More than 1,200 Tasmanians have signed an open letter calling on the Liberal Government to increase funding for community services. At a time when Tasmanians are doing it tough, it’s essential the organisations that support them have the long-term funding they need.
Community service organisations provide vital support to Tasmanians struggling to make ends meet. Demand was already high before the conflict in the Middle East and will only increase as the price of essentials continues to rise.
Organisations were already struggling to meet the needs of the community before this crisis. The Liberals have consistently failed to meet the funding needs of community service organisations – and the Tasmanians they support.
The Greens welcomed the government taking up our calls for an injection of funding for community service providers to assist Tasmanians struggling with the fuel crisis. But this once-off cash injections for community food providers isn’t enough on its own.
At a time when Tasmanians need it most, the Liberals must ensure the community services have the long-term funding they need in the upcoming State Budget. They must listen to the coalition of twenty community service organisations calling for no Tasmanian to be left behind.
While the Tasmania’s budget is a mess because of Liberal failures, it shouldn’t mean we can’t support Tasmanians in need. It all comes down to priorities, and the Liberals need to make sure theirs are in touch with ordinary Tasmanians.
