Fed: Wefare rights groups disappointed despite funding promise

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2000
Fed: Wefare rights groups disappointed despite funding promise

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD is fending off criticism that the government has failed
to back its new welfare plan with a solid funding commitment.

Mr HOWARD says the dollars will be in the next federal budget.

But disappointed welfare lobby groups say the reforms lack conviction and substance
as they are not backed by money.

The groups say significant injection of funding - around $1 billion according to PATRICK
MCCLURE who produced the report - is needed.

They say also missing is the fine detail and a timetable for implementation.

But Mr HOWARD says it is not necessary for the government to produce either for some time.

Mr HOWARD says welfare reform will be among the highest of priorities in the next federal budget.

AAP RTV kjp/wz/hn

KEYWORD: WELFARE ( CANBERRA)

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