Salvation Army Shoalhaven Corps Lieutenant Dominic Wallis said the budget would increase pressure on charity groups.

“We have real concerns about people under the age of 30 who can’t find work,” he said.

He said The Salvation Army was also concerned about the Medicare co-contribution fee which ignored the economic circumstances of the poor.

“The reality is that people on low incomes are not weighing up the economics of whether or not they will go on an overseas holiday but instead they will be weighing up whether or not they have the money to see the doctor or using that $7 to pay for bread to feed themselves or their family for the week.”

He said he already saw depression in people struggling to provide for their family.

“These things will all put more pressure on our services,” he said. 

That pressure will begin with Sunday’s Red Shield Appeal Doorknock.

On Sunday the Salvation Army Shoalhaven Corps is hoping to collect $40,000.

Lt Wallis was confident of reaching the goal.

“Last year’s goal of $38,000 was exceeded by $901,” he said.

“That support really makes a difference.”

For Sunday’s appeal the Salvation Army will have a food van set up outside the Westpac Bank in Nowra.

Volunteer drivers and door-knockers can meet at the Salvation Army office on the corner of Salisbury Drive and St Anne Street in East Nowra at 8.30am on Sunday.

Salvation Army spokesman Major Bruce Harmer said it was only through the generosity of people that the organisation was able to support people in need.

“By giving a few hours of your time on the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock weekend you will be helping us to help over one million people in need,” Major Harmer said.

“Without the generous support of Australians in every suburb and town across the country, the Salvation Army could not reach this goal of $10 million this year. The funds go directly to support Salvation Army programs and social services.”