Fed: Mission says Liberals have recognised economic damage

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2000
Fed: Mission says Liberals have recognised economic damage

Melbourne's biggest welfare agency says the Federal Government's new welfare package
is a recognition of the damage being done by its economic policies.

The government has announced it will spend $240 million over four years to improve access
to child care and to bolster family support services as part of a new focus on social
reform.

The Melbourne City Mission's chief executive, the Reverend RAY CLEARY, says it's too
soon to say if the package will help repair the damage that's been done, and it depends
on the details within the new package.

But he says it seems the government has finally recognised the downside of its economic changes.

Mr CLEARY says the government's statement is a "late recognition" of the impact of
removing funds from child care and early childhood development -- but it is not a substitute
for jobs or for social security support.

AAP RTV sjg/sub

KEYWORD: LIBERALS CLEARY (MELBOURNE)

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.