THE EVIDENCE IS IN - BUDGET CUTS ARE HITTING THE ILLAWARRA HARD

21 July 2015

Independent modelling has confirmed what many have suspected the last two federal Budgets are having a particularly harsh effect on vulnerable households in the Illawarra.

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It has been reportedtoday that some of the regions least well-off residents are bearing the brunt of the 2014 and 2015 Budgets.

The modelling, undertaken by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM ), maps out the winners and losers from the last two Budgets. It was not commissioned by any political party or aligned organisation.

It takes into account the full impact of all policy changes introduced by the Abbott Government over the last two years, including the changes to the aged pension and cuts to Family Tax Benefits.

Stephen Jones said that the modelling should not come as a surprise to anyone.

The independent modelling exposes the Budgets for what they are ideological attacks on the most vulnerable members of the community.

Those that can least afford it are the ones who have been abandoned by Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey. Nine out of the ten worst affected suburbs are Labor-held seats.

The principal researchers at NATSEM believe that this will have a detrimental impact on the economy overall when payments are cut to families they spend less and economic growth is compromised.

The Member for Throsby also noted that his primary concern was for those already struggling to make ends meet in his electorate of Throsby.

The data shows that people in Berkely, Warrawong and Windang will lose $555 a year in just three years time. The areas with the highest unemployment and lowest incomes are the ones under attack.

People already under pressure will be forced to make impossible choices do I opt for healthy food for my family or medicine for my kids?

The Abbott Government is out of touch and out of control. I think that residents in the local area should be angry at Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey, they have been treated in the worst possible fashion.