Improved Dental Requires Bipartisan Commitment

2 September 2010

ACOSS has welcomed the inclusion of dental in the agreement between the Greens and Labor and has urged bipartisan support for a serious commitment to improving dental care in Australia.

"Dental care remains a critical gap in Australia's universal health system" said CEO Cassandra Goldie. "Up to 7 million Australians go without dental care because they cannot afford it and average waiting times for public dental care are longer than 2 years in many parts of the country.

"Affordability and lack of access to services are even more acute in regional and remote parts of Australia. Universal access to oral healthcare is vital so that all Australians can have dental care when they need it."

The commitment to consider additional funding for dental in the next Federal Budget is an important start. Recent Commonwealth Budgets have provided next to no new funding to dental care and almost 80% of Commonwealth dental funding goes to schemes that are not means tested.

Dental has the highest ratio of non-government to government funding of any health service in Australia. Around 15% of funding for dental services is provided by government presently, with individuals providing 65% of dental funding and rebates and private health insurance providing the rest.

Dr Goldie stated: "It is vital that parties and independents on all sides commit to improving accessibility so that all Australians have equitable and timely access to oral health care."

Media Contact: Tessa Boyd-Caine, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

The Australian Council of Social Service is the peak body of the community services and welfare sector and the national voice for the needs of people affected by poverty and inequality. ACOSS renewed the National Oral Health Alliance during the recent Federal election to re-assert oral health as a priority for health reform in Australia. National community, dental and health organisations formed the Alliance to seek solutions to the poor access to services and oral health outcomes experienced by many Australians.

For more information on the National Oral Health Alliance, go to http://www.oralhealth.asn.au/

Civil society statement on a credible plan on pollution and climate change

1 September 2010

We are a diverse group of leading civil society organisations that represent a broad cross-section of Australians.

We believe that Australia urgently needs a price on pollution as the most cost-effective way to reduce our greenhouse pollution and its impacts on our climate, health, environment, and security.

We strongly support the establishment of a multi-partisan climate change committee as part of a broader effort to increase accountability and transparency on climate change policy and to ensure Australia moves quickly to establish a price on pollution and respond to climate change.

It is well established that the longer we delay action, the more expensive action will be. It is also well established that an equitable, efficient and effective response to climate change requires major polluters to take responsibility for the pollution they cause. As citizens and consumers, we will share this responsibility.

A price on and commitments to reduce pollution, alongside the Renewable Energy Target and a national energy efficiency strategy, will provide incentives for business to shift to cleaner energy and products. The current uncertainty surrounding pollution pricing has undermined investor confidence and is delaying the long-term investments that are necessary to shift to a cleaner economy and provide abatement opportunities for regional Australia.

There is strong community support for urgent action to tackle pollution and climate change. Most Australians recognise that pollution is currently at levels that threaten the wellbeing of our nation and the lives of the world's poor -- who are most at risk from the impacts of the changing climate. We need to begin immediately to make the change to clean energy to ensure there is a future for all of the world's children.

A credible and effective plan to reduce pollution and respond to climate change will release billions of dollars of new investments. This will make clean energy cheaper, ensure major emitters take responsibility for the pollution they cause, create thousands of new jobs in clean energy industries and new opportunities in regional Australia.

We urge all parties involved in negotiations for the formation of the next Government to include a strong platform for action on pollution and climate change.

Specifically, we urge all members and senators to commit the next Australian Parliament to implement a price and a limit on carbon pollution, effective from 2011, that will provide long-term confidence and encouragement to enable investments in clean technologies in Australia and developing countries, that will ensure that the vulnerable are not adversely impacted, and will set us on the right course to meet the challenge of climate change.

Signed by:
350.org Australia
Australian Conservation Foundation
Australian Council of Social Service
Australian Council of Trade Unions
Australian Youth Climate Coalition
Climate Action Centre
Climate Action Network Australia
The Climate Institute
Climate Change Australia - Hastings
Climate Change Balmain - Roselle
Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union
Environment Victoria
GetUp
Greenpeace Australia Pacific
Oxfam Australia
Terrain Natural Resource Management
Total Environment Centre
Uniting Church in Australia
World Vision Australia
WWF Australia

Comment is available from:

Georgina Woods (Climate Action Network Australia) 0407 227 633
Tony Mohr (Australian Conservation Foundation) 0408806206
Amanda McKenzie (Australian Youth Climate Coalition) 0409535437
Tessa Boyd-Caine (Australian Council of Social Services) 0419626155
Sacha Myers (World Vision Australia) 0457 926 018
Keiller MacDuff (Greenpeace) 0429 033 411

 

Bonus For Jobless Australians Will Give Financial Relief But Won’t Increase Job Offers

17 August 2010

ACOSS welcomes the Coalition's plan to give a financial bonus to young long-term job seekers once they have been in work for a year, but says more incentives are needed to encourage employers hire them.

