current system, the people facing the highest marginal tax rates are poor people on benefits who can lose seventy cents for every additional dollar earned.
A fair and efficient tax system will remove these ‘poverty traps’.

UnitingCare Wesley ..Together we can develop a fair tax system.

The Australian Parliament has recently accepted a major economic stimulus package ..... to reduce the impacts of the global financial crisis for Australian households.... (Broadcast 23rd February, 2009)

UnitingCare Wesley believes that this package has been the right thing to do. It is a role of government to save when the economy is going well and to spend in times of downturn.
Appropriate economic stimulus provides short term activity and long term benefits. The commitments to improve school facilities and to insulate homes are both good measures.
Supporting the banks has also been important to create trust in the economy.
However, it is crucial that the private sector pays their part too, for example by maintaining employment and keeping prices and charges fair. Banks in particular must be responsible by reducing credit card interest rate and by reducing fees

UnitingCare Wesley ..Together we can cope with global economic problems.

The Volunteers and Staff at UnitingCare Wesley..... have been stunned by the tragedy and sadness of the Victorian Bushfires.... (Broadcast 16th February, 2009)

As with other South Australians they have asked what can be done to help?
Cash payments to individuals will encourage spending and help to maintain employment in hospitality and retail, two of the biggest employing industries in the state.
The Uniting Church has given money to help, and each of us can respond by donating to the appeals that have been set up by organisiaitons like Red Cross. These organizations have expertise in ensuring that help gets to the people who need it as quickly as possible.
Another response that we can make in South Australia is to talk with our friends and colleagues about our thoughts and feelings – sharing the sadness is important.
We can reflect on what really matters. Surely we have been reminded that it’s our humanity and how we care for other people that matters most .

UnitingCare Wesley ..together we can cope with disaster.

UnitingCare Wesley says..... says that the economic stimulus package announced by the Prime Minister last week, is a very significant spending program that is intended to reduce the impacts of the economic downturn.... (Broadcast 9th February, 2009)

It is appropriate for governments to be spending when the economy is performing poorly and saving when the economy is performing well.
Cash payments to individuals will encourage spending and help to maintain employment in hospitality and retail, two of the biggest employing industries in the state.
UnitingCare Wesley also commends the government on investing in schools. Increased education levels and skill development will be essential parts of the economic recovery.
The commitment to insulating homes of lower income households is also a very sensible measure, by helping to maintain employment in the building industry and improving energy efficiency of thousands of homes.

UnitingCare Wesley ..together we can cope with the economic downturn.