Leaders from the disability, multicultural, and Indigenous sectors have voiced their perspectives on the latest budget and its implications for their communities.
In an effort to address labor shortages, the government plans to revamp its permanent migration system, prioritizing migrants who are “better educated,” “higher-skilled,” and younger.
The annual cap for the permanent migration program will remain at 185,000, with more than 70% of these slots allocated to skilled migrants.
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) expressed relief that migration numbers have not been reduced. However, they remain concerned about how these changes might impact the economy.
“We’re examining this closely. The effectiveness of the policy will largely depend on its implementation,” commented FECCA chair Peter Doukas.
In the area of disability care, the government has confirmed changes in the budget to cut access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in a bid to save almost $38 billion over the next four years.
“Drastic is an appropriate word. I think we are going to see some unprecedented changes with the scheme, including access,” said Cherry Baylosis, chief of policy advocacy and programs at Disability Advocacy Network.
“We can anticipate that there will be a large amount of people exiting the scheme, difficulties accessing the scheme as well, as well as seeing a reduction to plans as well.”
The government is also investing $1.2 billion in First Nations communities and Closing the Gap over five years as part of last night’s budget.
Catherine Liddle, chief executive of SNAICC — the biggest national non-governmental body advocating for Indigenous children — said the budget represented a missed opportunity for Aboriginal children and families.
“IÂ think this budget was flagged as the budget for generation fairness … There’s very little funding dedicated to Aboriginal responses.”
“There were plenty of community-led solutions on the table, and very little commitment at a time when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families and the services that support them are under scrutiny and needing support the most.”
— Peggy Giakoumelos, Josie Harvey