No role for Salvos in distribution of funds - BLACK SATURDAY DISASTER
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 17 Feb 2009: 2.
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Abstract
Sources within the Salvation Army said many officers had been "gobsmacked and bewildered" by their failure to be included in government planning and co-ordination, including being omitted from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Advisory Panel.
"The Salvation Army are always there when times are tough, without any favouritism as to race or creed," Mr [Tony Abbott] said. "The Salvos are at least as active as any other welfare group. It is disappointing they aren't being given a look-in at official level.
APPEAL
ONE of the nation's leading church-based charity groups, the Salvation Army, has been left off the committee that will oversee bushfire appeal funds.
Despite raising more than $12million for bushfire victims and already distributing $1.4 million in cash, the Salvation Army will not play a role in overseeing theoperation of distributing the millions raised.
"The Salvation Army are always there when times are tough, without any favouritism as to race or creed," Mr Abbott said. "The Salvos are at least as active as any other welfare group. It is disappointing they aren't being given a look-in at official level.
"For some reason -- maybe it is because of their Christian orientation, maybe because they were thought to be close to the Howard government -- the Rudd Government is giving them the cold shoulder. It is wrong and it should stop immediately."
Salvation Army spokesman Neil Venables said the organisation was ready to respond to any invitation.
"We would hope that it's not because of our Christian values and the perception that we were close to the previous government," Major Venables said.
"We were committed to working with the Howard government, as we are committed to working with the Rudd Government.
"It is not about political persuasion; it is about how we most effectively fulfil our mission. At times like this, the army has the ability to do its best work."
Sources within the Salvation Army said many officers had been "gobsmacked and bewildered" by their failure to be included in government planning and co-ordination, including being omitted from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Advisory Panel.
The administration costs of the official government-Red Cross appeal are being picked up by the Government, but the same offer has not been extended to the Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal.
Credit: John Stapleton
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