Two and half million Australians scrounge to survive below the poverty line, many by resorting to charities for food, clothing and payment of electricity bills.

Included among the poor are those who are underemployed and unemployed; people on pensions; sole parents and people with disabilities.

Because conservatives driven by old failed ideologies govern at both the state and federal levels, people are getting doubly squeezed by cuts to essential community services. 

While the federal Coalition warns people to “earn or learn” or starve, the NSW government is cutting funds to TAFE. 

The federal government threaten a GP co-payment which will put pressure on emergency departments in hospitals, while NSW allows hospitals to languish in dilapidated conditions severely understaffed.

One reason we should we care for our fellow Australians doing it tough if not out of compassion is that we now know that economic inequality hinders economic growth.

No matter how fast the gross domestic product grows, an economic system that doesn’t deliver for millions of its citizens is a failed system.

Policies that have millions begging at charities are flawed policies.

When Australia's richest seven people have more wealth than the bottom 1.73 million households combined, it is time we stood up against unjust policies that leave whole nation poorer.

Think carefully next March before you risk another conservative government at the NSW state election.

Debra O’Brien

Northern Tablelands Labor Candidate