It could be that more of us are paying attention to national Homelessness Week this year.
Natural disasters, including last year’s floods across the Goulburn Valley, cost-of-living pressures and rising interest rates mean the threat, or indeed, experience of homelessness is being felt by increasing numbers.
Apart from the human element or right for everyone to have a home, though, BeyondHousing chief executive Celia Adams has used the week to emphasise the economic benefits of social housing projects.
“We know that when people have somewhere to live, the rest of their lives can be launched,” Ms Adams said.
“They can contribute economically. They can contribute educationally. They work. They’re part of communities. Their kids get to go and play sport. Those things that we often take for granted because we have somewhere to live. Often the people we (BeyondHousing) work with can’t do that.”
Ms Adams also noted the jobs created through the construction phase of social and affordable housing as benefits to the local economy.
From tax time green light to deductions claims warning light
You’ll be pleased to know that the Australian Taxation Office has given the “green light” for taxpayers with “simple affairs” to lodge their annual income tax returns.
Fortunately the ATO clarifies what simple affairs are for anyone who might confuse them with other types of affairs.
“Most of the information we collect from employers, banks, private health insurers, share registries, and other institutions is now ready to go,” ATO assistant commissioner Tim Loh said.
“So, if your financial affairs are fairly straight-forward, you’ve got a ‘green light’ to lodge — but remember, you still need to check your details are accurate before you hit submit.”
As it does every year though, the ATO has issued a warning on the areas it has in its sights when it comes to taxpayers claiming deductions.
Mr Loh said rental property deductions, work-related expenses and capital gains tax were areas of “key focus” on which the ATO would be “supporting taxpayers and registered tax agents to get their claims right this year”.
GV DAMA success
Seems the Goulburn Valley Designated Area Migration Agreement is bringing results for some employers who have been finding it difficult to fill certain vacancies.
The GV DAMA was launched in March 2022 and is a skilled migration program that is tailored to the needs of the Goulburn Valley.
It encompasses the local government areas of Greater Shepparton, Moira and Campaspe.
Greater Shepparton City Council has reported 15 employers have been endorsed to nominate a combined 53 skilled migrants to ease labour shortages across various industries.
You’ll find more on the scheme in next week’s Country News.