Finding ground, new policy networks and a holiday message for government

All the latest news from the Councils of Social Service of Australia.

ACOSS

With federal parliament this week set to debate the government’s plan to cut income support at Christmas time, ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie visited Canberra. Here she delivered a sample of the hundreds of holiday cards being sent in by people on JobSeeker and supporters urging the government to put in place a permanent and adequate base rate of JobSeeker, rather than cuts and short-term measures. To send your own card with a personal message visit: raisetherate.org.au/holiday-message-2020/

WACOSS

It’s time to break new ground. As old systems buckle and collapse under the strain of entirely novel challenges that we have faced, spaces of opportunity open to remake and rebuild better together. Join the community service sector in WA for the first opportunity to gather post-COVID-19, and register for the WACOSS Conference, Finding ground: Building a better way back together, on 22 to 24 February 2021.

NCOSS

The 2020-21 NSW Budget comes at a time when NSW is facing the worst prevailing economic conditions in a generation. The impacts of the pandemic continue to unfold, with a wave of disadvantage spreading across the state. Read the NCOSS Analysis: NSW Budget 2020-21, covering specific policy areas including: housing and homelessness, domestic violence, child protection, educational attainment, mental health, cost of living and sector support.

TasCOSS

The 12 months between July 2019 and June 2020 were a time of change, disruption and challenge for Tasmanians, the community services industry and TasCOSS. This year’s annual report captures the strength, adaptability and resilience of our industry. Head to www.tascoss.org.au/ar201920 to find out more.

QCOSS

QCOSS has launched several new Policy Networks to bring together members to help shape its advocacy work while connecting with experts across the sector. The networks will cover a range of issues, with experts sharing their perspectives on women’s equality, housing and homelessness, employment, living affordability and research and evaluation.

ACTCOSS

ACTCOSS marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by calling for adequate support for ACT community services supporting women and children experiencing violence. ACTCOSS also made a submission to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee calling for a permanent and adequate increase to the rate of JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and other income support payments. Finally, ACTCOSS welcomed its new chair and board.

VCOSS

The Victorian government has pulled out all stops to crush inequality and promote community wellbeing across the state, according to Victoria’s peak social advocacy body VCOSS. “This budget is literally brimming with positive, smart and effective social policy measures that will make real inroads into poverty and disadvantage,” VCOSS CEO Emma King said. “The pandemic has made bold interventions a necessity, and the government isn’t missing its shot.” Read more here.

SACOSS

SACOSS, together with other groups, has sent a letter to the SA premier about the recent lockdown, the government’s response, and some of the vulnerabilities posed by insecure work. We are very lucky in SA to have got many things right, but there is still work to do. Our health response will only be as strong as the structures, social and economic, that underpin it. Read more here.

NTCOSS

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November NTCOSS states that on average one woman a week dies at the hands of her partner or former partner. The rates of violence against women in the NT needs urgent attention and it was heartening to hear Kate Worden talk about her commitment to treating this as priority. Thanks Charlie King for leading the way with NO MORE AU. Your leadership is making a real difference.

This article was contributed by ACOSS Community Hub.