After a closer look at the 2004-05 State Budget, the Council of Social Services of NSW (NCOSS) has posed 13 questions to the Carr Government about apparent spending cuts in priority human services.
"Treasurer Michael Egan promised a AAA community and AAA services in his Budget speech today," said NCOSS Director, Gary Moore.
"But, on closer inspection, serious concerns arise which require immediate answers."
Community Services
The Department of Community Services overspent its out of home care budget by $30 million in 2003-04. How will it deliver 1000 extra places in 2004-05 with $21 million less in allocated funds?
Children’s services
In a State Budget aimed at families and children, why is there no new funding to increase the affordability of, and access to community based pre schools in NSW?
Legal services
With the incidence of domestic and family violence on the rise, why has the Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme had its funding levels cut by 4.5% for 2004-05?
Health
With most health outcomes for Aboriginal people much worse than those for the general population, why has this budget cut funding assistance to Aboriginal non government organisations by 28% compared to the budgeted figure for 2003-04?
Home and Community Care
With demand for community care services as much as 50% higher than supply in many parts of NSW, why was the budget for the Home and Community Care Program underspent by $24 million in 2003-04?
Ageing
With a rapidly ageing population, why has the Government cut $800,000 from this funding area, which amounts to an effective cut of 21% over two years?
Education and training
With the size of the Aboriginal population growing in NSW and an increased focus on reducing the high early school leaving rates of Aboriginal young people, why are the numbers of Aboriginal students in NSW schools anticipated to decrease in 2004-05?
Housing
With 85,000 applicants on the NSW public housing waiting list, why has the Government reduced both the amount of units in public ownership and the proportion of public housing stock in the market at a time when housing affordability is in crisis and Sydney is projected to grow by 1,000 people each week?
Corrective services
With the highest recidivism rate amongst prisoners in Australia, why has this Budget cut $9.5 million from specialised rehabilitation type services for inmates in NSW?
Transport
Why is revenue from the parking space levy being used for the North West Transitway when these funds are supposed to be used for public transport infrastructure such as bus-rail interchanges and car parks at railway stations?
Businesslink
What evidence is there that Businesslink, a joint enterprise between the Departments of Community Services, Ageing, Disability and Home Care and Housing, is making any savings in "back office" expenses which are being passed onto front line services?
Mini budget savings
Where are the details of the $81 million of savings to Departmental spending which were announced as part of the 6 April Mini Budget?
"Given that the Carr Government allowed the projected 2004-05 Budget deficit to rise by $79 million today, why couldn't it reinstate its highly effective Mature Workers Program and Skilled Migrant Strategy at an annual cost of $5 .5 million?"
"If Michael Egan's strategy is jobs and growth, why can't these people be included?" added Mr Moore.
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