The relocation assistance will also help long-term unemployed people but the proposed 6-month penalty is too harsh and would cause hardship.

"Prolonged unemployment has a devastating and demoralising impact on unemployed people and their families," Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"The Coalition's proposed employment bonus offers important financial relief for young people who have been without work, and help them to pay off debts and bills. But the main cause of long term unemployment is not lack of incentive - long-term job seekers get few, if any, offers of work from employers.

"The most effective policies to reduce long-term unemployment are programs that improve job seekers' skills and work capacity and encourage employers to hire them.

"ACOSS has welcomed the Coalition's proposal for a wage subsidy to encourage employers hire mature age workers and has called for the scheme to include younger jobseekers where appropriate.

"The financial crisis hit just over a year ago and thousands of Australians are still feeling the effects of the downturn, especially those who couldn't find work again. 600,000 Australians are on unemployment payments, and one in two has been without paid work for over a year.

"People who have been out of employment long-term often require intensive and individual assistance to move back into paid work. Currently employment service providers receive just $500 per person to assist long-term unemployed people move back into work."

ACOSS has also called for the Government's Earn or Learn education and training guarantee to offer more training linked to work experience and better access to individual guidance and support to choose the right course and complete it.

"ACOSS is pleased to see relocation assistance to help people move from areas of high to lower unemployment, but funding should prioritise long term unemployed people who are struggling to find jobs locally," said Dr Goldie.

"The proposed penalty of six months without income support for those who move and subsequently leave a job is far too harsh and will discourage people from taking up relocation assistance."

Time Running out for an Election Focus on Affordable Housing

17 August 2010

Heading into the last week of the federal election, a national coalition of housing and community groups has called for a stronger focus on housing affordability.

The National Affordable Housing Summit coalition is led by the Australian Council of Social Service, Housing Industry Association, National Shelter, Australian Council of Trade Unions and Community Housing Federation of Australia.

The chair of the Summit group, Julian Disney, said today:

"Australian housing costs are dangerously high - worse than in any other developing country. Millions of households on low or modest incomes are suffering badly, often having to pay up to 50% or more of their income on rent or live very long distances away from their work.

Despite some important initiatives during the last three years, a great deal remains to be done if even worse hardship is to be averted and gradual improvements achieved. It is deplorable that an issue of such importance has been given so little attention by politicians and pundits during the campaign."

The Summit group has called on Labor and the Coalition to demonstrate their concern and commitment by promising to

• Appoint a Commonwealth Minister for Housing and Residential Development at Cabinet level with his or her own separate Department
• Boost the National Affordable Housing Agreement with an extra $1 billion per year to help provide at least 200,000 affordable rental dwellings by 2020

The group says the main priorities for the strengthening the National Affordable Housing Agreement are to

• Establish an Affordable Housing Growth Fund of at least $500 million per year, especially to help provide more non-profit housing
• Expand the National Affordable Rental Incentive scheme to help attract private funding for another round of 50,000 affordable rental dwellings
• Help State housing authorities to provide public housing which works well for the residents and the communities in which they live.

Housing facts

• Rents are rising three times as fast as the CPI
• Rental vacancy rates across Australia are at historically low levels
• More than 100,000 people are homeless on any given night

For further information and comment:
Julian Disney, Chair, Summit Group - 0417 663 509
Carol Croce, Executive Officer, CHFA - 0402 017 557
Adrian Pisarski, Chair, National Shelter - 0417 975 270
Cassandra Goldie, CEO ACOSS via Clare Cameron 0419 626 155
Harley Dale, Chief Economist HIA - 0414 994 186
Ged Kearney, ACTU President via Amanda Nguyen 0418 479 455

National Oral Health Alliance seeks commitment to a 5-step plan to save decaying dental care

13 August 2010

The National Oral Health Alliance has written to all political parties urging them to adopt a five-step program, REPAIR, to address the chronically poor state of oral health in Australia.

Over 7 million Australians report they cannot access dental services when they need them. Poor oral health is almost entirely preventable and impacts seriously on other aspects of health and on general wellbeing.

REPAIR provides the building blocks to immediately improve access to dental services while also improving investment in better oral health and emphasising prevention in the longer term.

