KEY POINTS:
Reaction to Helen Clark's speech from outside Parliament included:
* Barnardos said the funding boost for community-based organisations was great news for children and families.
"It will enable us to reach more people," said chief executive Murray Edridge. "Working with families as early as possible to make changes for the benefit of their children is invaluable."
* The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) welcomed Helen Clark's statement that a top priority was to improve living standards and the services people needed.
CTU president Helen Kelly said all the initiatives were aimed at key social issues.
* The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce said the speech contained positives, but much more was needed to move New Zealand into the top half of the OECD.
"New Zealand's infrastructure deficit is enormous. Much more investment in transport infrastructure is still required," said chief executive Charles Finny.
* Relationship Services congratulated the Government for recognising that community organisations needed adequate, sustainable funding.
"Community agencies are responding to more complex family needs which require comprehensive wrap around services," said chief executive Jeff Sanders.
- NZPA
