The Greens welcome the government taking up our calls for an emergency injection of funding to community services organisations supporting Tasmanians doing it tough.
Tasmanians were already struggling with the cost of living, and rising fuel prices are only making things worse. Community services are on the frontline supporting Tasmanians doing it tough, but consistent underfunding means they’re stretched thin.
The clear community need is why the Greens have been calling for the government to deliver emergency funding for community service organisations to assist struggling Tasmanians. We welcome the government taking up our suggestion and providing $500,000 to Tasmania’s community food providers.
This funding will mean community service organisations can continue to provide the support to Tasmanians in need, so they don’t have to go without.
We know some community members are really concerned about making ends meet as fuel prices rise. At my office, we’ve seen a sharp increase in people visiting our community pantry.
The government needs to follow up this emergency payment with long-term funding for community service organisations in the upcoming State Budget. Community service organisations have warned they already don’t have enough long-term funding to meet demand, and without an increase in funding, the most vulnerable Tasmanians could go without the basics they need.
The Greens have been calling for emergency funding for community service organisations for close to three weeks:
- March 13 – media release
- March 23 – media release
- March 25 – Parliament Question Time
- March 26 – Parliament Ministerial Statement
- March 26 – media release
- March 29 – media release
