published letters

Published in The Australian on Monday, January 9, 2012

Whilst concerns about the effectiveness of the Social Inclusion Unit are valid (Editorial 7/1), the assertion that health, housing, education, and community services are programs that are better performed by the private sector and through the generosity of volunteers seems to be at odds with the facts. Most Australians who need hospital care or an education can’t get it from the private system or from volunteers. Many also depend on government to access affordable housing and community services because the private sector isn’t capable or interested in the most difficult and disadvantaged and there are insufficient volunteers to address their needs.

Tim Woodruff
Vice President
Doctors Reform Society