The Australian government has extended support for a trial program helping low-income families obtain vehicles following a surge in demand.
According to the Department of Social Services, the No Interest Loans Scheme for Vehicles program delivered by charity Good Shepherd Australia will receive $500,000 (US$334,000) in extra federal funding to support vulnerable families until June 30, 2024.
The government said the scheme was an alternative to other high-risk and high-interest financial products such as Buy Now Pay Later and payday loans.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth stressed the importance of having a vehicle for vulnerable people, saying it helped them achieve independence.
“This includes assisting with the ability to work, to undertake caring responsibilities or seek medical care when necessary,” she said in a statement….