Valuing the social economy, the vaccine roll-out, and a roadmap for a real, positive change

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

ACOSS

The Australian Council of Social Service welcomed the decision by the Australian Senate to refer the government’s pitiful JobSeeker legislation to an inquiry.

ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said: “Through this inquiry, people on JobSeeker can share with senators from across the political spectrum why the government’s paltry excuse for an increase is so inadequate.

“We thank people on JobSeeker for all they have already done in speaking out about how impossible it is to get by on so little.

“The community sector, union movement, business community, economists and academics will also be able to confirm their view that $44 a day is nowhere near enough.

“The Australian Parliament has the power to amend the government’s legislation to improve the increase beyond the paltry $3.57 a day the government announced this week.” 

To make a submission see here. 

VCOSS

The release of the Mental Health Royal Commission’s final report is detailed, ambitious and significant. It puts people who have lived with mental illness at the centre of service design and delivery. It includes 65 recommendations covering system design, service delivery, governance and workforce challenges. “This isn’t tinkering. This is wholesale reform,” said VCOSS CEO Emma King. “This report is a roadmap for a real, positive change.” Read the report here.

QCOSS

QCOSS hosted a COVID-19 Learning Exchange with Queensland chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young who answered questions from the sector on the vaccine roll-out. Dr Young thanked everyone in the social service sector for the critical work they do in their communities and their important role in sharing information and stopping the spread of COVID-19. She said the vaccine was “safe, effective and voluntary” and encouraged everyone to get it as soon as it is available to them. She also warned against scammers, saying the vaccine was absolutely free.

NCOSS

NCOSS is hosting an #IWD2021 virtual event – Valuing the Social Economy. Join them at this virtual event being held during the week of International Women’s Day to acknowledge the contribution of women in providing essential community services across NSW; and to discuss the importance of the social services sector to NSW’s wellbeing, productivity and economic growth. Be the first to hear about new research commissioned by NCOSS in partnership with other peak bodies. For more information and to register click here.

TasCOSS

TasCOSS hosted the premier, the Hon Peter Gutwein MP, at its annual community services industry luncheon on Tuesday 16 February. The well-attended event afforded the premier the opportunity to outline his government’s priorities and vision for the year ahead as well as speak to the important role of the industry in Tasmania’s social and economic recovery. View the recording of the premier’s address here.

ACTCOSS

ACTCOSS said on 9 February 2021 that the ACT Budget fell short on the investments and vision required to ensure Canberrans facing disadvantage were protected as the ACT emerges from the COVID-19 crisis. It also supported a call for an independent inquiry into systemic racism at Canberra’s prison, and released a wide-ranging submission to reboot the ACT planning debate.

NTCOSS

NTCOSS is encouraging members to join the NT International Women’s Day Walk and Celebrations. They will be walking with their banner in what is always a respectful, powerful, purple morning of magnificent Territory women and their families and friends. Head down to Civic Park (Harry Chan Avenue, Darwin CBD) on Saturday 6 March 2021 and join in #IWDNT #IWD2021

SACOSS

Rural and regional issues were in the spotlight on 1 March at SACOSS’s regional consultation in Port Lincoln, bringing together local community service providers and leaders for a great meeting to help inform its future advocacy, and exchange ideas, challenges and news.

WACOSS 

A survey by WACOSS in the Pilbara has found that people working in not for profits and non-government organisations are finding it very difficult to find affordable rental and properties, which has exacerbated homelessness, or forced many to resign due to the high cost of living. The full report will be released in March. 

This article was contributed by ACOSS Community Hub.