As always, the state budget provides the Victorian Government an opportunity to increase investment to support the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our community – not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes both economic and social sense.

Executive summary: The Salvation Army is a major provider of Emergency Relief (ER) services in Australia. In 2013, the organisation provided ER to over 157,000 individuals and their families nationally. Historically, ER services have provided crisis support and assistance for disadvantaged families and individuals through the provision of material aid (e.g. food, assistance paying bills...

Based on a nationwide survey of around 2,500 Salvation Army welfare clients, this report argues that the lives of those living on the margins are about to get even harder in light of the recent Federal budget.

This report brings together a national data snapshot of Salvation Army homelessness services and the people assisted on a daily basis.

This submission urges the state government to keep investing in programs that have a proven track record of improving Victorian lives.