Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is recommending the Federal Government to include the charity sector in their move to assist small business and protect jobs amid the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
CSSA Chief Executive Dr Ursula Stephens believes the charity sector “remains vulnerable” in a slowing economy, hence governments and other key institutions have to respond “to the coronavirus challenge with a focus on pursuing the common good”.
“At a time of social and economic uncertainty, we need concrete measures that support our economy,” Dr Stephens said.
“The targetted $750 cash payment to families and those on pensions and allowances such as Newstart is an important step in injecting vital cash into the economy.
“Giving charities and social services access to cash flow support will provide greater certainty around their business continuity at a time when many regional and rural communities continue to be affected by drought and bushfires,” she explained.
Dr Stephens said stock market traders also have a responsibility to think carefully about their current actions and the harm they are causing to public confidence.
“CSSA supports the Government’s moves to protect the economy, however, it is not right to expect governments and workers to carry the burden of a softening economy while market traders seek to shore up their capital returns and mitigate their risk,” she added.
“We are a resilient nation. Many Australians have suffered greatly because of drought, bushfires, and now the coronavirus.
“It is important that we remain calm and ensure that our collective actions serve the common good.”
CSSA is a national network of more than 60 agencies which are currently working in 650 communities, supporting more than 500,000 people and employing 15,000 staff and volunteers.