Pressure on banks to help as aid denied

28/01/09 09:32 AM
  • Leo Shanahan, January 28, 2009
BANKS are likely to face pressure from the Government to help people in danger of losing their homes, but the welfare sector's demands for further funding have been denied.

In a Sydney crisis meeting with leading welfare providers, Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday refused calls for an extra $300 million to help cope with a spike in recent demand for emergency financial aid and counselling
  • The Australian Council of Social Services has also called on the Federal Government to increase the dole by $30 — it is currently $50 a week less than the age pension — while Catholic Social Services has asked for a Fair Pay Commission-style independent body to regularly adjust the dole.
  • Ms Gillard agreed to meet welfare groups on almost a monthly basis throughout the crisis, but said there would be no increase in the dole or extra funding in the short term.
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