WA Council Of Social Services calls for free breakfasts, lunches in every WA school

All WA schools should offer free breakfast and lunches for needy students, the WA Council of Social Services believes, as part of more targeted cost-of-living relief for West Australians. As part of the advocacy group’s “Make WA Fair” campaign, launched on Wednesday night, WACOSS chief executive Louise Giolitto called for Labor to roll out a range of new measures for families slammed by the cost of living. It comes just days after the group released polling which showed more than half of West Australians were forced to cut back substantially on food as the dual pressures of inflation and the Reserve Bank’s interest rate hikes slam households. The call for more free meals at schools across the State comes after The West revealed last month one supplier of meals had been hit with a more than 50 per cent increase in demand from schools across Perth. Among the changes proposed include a cost of living package for people unable to cover the basics, such as housing, utilities, food, transport, and car registration. Also in the plan is an extension to the Government’s rent relief program beyond next year, increased support for the Hardship Utility Grant Scheme and an extension of free public transport to University and TAFE students. Ms Giolitto said making WA fair meant creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. “The State Government has made efforts on cost of living and we support that, but more needs to be done for those doing it toughest. It’s clear that some Western Australians need more assistance than others,” she said. “We have a vision for Western Australia where the government helps its citizens and where the needs of communities are above politics. Making WA Fair means prioritising policies that address inequality, supporting those doing it tough, and creating pathways where everyone has the chance to succeed. “All of these things are achievable. It’s a matter of choices. Western Australia is a great state, let’s make it a fair one too.” The document will form key asks of political parties ahead of March’s State election on behalf of the alliance of support organisations.