The Mentone Community Assistance and Information Bureau has joined the long list of community organisations that have had their funding slashed by the Abbott Government.
The Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP
Shadow Attorney General
Shadow Minister for the Arts
Member for Isaacs
22 April 2015
MEDIA RELEASE
ABBOTTS GRANT FUNDING CUTS TO CRIPPLE MENTONE ICON
The Mentone Community Assistance and Information Bureau has joined the long list of community organisations that have had their funding slashed by the Abbott Government.
After receiving $54,824 of grant funding in 2013/14, the Mentone Community Assistance and Information Bureau will see its funding drop to just $20,869 in the 2015-16 financial year.
Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus said that the Abbott Governments ongoing attack on community organisations in Isaacs is hurting the most vulnerable in our community.
The Mentone Community Assistance and Information Bureau is an icon of the Mentone community. Run by volunteers, the Bureau provides free advice and emergency relief to hundreds of local residents doing it tough every year, Mr Dreyfus said.
It is an indictment on the Abbott Government that it would target the Mentone Community Assistance and Information Bureau for its cuts. Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison should hang their heads in shame.
What this Government doesnt understand is that organisations like the Mentone Community Assistance and Information Bureau hold our community together. The social dividend paid by the Bureau and similar community groups more than warrants the investment that governments make to keep them operating.
I am particularly disappointed that Liberal Senator Mitch Fifield, whose office is immediately next door to the Mentone Community Assistance and Information Bureau, has failed to support the Bureau, Mr Dreyfus said.
Mentone Community Assistance and Information Bureau coordinator Cathy Hassall is available for interview on 9583 8233.
MEDIA CONTACT: Phillip Clarke 0427 914 779
