"In addition to supporting the equitable design of the levy, ACOSS particularly welcomes the Prime Minister's statement that it would not be fair to solve national budgetary problems by further cutting social expenditure," said Mr Micheal Raper, President of ACOSS.
"We trust that the May 2000 Federal budget will carry through on this important value in all its measures," he added.
"Australians have already shown their support for the people of East Timor by donating over $12 million in cash and kind to Australian non-government organisations involved provided essential emergency relief and development aid to the newly independent country," said acting ACFOA Executive Director, Mr Jim Redden.
"We hope that they will support the one-off levy as the most fair and equitable way of paying for the Australian army's humanitarian mission in East Timor," he said.
"We also hope that in addition to preventing cuts to social services, the levy allows for much needed increases to the Australian aid budget, which last year declined to its lowest point ever."
For information and comment contact:
ACOSS: Ms Betty Hounslow Tel: 02-93104844 (ah) 0419 626 155
ACFOA: Mr Jim Redden or Mr Andrew Nette on 02 6285 1816 (ah) 0414 257 446