Really sick state of affairs when nation is giving an extra $100 million to charities for 'food' and it is reported as all cool & normal.

This is an epic failure of Government & Society outsourced to charity. https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/funding-lifeline-as-charities-brace-for-1-million-to-seek-food-relief-20200411-p54j14.html

Not once in this piece about 'food relief' being in dire need does it raise the issue of so many sacked in mid March but not having access to any Centrelink funds until 27 April at the earliest.

Not once!!

Yesterday on ABC News was the same. Extensive interview with woman from Foodbank and again, not once was the issue of no Centrelink funds paid until 27th of April.

I get Foodbank won't trash Govt as charities can't, but interviewer didn't even ask?

Remember all those massive Centrelink lines? That was 23 March. Masses hitting unemployment. IF they are lucky they will get some cash from Centrelink on the 27th of April, over a month with NO money at all.

Times were already tenuous prior to this, so conservatively a shipload in those lines were already on bare bones due to less hours worked.

Now... the next point is very very important.

a. 46% of Aussies could only live a month or less on their savings if they lost their job

b. 2.1 million could could only make ends meet for 7 days - SEVEN DAYS - if laid off.

Geez I wonder why there is a rise in needing foodbank services?

The Government did NOT need to make people wait until the 27th of April - and, going by Centrelink 'form' I would not be getting my hopes up all will get some money.

They could have done that process a hell of a lot faster.

Yeah, some people would have slipped through the cracks & received a few payments they did not deserve, big whoop! The ATO or Centrelink would have gotten that back at a later date.

Why are these questions not being asked, why is it the elephant in the room for media?

How the hell can you write/interview on 'demand for foodbanks' or 'tenants not paying rent' and NOT include mass unemployment & Government decision to make people wait over 5 weeks - most likely more - for any funding at all?

It is not rocket science.

Anyhoo...

Those media outlets who do these reports and don't include Centrelink wait, get in the fracking bin!

You can't praise Govt on one hand for bloody 'announcements' in dealing with virus and NOT mention that 'real' assistance has NOT been given to people.

<end rant>