To REPAIR oral health, governments need to:

1. RE‐vitalise the system;

2. Focus on Prevention and oral health promotion;

3. Improve Access to services;

4. Improve workforce capacity and distribution; and

5. Undertake Research, monitoring and evaluation.

The NOHA believes that an improved oral health system will contribute to greater equity overall in Australia's health system.

"It makes no sense in health terms to quaratine the mouth from the rest of the body," said Tony McBride, Chair, Australian Health Care Reform Alliance.

"Members of the National Oral Health Alliance believe that oral services should be part of the primary care system. With broad community agreement that policy and funding responsibility for all of primary care rests at a federal government level, we need to hear how a future government would improve Australians' oral health," said Prue Power, Executive Director, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association.

The National Oral Health Alliance comprises community, dental and health organisations who are seeking solutions to the poor access to oral services and the poor oral health outcomes experienced by many Australians.

Read the full proposal here: REPAIR: A proposal for the Federal Election from the National Oral Health Alliance

Media Contacts:

Clare Cameron, Australian Council of Social Service, 0419 626 155
Julie Satur, Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists' Association, 0438 776 046
Neil Hewson, President, Australian Dental Association, 0419 344 587
Tony McBride, Chair, Australian Health Care Reform Alliance, 0407 531 468
Prue Power, Executive Director, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, 0417 419 857

www.oralhealth.asn.au  
______________________________
Members: Australian Council of Social Service; Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists' Association; Australian Dental Association; Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association; Australian Health Care Reform Alliance; Australian Nursing Federation; Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health; Brotherhood of St Laurence; Dental Hygienists' Association of Australia Inc; Health Issues Centre; National Rural Health Alliance; Public Health Association Australia.

Relocation Assistance Welcome But New Penalties Would Create Hardship

11 August 2010

ACOSS has welcomed the ALP's announcement today to help disadvantaged workers re-engage with the workforce through relocation incentives, but is concerned that stricter compliance measures will needlessly force jobseekers into hardship and disadvantage.

"More than 300,000 Australians have been on unemployment payments for over 12 months, for reasons such as low skills, few local jobs, age discrimination and disability," said Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Employment services receive an average of just $500 per person to assist long-term unemployed people train and overcome other barriers to work. More must be done to ensure that they too share in the economic recovery.

"ACOSS welcomes the trial program to assist disadvantaged jobseekers with the costs of moving to a secure job, but opposes the proposal to cut them off payments for 12 weeks if the job falls through.

"We have called for and support a voluntary relocation scheme to help jobless people in areas with high unemployment move to areas with better job opportunities.

"Disadvantaged jobseekers are taking a risk in moving away from family and other supports, usually to a place where housing costs are much higher, so assistance for the move, accommodation and other supports at the new address are essential.

"To penalise people with a loss of payments for 12 weeks if they then return home is harsh and counterproductive. It will discourage people from taking up a relocation offer.

"Without any income, people could be left stranded with no means to return home and no money to pay for rent or groceries. It could mean people fall behind in rent and are made homeless, or take on more debts."

The Government also announced breaching penalties that would see payments for jobseekers withheld for failure to attend first and second appointments with Centrelink or Job Services Australia.

"Suspending someone's payment until they comply with benefit requirements is a tough enough, and not restoring the payment even when they do so is too harsh. The goal should be to keep unemployed people engaged with the system, not to punish them afterwards," said Dr Goldie.

"The best way to ensure unemployed people participate in the system is through better employment services that have resources to meet with jobseekers regularly.

"ACOSS advocates a paid work experience scheme which would equip job seekers with on-the-job work skills.

"The proposal that parents on income support would miss out on family payments if they don't bring their children to health checks is discriminatory.

"If all children need health checks, then all parents on family tax benefits should be required to bring their children to them, not only those on income support.

"There is no evidence to suggest the majority of parents on income support are not good or diligent parents, so to target them and not other parents for this requirement is unfair and inconsistent.

Currently, most unemployed people must:

• Look for up to 10 jobs a fortnight
• Report fortnightly to Centrelink
• Meet regularly with their employment service provider
• Stick with their agreed activities (eg training, job search)
• Accept job offers including unskilled jobs

Otherwise they risk losing the allowance for up to 8 weeks. Young people on the Youth Allowance must either be employed or enrolled in training to improve their qualifications ('earn or learn').

Media contact
Clare Cameron | ACOSS | 0419 626 155

Non-Profit Reforms to Help Community Sector get on with Vital Work of Helping Australians

9 August 2010

ACOSS has welcomed the announcement that a re-elected Labor Government would support the non-profit sector by establishing an Office for the Non-Profit Sector, a scoping study for a national non-profit regulator and reducing red tape on contracts.

