WESNET Media Release

27 October 2004

Under Embargo until 1.00am, 29 October 2004.

The latest data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare says of the 12,200 homeless people accommodated daily, people with kids are the ones turned away the most often said Ms Pauline Woodbridge, National Chairperson of WESNET (Womens Services Network).  WESNET is the peak body for more than 380 womens domestic violence support services across Australia. This means that it is women and children we are mainly talking about said Ms Woodbridge.

More than half of the people who need help from Supported Accommodation and Assistance Programs (SAAP) do not get it and are turned away because agencies lack resources said Ms Woodbridge. 

These statistics come out at the same time that the Commonwealth Government is dismantling the Office for the Status of Women from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and downgrading it to the Department of Family and Community Services, said Ms Woodbridge.

According to Ms. Julie Oberin, Victorian representative on the National WESNET Committee, when Mr Howard is finished with his restructuring women will simply become invisible.

Ms Oberin asks Why is it that with such an affluent economy where the government can give tax breaks and cash payouts in the lead up to the election, vital safety net welfare agencies such as womens refuges and other SAAP accommodations services can be so poorly funded that they have to turn more than half of their adult clients away, and worse.  Alarmingly 62% of these are children and the main things not provided for them that they desperately need are counselling and basic support, said Ms Oberin.  How bad is it that in Australia, kids in tragic circumstances cant get counselling or their basic needs met.

Ms Woodbridge says we need a government which priorities the safety and well-being of women and children.  A government which supports and provides for all of its citizens especially those who are victims of violence and disadvantaged in our society.  Dont leave women and children out in the cold again Mr Howard said Ms Woodbridge.

For comment please contact:

Pauline Woodbridge, National Chairperson, 0419 739 774
Julie Oberin Victorian WESNET representative, 0419 539 346