UnitingCare Australia budget reply response

By Judith Tokley

UnitingCare Australia's National Director, Lin Hatfield Dodds said the Coalition's decision to cut the Income Support Bonus, should it form government after the Federal election in September, will deliver a significant blow to low income Australians including people on Newstart, Youth Allowance and Parenting payments.

Speaking shortly after the Budget reply speech in Canberra last night, Ms Hatfield Dodds said the budget must not return to surplus on the backs of the most vulnerable people.

"At less than the cost of a cup of coffee per week, the Income Support Bonus is paid twice a year to some of the poorest Australians to help with life's basics," Ms Hatfield Dodds said.

"Federal budgets are about choices and priorities.

"Australia is doing well by international standards.

"This… Read More

Gittins' Gospel: The Economics of Just About Everything

By Ross Gittins

Allen & Unwin 2012

RRP $26.99

Reviewed by David Weddell.

Gittins' Gospel: Religious book or not?

On first glance, the cover picture of an older man in priestly clothes would suggest this is book belongs in Christian bookstores.

On… Read More

Rebuilding community, again

By Euan McDonald

Exactly two years, two months and two days after the terrible floods of January 2011, the people of Laidley, west of Brisbane, were inundated once again.

But while the flood waters swept away so much,… Read More