"Today's announcement is an endorsement of the Government's support for a sustainable and innovative non-profit sector," said Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Australia's vibrant non-profit sector is a vital source of support for people who need help. Last year community services helped 6.5 million Australians. Community organisations help people with disabilities, they assist people find emergency housing; and help young people find skills and training.

"ACOSS has long-advocated for the establishment of a national regulator to guide the activities of the non-profit sector which contributes $43 billion to our economy and employs 8 per cent of the workforce. The Government's announcement of a ‘one-stop-shop' model would be a welcome base from which to undertake much-needed reforms in this area.

"The scoping study to determine the feasibility of the regulator is a great first step to refine the best model for regulation of the sector. The effectiveness of the regulator will depend on the extent to which it has the confidence and support of the sector and ensuring input into the scoping study is an important move.

"The value and comprehensive of the Productivity Commission study demonstrates the need for ongoing approaches to measurement of the contribution of the sector and we welcome this direction in policy."

ACOSS has also supported the establishment of a Standard Chart of Accounts as the first step towards the reduction of red tape agenda.

"Reducing red tape will help both large and small organisations who struggle with the inconsistencies, complexities and confusing elements of regulation of in their activities," said Dr Goldie.

While effective regulation and good evaluation provide opportunities to improve the structure and outcomes of the non-profit sector, ACOSS continues to advocate for sustainable and adequate funding of social services and community sector organisations, including decent wages for the vital services they perform.

We encourage the Coalition to undertake a similar commitment to policies that will allow the community sector be strong, sustainable and independent.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

300 Community Organisations Seek Help To Keep Vital Services Operating

7 August 2010

300 community service organisations across Australia have joined to together in an unprecedented alliance to ask for support from state, territory and federal political parties to commit to funding the vital services they provide to six million Australians each year.

Community organisations kept Australians afloat during the financial crisis. They provide emergency relief services, crisis accommodation, youth employment services, aged and disability care. These organisations help almost a third of Australia's population.

In a statement released today, the organisations say they are in crisis, brought on by years of inadequate funding from private interests and governments that cover only 70% of the funding of contracted services.

The funding shortfall has reduced the ability of organisations to pay adequate wages. An average wage for a community mental health social worker is $42,000, compared with $72,000 for the same job in government or the private sector.

Historically community sector work has been undervalued. 87% of community workers are women and only a small number of organisations have the ability to enter into enterprise bargaining.

In recognition of this inequity, last year the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission awarded pay increases of 18 - 37%. The Queensland Government responded with additional funding of $414 million towards the cost of higher wages.

A landmark equal pay case brought by the Australian Services Union before Fair Work Australia is seeking to address the pay disparity.

Without a commitment for future funding, some organisations may have to close their doors.

"We are asking governments and opposition parties across the country to recognise the vital role of social services in our community and to commit to fund any award increases for the community sector," says the statement.

"The community sector makes a significant contribution to the economy - contributing 6.7% to annual growth, not far behind the 7.1% contribution of Australia's mining industry.

"Without our workers, the services we provide would cease for the 6.5 million Australians who rely on us."

The Victorian Government has already committed to fund the outcomes of the national case. The Commonwealth and ACT governments have also expressed support for the case, but neither they nor the remaining governments and opposition parties have committed to increased funding for pay rises.

"We are unable to pay our community workers what they deserve for the vital work they perform, and are unable to compete with the pay offered by the government and private sectors for doing exactly the same job," says the statement.

"We help people find emergency housing; work in nursing homes; and help young people find skills and training.

"We make sure women and children fleeing domestic violence have somewhere to go; that families who need help with emergency funds can pay their bills."

The organisations have launched a campaign to seek commitments from all those who support the sector, to ensure that the vital work of social services is sustained by paying decent wages to the workers upon whom these services depend.

The campaign has been coordinated by the community sector peak, ACOSS. Print advertising will be run on Saturday 7 August. The Councils of Social Service across the country have written to the federal government and opposition, premiers, chief ministers, and opposition leaders. View the ad here.

Media Contact: ACOSS, State and Territory Councils of Social Service are available to comment: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

FEDERAL ELECTION HAS SO FAR IGNORED TEENAGERS WITHOUT WORK

6 August 2010

The economic downturn has left a legacy of young people facing a future without secure work. Teenage unemployment (15-19 year olds) has hit 30% in 17 regions around Australia, peaking at 52% in North Western Melbourne, says an ACOSS report released today.

