Brian Mitchell MP raised in parliament today the concerning news that NILS Tasmania faces a $160,000 cut after a national funding model change by Good Shepherd Microfinance.
“Rather than allocating funding by need, Good Shepherd will from next year allocate funding on a purely per capita basis, which drastically impacts smaller states like Tasmania, despite demonstrably higher levels of socio-economic disadvantage and need for these services,” Mr Mitchell told MPs.
“NILS provides loans of up to $1500 to low-income earners receiving a pension or holding a concession card.
“There are no fees or interest applied to repayments. NILS can be used to access finance for things like a new fridge or washing machine, or pay for unanticipated dental costs or a car repair. It can also offer micro-finance to launch a new small business.
“Without NILS, as many as 600 low-income families would be forced to consider signing up with high-cost payday lenders or rental schemes.
“I do not want to be critical of Good Shepherd. It is a non-profit agency doing very good work, but I urge it in the strongest terms to reconsider its decision to strip $160,000 from Tasmania,” Brian Mitchell MP said.
For the transcript of the speech head here – https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=129164
Watch the video at www.facebook.com/brianmitchellforlyons2016
BRIAN MITCHELL MP FEDERAL LABOR MEMBER FOR LYONS
