Labor pledges funding for relief services, Liberals to work with sector

Under the Labor policy, $3.3 million would be provided to relief organisations over four years.

The Launceston Benevolent Society (LBS) is set to receive $160,000 to operate beyond 2019, when their funding deal with the Commonwealth expires. Other relief services in the North set to receive funding are Launceston City Mission ($48,000) and the Helping Hand Association at Longford ($63,000).

St Vincent de Paul Society will see $766,000 come its way, while the Salvation Army will get $360,000 and CatholicCare will get $328,000 for its work in both Tasmania and Victoria.

LBS chief executive John Stuart said he believed the Coalition "wanted to have one provider in the state because it's less work". Mr Stuart said the LBS and other relief services covered their own administration costs.

The LBS had appointments with more than 4000 people in need in 2018.

Incumbent Bass Labor MHR Ross Hart said Labor would see that the state's charities had "the resources they need".

"Relief organisations such as the Launceston City Mission and the Launceston Benevolent Society provide incredibly important support to families in need of help".

Tasmanian Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam said a re-elected Coalition government would work "closely with the LBS to ensure its "ongoing sustainability".

"The funding for the Launceston Benevolent Society is secure for the year ahead," Senator Duniam said.

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