Youth welfare organisations say the global financial crisis has left teenagers at high risk of being locked out of the workforce if they are not able to access employment programs that are individually tailored to help them find a job.

Victoria and New South Wales have the highest average teenage unemployment rates in the country at 29% and 26% respectively. The ACOSS report outlines strategies to help young people move back into work including a voluntary relocation program, a stronger compact with young people, and improved income support.

Speaking at Melbourne City Mission this morning, Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO, ACOSS said:

"We call on political parties this election to recognise the high levels of unemployment among teenagers and to strengthen schemes to assist young people into work, such as targeted work experience and training.

"The Government's Compact with Young People, which guarantees education and training for young unemployed people, is the right approach but there are gaps in the Compact such as work-based training and mentoring, and help with relocation.

"‘Get-tough' measures, such as time-limited payments, or forced relocation schemes would hinder, not help, young unemployed Australians."

Major Brad Halse, Communications Director, The Salvation Army Australia (Southern Territory) said:

"We are very concerned at the high levels of young people without work. Most young unemployed people come from low-income backgrounds and their families have very limited resources.

"It is important young people are engaged with the workforce because a lack of paid work impacts on their health, welfare and relationships."

David Thompson, CEO, Jobs Australia said :

"Employment services have a key role to play in assisting young people into work but many services are under-funded and do not have the resources to provide individual attention.

"For example, they are paid just $500 per person to assist long-term unemployed people to train and move back into work."

Policies to assist young people into work include:

1. Strengthening the Compact with Young Australians

The guarantee of training places for young unemployed people should include more training linked to work experience, and all early school leavers on income support should have access to individual guidance and support to choose the right course and complete it.

2. A voluntary relocation scheme

This voluntary scheme would help jobless people in areas with high unemployment move to areas with better job opportunities, including job placement, help with the move and accommodation and other supports at the new address.|

So that Government funds are not wasted, assistance should be targeted to unemployed people whom their Job Services Australia provider identifies as unlikely to get a job without such help. Young unemployed people are taking a risk in moving away from family and other supports, usually to a place where housing costs are much higher, so relocation should not be compulsory. It is also more likely that the move or the job will fall through and public funds will be wasted, if people are forced to relocate.

3. Improve income support

The maximum single rate of Newstart Allowance and other allowance payments should be raised by $45 per week.

Since last year's pension increase did not extend to unemployed people, the gap between Newstart Allowance and the pension, which only provides a frugal living standard, is now $120 per week. Youth Allowance is $42 a week less than Newstart Allowance. Basic living costs are much the same for people of all ages: there are no ‘youth discounts' on rents, food or groceries.

Media Contacts:
Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155
Major Brad Halse, The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory - 0417 537 950
David Thompson, CEO, Jobs Australia - 0419 527 753 

 

Job Assistance for Older Workers is a Good Plan and Should be Extended

4 August 2010

ACOSS has welcomed today's policy announcement from the Coalition to encourage businesses to employ mature-aged workers with a lump sum incentive and is seeking a commitment to extend this subsidy in a targeted way to other jobseekers.

"Younger people who have been searching for work for long periods would also benefit from this scheme. Many people affected by the economic downturn have been unable to find work since," said Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"The Coalition's proposal would encourage businesses to employ older workers who are often discriminated against because of their age.

"Young people who have no history of work also face barriers to work and should be included in this scheme. Youth unemployment is still 14%, which is nearly three times the national average.

"A period of paid work experience helps many unemployed people reconnect with the workforce. Even if the job is temporary, evaluations show the experience of paid work in a regular job can boost people's job prospects.

"To ensure the scheme is targeted to people who otherwise wouldn't get a job, it should be administered by employment services providers.

"Reducing long-term unemployment is one of the most important things governments can do to prevent social exclusion and prevent poverty. Despite a general drop in unemployment, the number of long-term jobless Australians has risen by 30% over the last two years.

"We are calling on all political leaders to put in place a range of programs tailored to the individual needs of long-term unemployed people.

"No one wants to see people having to scrape by on the single unemployment payment which is just $33 per day."

Download ACOSS' election statement, The Contest for a Fairer Australia.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Housing affordability should be centre of election agenda : ACOSS launches election platform

4 August 2010

ACOSS is calling for political leaders to commit to measures to improve the critical shortage of affordable housing in Australia and alleviate the acute financial pressures on low-income people.

Launching its election platform today, ACOSS has called for the establishment of an Affordable Housing Growth Fund to address the shortage of nearly half a million affordable homes. Read the full statement here.

