ACOSS is urging the Federal Government to use the budget to protect people more at risk and build Australia's economic, social & environmental resilience with the vital reforms we need.
The government must deliver serious tax reform, lift income support and invest in social and affordable housing to ensure people with the least are protected from current or future economic shock.
"People on the lower incomes are already skipping meals, delaying medical care and rationing energy just to get by, and in a moment of unprecedented economic shock they are the group with the least protection," CEO of ACOSS Dr Cassandra Goldie said.
"Tax cuts will not help those with the least. Already, many people with disability are alarmed and fearful of what major cuts to the NDIS will mean for them.
"Prices are rising and will continue to keep rising as a result of global uncertainty, with some forecasters predicting unemployment could reach as much as 6.5 per cent by the end of the year.
"In this moment, people on the lowest incomes can't be left behind and excluded from any cost of living support delivered by the government. Otherwise people on the lowest incomes will continue to face severe and growing hardship.
"We need to be clear eyed about the real problems facing our community, and deliver real solutions.
"Political leaders must not scape-goat those already experiencing disadvantage and marginalisation, including migrant communities.
"In this year's budget, we urge the government to make fair, long-term decisions like serious tax reform to raise the revenue needed to invest in income support and vital services, housing and essential services."
ACOSS has called on the government to:
Halve the 50% CGT discount progressively over 5 years and end negative gearing immediately for new investments with a phase out over 5 years for existing investments
Introduce a 25% levy on gas export revenue and phase out the diesel fuel rebate for mining companies
Increase income support payments, such as JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and Parenting Payment, to at least $600 per week and substantially lift the Remote Area Allowance
Set and fund national social housing targets to increase social housing to at least 6% of homes over a decade and 10% of homes over two decades, calibrated to alleviate housing stress and homelessness
Fix employment services by removing the harmful Targeted Compliance Framework and redesign employment services so they genuinely help people to get paid work
Provide energy upgrades to all social housing and private renters to reduce energy bills and improve health outcomes.
