Budget is letting down the community

The Barnett Government is letting down the community by not investing in public services according to the Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association.

Branch Secretary Toni Walkington made the comment after Treasurer Christian Porter released the 2012-13 Budget in Parliament House.

“Western Australia’s population continues to grow at an estimated 1000 people per week which will drive up demand for services provided by the public service, yet the Barnett Government continues to erode its effectiveness with these so-called ‘efficiency dividends,” Ms Walkington said.

“The public expects to get timely access to these services but we are seeing waiting lists for services getting longer, delays getting greater and more and more vulnerable missing out.

“The Treasurer can say his 5% cutbacks will not have an impact on frontline services but that is little comfort to many such as the 883 children yet to be allocated a case worker within the Department for Children Protection.”

The future of 34 Community Social Trainers at the Disability Services Commission is in limbo with their jobs likely to be abolished.

The trainers help adults with disabilities develop skills to perform daily tasks most people take for granted such as banking, shopping and catching public transport.

Ms Walkington also believes the government should be putting more money into the Department of Housing’s maintenance budget so that more than just emergency work was carried out.

CPSU/CSA WA Budget media coverage