"Australia has some of the most expensive housing in the world. With rents rising dramatically over the past five years in our capital cities, renters on income support payments or low wages are struggling to make ends meet," said Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"A large portion of family budgets are eaten up by housing costs. A parent with two kids who receives $527 per week in payments often must spend over half of this payment on rent. This means there is little buffer to cover prices rises, such as electricity and gas costs.

"The Government has invested substantially in this area through the National Affordable Housing Agreement; the National Rental Affordability Scheme and $6 billion for social housing. ACOSS calls for a commitment to continuing these programs, along with a clear plan to meet housing demand over the long term.

In its election platform, ACOSS has outlined key priorities to build a fair Australia which ensures people on low incomes are not excluded because of social or economic disadvantage.

"ACOSS is also calling on the parties to act to improve the employment and training prospects of the 600,000 people on unemployment payments. Young people, mature workers and sole parents are at risk of being left out of the jobs market as the economy recovers," said Dr Goldie.

"People who already faced disadvantage in the jobs market, such as a disability, being over 50 years old, or living in an area with few jobs, are the last to be employed when the economy improves.

"Australia invests less in employment assistance than most wealthy nations. Employment services receive an average of just $500 per person to assist long term unemployed people to train and overcome their other barriers to work.

ACOSS' Election Platform

Work and income support
Set-up training programs that are tailored, based on the individual needs of a jobseeker (for example paid work experience in a regular job) and to resource employment services providers so they can work intensively with jobseekers.

Reshape income support payments so they are based on the minimum cost of living in Australia. To start closing the gap between different payments, where an unemployed person on $231 receives $109 less per week than a single pensioner, the single Newstart Allowance should be raised by $45 per week.

Housing
Establish an Affordable Housing Growth Fund for future ongoing construction of homes, to increase the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 30%.

Restate a commitment to halving homelessness by 2020.

Oral health
Ensure timely access to oral health care through a universal access scheme that covers a comprehensive dental health check and a basic course of treatment every two years.

Indigenous
Redesign mainstream employment services in remote and regional Indigenous communities and expand the number of fully-funded jobs in remote communities.

Improve national Indigenous health outcomes through investment in the capacity of Aboriginal primary health care services.

Tax
Strengthen the tax system by closing off income tax shelters and loopholes and introduce taxes on mineral resources and land.

Climate change
Introduce a price on carbon which includes adequate compensation for low and middle income earners.

Invest in energy efficiency that readies the community sector, lowers costs of operation and ensure continuity of service.

Strengthening the community sector
Recognise the vital role of social services in our community and commit to fund award increases for community sector workers that flow from the Fair Work equal pay claim.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Helping Hand to Assist Families with the Cost of Teenagers

2 August 2010

ACOSS congratulates the Government on its announcement today to increase family payments to support low-income families with the costs of raising teenage children.

A Gillard Government would increase the maximum payment of Family Tax Benefit A by $150 per fortnight for 16-18 year olds who are at school or in vocational training.

"Families on low incomes rely heavily on family payments to pay for the essentials - food, clothes, school books and housing expenses," said Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Teenagers from families on low incomes are at high risk of leaving education and training if their families are unable to give them financial support.

"Any parent who has raised a teenager knows how the costs can add up. Our research shows a 16-year-old costs $200-$290 a week. Yet when a child turns 16, payments drop to $102 per week.

"ACOSS has long-advocated for a boost to help families with the higher cost of older children, and we welcome the Government's announcement which is estimated to help 650,000 teenagers over the next five years.

"We also call on Government to include families with teenagers on Youth Allowance living at home in this announcement so that no teenager misses out.

"ACOSS calls on all political parties to make election commitments that support people on low incomes and that ensure that no Australian is excluded because of social or economic disadvantage."

Read our short guide on understanding family payments here. ACOSS also submitted a paper to the Henry tax review outlining options for reforming family payments to better protect low income families : click to read: How much does it cost to raise a teenager? Family payments don’t add up.

 Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Stop the Rot: Launch of New Oral Health Campaign

29 July 2010

National community, dental and health organisations have today launched a national campaign, Stop the Rot, calling on political leaders to make an election commitment for urgent action to address the decaying state of Australia's dental care system.

In a statement released today the National Oral Health Alliance calls for more affordable and timely dental services, particularly for low-income Australians who are mostly likely to suffer from poor oral health.

More than seven million Australians can't access dental care when they need it because of long waiting lists and one in three people put off having dental treatment because they can't afford it.

"The health and social impact of poor oral health is immense," the Alliance says in its statement.

