Leading Anglicans are voicing their concerns about the proposed A$8 million cuts to programmes and services in the Australian Federal Budget.
Executive Director of The Brotherhood of St Laurence, Bishop Michael Challen, said in a recent statement that the living standards of those on low incomes "must not be sacrificed by immoderate action to meet the deficit or benefit more wealthy Australians."
Bishop Challen said that if the Government is to uphold its election promises "It must ensure that employment programmes are maintained, particularly for the longer term unemployed; and cuts or limitations in social security do not cause hardship to unemployed people or place unreasonable expectations on them when jobs remain scarce."