Response to 2026 Federal Budget from Anti-Poverty Network SA member, Mel, May 13, Parliament, North Terrace, Adelaide.
“Poverty doesn’t just impact health. It signs death certificates.”
Dear Jim,
While you were reading your budget speech I was online engaging in a lecture about poverty, inequality and disadvantage in Australia.
You had a lot to say about how great this budget was and how it would help people and would lift living standards for everyone. You forgot to add “except the aged, the poor, and the disabled.”
While you live comfortably and work within the walls of the place that’s referred to as the ‘light on the hill’, I wanted to tell you about my community and I invite you or any Labor MP to visit.
In the last 4 years I’ve watched my neighbours priced out of rentals. 2 of my community members committed suicide while being evicted or being close to being evicted. How many more, Chalmers, until you do something meaningful?
I’ve seen people that have never had to use Foodbank lining-up. I’ve seen my local park be filled with tents. I know people that are too afraid to turn on heating or cooling because of their power bills. People in my community getting sicker the longer they are in poverty. People pulling their own teeth because they can’t afford a dentist.
I’ve sat in silence and listened to people break down on the phone about not being able to afford food while they’ve been bullied by job networks. People unable to afford to see specialists or afford prescriptions so they end up in hospital. You’ve just condemned millions to another year in poverty in a cost of living and housing affordability crisis. That’s not a good budget, it’s cruel.
But I’m sure after your speech and celebration last night you all patted yourselves on the back, went to your nice homes with heating and full fridges and cupboards, and didn’t give my community a second thought. Just because you choose to ignore those of us in poverty doesn’t mean we don’t exist.