"For people with serious oral health problems, nine out of ten experience pain or discomfort and the same proportion have experienced embarrassment due to their teeth, contributing to poor self image, reducing their social interactions and limiting employment prospects.

"It is vital to improve accessibility so that all Australians have equitable access to oral health care.

"While Australians who receive social security payments are entitled to health benefits, long public dental waiting lists are preventing them from accessing dental care. Workers who are underemployed or on low wages are also more likely to have poor access to oral health care.

"People in rural and remote areas commonly wait in excess of two years for general treatment and waiting times are as high as three-and-a-half years in some parts of the country."

The Alliance is seeking a commitment from all political parties in the federal election for direct and effective action to ensure:

• All Australians can access oral health care when they need it.
• That Australia has a well-distributed, self-sufficient and sustainable dental workforce.
• Australia has the national leadership and coordination to ensure an effective preventive oral health strategy.

Read the joint statement here.

Media contacts: 

• Clare Cameron, Australian Council of Social Service, 0419 626 155
• Julie Satur, Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists' Association, 0438 776 046
• Neil Hewson, President, Australian Dental Association, 0419 344 587
• Tony McBride, Chair, Australian Health Care Reform Alliance, 0407 531 468
• Prue Power, Executive Director, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, 0417 419 857

National Oral Health Alliance
The National Oral Health Alliance has come together to seek solutions to the poor access to services and oral health outcomes experienced by many Australians.

• Association of Population Oral Health
• Australian Council of Social Service
• Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists' Association
• Australian Dental Association
• Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association
• Australian Health Care Reform Alliance
• Australian Nursing Federation
• Australian Pensioners and Superannuants' Federation
• Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health
• Brotherhood of St Laurence
• Dental Hygienists' Association of Australia Inc
• Health Issues Centre
• National Rural Health Alliance
• Public Health Association Australia

www.oralhealth.asn.au

Call for a Cross-Party Commitment to Help Homeless Australians

21 July 2010

ACOSS has called on political leaders to confirm their policies on homelessness and ensure that all Australians have a safe place to sleep. New figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released today show 62% of people seeking crisis housing accommodation were turned away.

"With 105,000 Australians unable to find a bed on any given night, ACOSS calls for a cross-party commitment to halve homelessness by 2020," said Tony Westmore, Acting CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

The AIHW reports that in 2008-09 families were the group most likely to be turned away from crisis housing. An average of 80% of couples with children, 75% of couples without children and 69% of individuals with children who requested emergency accommodation were turned away.

"It is critical that there is a long-term commitment to prevent and respond to homelessness through supporting specialist emergency services," said Mr Westmore.

"ACOSS supports the steps taken by federal, state and territory governments over the last two years to implement the strategies outlined in the Federal Government's White Paper on homelessness, The Road Home. These policies include early intervention, expanded and well-connected services, and breaking the cycle by moving people from crisis accommodation into stable housing.

"Substantial investment in affordable housing and a strong social housing system are vital to alleviating the pressures on crisis housing services.

"ACOSS has strongly supported the Government's stimulus spending of $6 billion on social housing to build 19,200 dwellings as a first step to reducing the drastic shortfall in affordable dwellings.

"We have also called for a future growth fund for housing with an initial down-payment of $750 million and sustained long-term ongoing funding.

"To alleviate the stress on private renters, and help prevent homelessness, ACOSS has also called for a 30% increase in the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Election Should be a Contest for a Fairer Australia

19 July 2010

The federal election campaign is a time for our political leaders to set an agenda for a nation where all Australians have equal access to services are not excluded because of social or economic disadvantage, says ACOSS.

"As the economy recovers many Australians are being left behind. This is not a universally lucky country and too many of us struggle with unemployment and poverty," said Tony Westmore, Acting CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Despite better economic conditions, many Australians are still finding it difficult to find work. The number of people who rely on unemployment payments long-term has risen by 30% over the last two years and this figure will continue to increase.

"Entrenched unemployment has a devastating impact on the health, welfare and relationships of individuals and communities. There are still very high levels of unemployment among our young people, our older workers and our low skilled workers.

"We must commit to supporting unemployed Australians into work through programs such as ACOSS' proposal for a paid work experience scheme which would equip job seekers with on-the-job work skills.

"Also adding to pressure on budgets is the escalating cost of housing in Australia. With rents in major cities rising significantly over the last year, and stock in low supply, high housing costs put huge pressures on household budgets.

"Nearly five million Australians can't get the dental care they need when they need it. Poor dental health affects general health and contributes to poor self image, reduces social interactions and limits employment prospects.

