Budget stress will continue for millions of households

Federal Budget 2025-26 will deliver minimal financial relief to millions of Australian households, including the 3.3 million people currently known to be living in poverty, according to St Vincent de Paul Society whose members maintain close contact with Australians struggling to meet daily living costs. 

‘The Society notes the Australian economy appears to have turned the corner; but, a great many people have been left behind.  There is no sign that this Budget offers immediate financial relief or inspires greater confidence for a brighter future,’ said SVdP National President, Mark Gaetani. 

‘We welcome many of the budgetary measures announced but regret that various much-needed reforms aimed at helping less well-off households were ignored. The situation of people doing it tough will barely be affected by this Budget.’ 

Mr Gaetani said the Society supports public health measures such as extra funding to boost GP bulk billing, urgent care clinics and public hospitals, and caps on medicine prices.  

‘We also support increased funding for public education at all stages, from early years through schools to tertiary learning.  

‘However, we have serious concerns that the proposed tax cuts do little to help people on low incomes or government payments who are struggling to meet their daily expenses, such as food and grocery items, rents and school costs.  

‘Inequality in Australia is at a 20-year high, with single parents hit the hardest. The best way to address inequality is to properly reform taxation and increase income support payments.  

‘For example, JobSeeker is around 38 per cent below the poverty line and there is broad consensus that it should be significantly increased.’ 

Mr Gaetani said the Society is ‘particularly disappointed by the Budget’s absence of support for the volunteer sector, which is essential to the fabric of Australian society. So many essential services rely on volunteers, yet the sector has been overlooked.  

‘Similarly, there is no funding for the milestone sector reforms recommended to Government in the Not-for-profit Sector Development Blueprint and the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Philanthropy.’ 

He noted that many First Nations communities are among the most disadvantaged in Australia, and while the Government's investment of $1.3 billion is significant, it spans a six-year period.  

‘It remains to be seen if this, and other funding initiatives, are sufficient to impact positively on Closing the Gap targets, particularly in light of the Productivity Commission’s recent findings that governments had not taken enough meaningful action to meet their commitments under the Agreement.’  

Mr Gaetani added the Society believes the energy rebate should be means-targeted, not universally delivered.  

‘The money saved could be put to better purposes, such as funding energy upgrades for every social housing property in Australia.  

‘We have advocated strongly for further increases to Commonwealth Rent Assistance, homelessness services, and a doubling of the Housing Australia Future Fund. Australia also needs more Emergency Relief funding for people seeking urgent assistance. 

‘Our members see people of all backgrounds who are striving to pay for basic essentials, notably food, rent and utility bills. They should not be left behind in a wealthy country such as ours, and they should not be reliant on the support of charities to get by.  

‘The economic pie is big enough to ensure a just and compassionate society if it could be cut more equitably, and we urge the next Australian government to be mindful of the many households struggling to balance their own budgets.’ 

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia consists of 45,000 members and volunteers who operate on the ground through over 1,000 groups located in local communities across the country.

MEDIA CONTACT
0475 068 209 or media@svdp.org.au