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Ref:1/2002
16
January, 2002
“The
election called for 9th of February is very important for
South Australian citizens, now and for the future” said Rev Dr Geoff
Scott, Minister of the Mission.
Last
year Adelaide Central Mission assisted well over 50,000 low income
and disadvantaged people who needed support with the basics of life. “Based
on this experience the parties must commit to ensuring that the basics
of life are met for all South Australian citizens” continued Rev Scott.
Adelaide
Central Mission is urging the parties to commit to specific measures
that will help disadvantaged families meet the basics. These
measures include:
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Increasing the number of public and community housing dwellings. Reductions in the level of housing stock for low income people has meant that too many South Australians are currently living in unacceptable housing.
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Reducing the number of poker machines. Over 100,000 South Australian citizens are adversely affected by gambling. This resulted in the demand for gambling assistance services from Adelaide Central Mission over the last month being double the level of demand for the corresponding period last year.
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Capping the prices of electricity for lower income households. People seeking assistance from Adelaide Central Mission often report difficulty in paying bills. Large increases in power costs would be a great burden for many households
“As
well as meeting the basics, the next government must work to improve
opportunities for participation in work and the community for
citizens who are marginalised, specific measures include:
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Job creation. Parties are urged to commit to strategies that will create new industries and job opportunities in the longer term as well as the short term.
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Innovation to develop skills and expertise for new industry development.
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Commitment to a fund to encourage community building activities at local level, building local community resilience and capacity to create local solutions to local issues.
| For Further Comment | |||
| Mark Henley Senior Policy Officer |
8202 5135 (w) 0404 067 011 (mob) |
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