The hand-out we had to have

BY KYLIE FIELD

While the Rudd Government’s $1000 per child payments are a welcome addition to dwindling back accounts, the Salvation Army has rejected the government’s call for families to spend their cash bonuses in the lead up to Christmas.
Not only will the $10.4 billion Economic Security Strategy strengthen the economy, it will also create up to 75,000 jobs, the government says.
According to Treasury figures, around two million families are eligible for the $1000 per child payment, with four million pensioners, carers, seniors, veterans and disability support pensioners receiving between $1400 and $2100.
While the Salvation Army believes the payments will alleviate some of the stress brought about by the current economic downturn, the charity also says it is important that these payments are not seen as a Christmas bonus.
‘These payments are more about spurring on the economy with a second benefit of helping families experiencing domestic stress of varying degrees,’ said the Salvation Army’s media director Pat Daley.
‘We hope these payments will give people who are finding it tough a chance to start 2009 in a better financial position by helping them address long-term issues like personal debt, utility bills, education costs and accommodation expenses.
‘Traditionally, the Christmas period is when our services are most needed and this year we expect the demand to be as high if not higher. Many people who come to the Salvation Army for assistance will not receive the additional payment and for those that do, we will offer them support so the payment can make a positive impact on their financial situation.’
At Bloke’s Business, a weekly meeting for men held at the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre, news of the payment was met with a mixed response.
‘The men are excited about it,’ said centre manager Kate Melhopt, who added that the men spent most of Tuesday morning debating whether they should spend the money or save it.
‘Some said they would spend it. Other said they were saving it because they weren’t sure what the year ahead would bring, and they believe it would be good to have something to fall back on.’
The men, aged between 60 and 83 years, have worked their entire lives, with some having grown up during the Depression.
‘Some argued that it was creating a welfare state and don’t agree with the payment at all,’ Ms Melhopt said. ‘Others have lost money on the share market recently, so they see it as a bonus.’