The Wire

Many Australians are breathing a sigh of relief after surviving the GFC, but years on, some groups are still battling under financial hardship. A survey of the community sector, released today by the Australian Council of Social Service, shows welfare agencies are straining to meet the growing demand for help. The need is particularly high for homelessness and mental health services. According to the survey, there has been a 12 per cent increase in those being helped by welfare services, but the number of people being turned away is even higher.