HAVE YOUR SAY
The 6th Community Sector Survey is now open
Every eligible organisation that completes the survey before 16 December 2009 will be entitled to six months’ free use of the events, jobs, and training boards on the ACOSS website valued at $320.
The information that your organisation provides contributes to an important body of knowledge about the community sector. The data collected in this survey informs sector advocacy, and provides government and the media with a snapshot of how the sector and disadvantaged Australians are faring.
Complete the survey online or download a paper copy here
For more information, click here
NEWS
Award Modernisation : What will it mean for COSS Members?
An update on the modern award - 8 December 2009
The national, state and territory Councils of Social Service have prepared this factsheet on the award modernisation process for our members in the social and community service sectors.
Key issues include: who will be affected by the modern award, within what timeframes, and how it sits with the pay equity test case announced recently. The fact sheet will be updated in light of industrial developments in the sector. Download the factsheet here
Rollout of Blanket Income Management Unfair and Un-Australian
ACOSS has raised concerns about the Federal Government’s plans to roll out income management across the country, saying it could further disadvantage low income Australians. Read more
ACOSS Welcomes New Initiative to Green-Up Low Income Households
ACOSS welcomes the launch of the $130 million Green Start initiative to help low income households deal with the effects of climate change through improved energy and water efficiency. Read more
Time To Get Started On Climate Action
Environment, welfare, union and research groups, while expressing deep concern about additional compensation to industry, has given conditional* support to the passage of the amended CPRS rather than risk more years of squabbling that would choke climate action and investments in clean energy technology, jobs and industries. Read more
Time to Maximise Momentum to Improve Support for People With Disability
“ACOSS welcomes the inquiry into disability services and the examination of funding options for long-term care and support for people with disability,” said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service. Read more
How much does it cost to raise a teenager? Family payments don’t add up
Low-paid Australian families do not receive adequate financial support to meet the costs of their children, says a report released today by the Australian Council of Social Service. Read more
Plug Tax Loopholes so all Pay Fair Share : Challenge to Henry Review
The Henry tax review has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform a tax system that favours the wealthy, said the Australian Council of Social Service in a report released today. Read more and download the report
ACOSS’ Annual Report 2008-2009
The report contains information on ACOSS’ policy and advocacy activities, our work with member organisations, as well as Board and financial information. Download here.
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Historic Test Case Brings Wage Increases for Community Workers a Step Closer
Community sector workers around the country are one step closer to higher wages following the announcementof a landmark pay equity test case in the newFair Work system. Read more
Strong, Fair Leadership on Asylum Seeker Issue is Overdue
Australia’s peak welfare bodyhas issued a call for strong, compassionate leadership on the issues of asylum seekers so that people escaping persecution or violence are treated fairly. Read more
Jobs growth a feature of new green economy
Newcastle Herald Opinion
The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) has been working to achieve equitable solutions to the effects of climate change, so that low-income households are shielded from price hikes for essential goods and services and can benefit from new opportunities, such as gaining employment in clean-energy jobs. Read more
Adopt a Dinosaur
If you care about action on climate change and the creation of hundreds of thousands of Australian clean energy jobs - “adopt a dinosaur” and chip into the national CleanEnergy Jobs campaign.
Campaign against social housing funding cuts
On August 27, the Commonwealth Government announced that $750 million would be cut from the social housing construction component of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan. We encourage you to write to the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and your local federal Member of Parliament to call for this funding to be restored. For more information, see the NSW Shelter website.
Human rights report paves way for better protections for marginalised Australians
ACOSS welcomes the report released today by the National Human Rights Consultation Committee recommending that Australia adopt a national Human Rights Act. Read more
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