A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest $10 million to support the critical work of the Reverend Bill Crews Foundation and secure its future in supporting vulnerable Australians.
For more than 30 years, Reverend Crews and a team of volunteers have provided free meals, accessible healthcare, welfare support and literacy programs for the most vulnerable Australians.
In 2023/24 the Foundation provided almost half a million meals, distributed 25,000 food hampers, and conducted almost 1,300 GP and 500 dental appointments thanks to the dedication of 2,110 active volunteers.
Coinciding with Reverend Crews' 80th birthday this year, this investment will secure the Foundation's future to keep delivering care and resources for people doing it tough.
The Foundation's frontline crisis centre is one of only two accessible free medical and drop-in centres in Sydney, serving the homeless, people experiencing mental illness, drug and alcohol addictions, and financial distress.
This investment builds on $138 million the Albanese Labor Government has provided since being elected for emergency and food relief and other supports for Australians experiencing financial hardship.
In stark contrast, Peter Dutton's Liberals slashed $125 million in funding from these programs in the horror 2014 budget – leaving life-saving programs around the country on life support.
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"The Bill Crews Foundation is a cause extremely close to my heart that supports the people doing it toughest across Sydney and beyond.
"I am so proud to call Bill a friend and to have seen up close the impact his work has made on many thousands of people – and I'm proud that my Government will support his legacy to continue."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth:
"We want all Australians to be able to access food relief and other support when they need it – and the Bill Crews Foundation plays a huge role in helping vulnerable people in Sydney.
"We know this funding will make a profound difference to the lives of many across the community, and that Reverend Crews and his Foundation will continue their work for years to come."