"ACOSS supports caution and restraint in Government spending. We also believe that Australia can afford to alleviate poverty and disadvantage. ACOSS calls on our political leaders to strengthen Australia's social inclusion through equity and fairness in the upcoming campaign."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Green Start Scheme to Help Low-Income Households Save Energy

8 July 2010

ACOSS has welcomed today's announcement of the Green Start program which is targeted at assisting low-income Australians improve their household energy and water efficiency.

"Households on low and fixed incomes are vulnerable to increases in energy and water prices," said Tony Westmore, Acting CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Low-income earners spend, on average, double the proportion of their total weekly household budget on power and water than wealthier households.

"The Green Start program should see increased energy efficiency in low-income households leading to lower utility bills and reduced carbon emissions.

"Utility prices have increased at rates well beyond other goods and services in recent years. Low-income households are forced to cover these costs by cutting back on other essential goods like groceries, or chose not to heat their homes.

"Households with tight budgets have little financial capacity to find the extra dollars to improve the efficiency of their homes, such as such as new showerheads, insulation, new hot water systems or rainwater tanks.

Community sector organisations can apply for funding in the second round to deliver the Green Start program.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Government urged to stay the course on financial advice reform

5 July 2010

CHOICE, ACOSS, the Consumer Action Law Centre and Industry Super Network today called on the Federal Government to ‘stay the course' and fully implement the "Future of Financial Advice" reform package, announced in April by Minister Chris Bowen.

Industry information sessions are being held by Treasury, starting this week across Australia, on the regulatory and legislative reform agenda. However, representatives of consumers and industry super funds are concerned that the banks and financial planning industry are seeking a considerable dilution of the reforms.

The four organisations' view is that the government's "Future of Financial Advice" package is a moderate and reasonable set of reforms that were developed in response to a series of major financial scandals including Storm Financial. The findings of the Parliamentary Inquiry chaired by Mr Bernie Ripoll into these scandals were unequivocal in concluding that reform was necessary to improve the quality of financial advice provided to Australian consumers.

In a joint statement, ACOSS, CHOICE, ISN and the Consumer Action Law Centre said today that the reform package was critically important to rebuilding consumer confidence in the financial advice industry.

"The reforms aim to rebuild consumer confidence in financial planning by increasing consumer protection and leading transformation from an industry to a profession.

"If these reforms are to be successful in improving consumer trust and confidence in and access to financial planning, it is critical that all measures that were announced are implemented.

"The package is moderate and pragmatic. It achieves the necessary reforms while providing financial planners generous transition arrangements.

"Since these reforms have been announced there has been significant lobbying and public pressure applied by the financial planning and wealth management industry - including banks, product providers, platform providers and fund managers - to water down aspects of the reform package. The Government should ensure that banks and other large financial institutions are not successful in their efforts to build loopholes into the reforms.

"We can see no reason to treat risk insurance advice differently to other forms of financial advice."

The coalition of organisations also said that the introduction of a fiduciary obligation for financial advisers to act in the best interests of their clients was long overdue and had been welcomed by most financial planners.

"Our organisations strongly believe that the 'opt in' requirement (for a financial adviser to get a client's annual consent to continue charging any ongoing fee) is central to the fiduciary obligation to act in the client's best interests and is the only mechanism that enables asset based advice fees to be compatible with a financial adviser's best interests obligation.

"If an adviser is providing ongoing advice to a client then it should not be an administrative burden to obtain the client's consent each year to the fee arrangements.

"The banning of other conflicted remuneration forms - including a ban on trail commissions and receipt of any volume based payments or rebates by licensees or planners - are also critical if financial advice is to be provided impartially and free from product bias.

"These reforms will not be effective in eliminating conflicts of interest which have been so damaging to the financial planning industry and to Australian consumers unless all announced measures are implemented."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, 0419 626 155

Blanket Welfare Reforms Gamble with Disadvantaged Communities

22 June 2010

The Australian Council of Social Service is deeply concerned the compulsory income management scheme, passed by the majority parties in the Senate last night, will alienate people on income support and do little to assist people overcome social issues.

"This poorly targeted, expensive scheme is a gamble with the daily lives of people on the lowest incomes, and a gamble with taxpayers funds," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"The scheme is broader than most people realise. It could cover all income support recipients, including age, disability and carer pensioners, who live in areas designated by the Minister.

"The policy puts finite resources into micro-managing people's daily finances, rather than funding programs including employment assistance, drug and alcohol programs that achieve direct outcomes.

"Compulsory income management will do little to help people move off income support and into employment or training.

"The Government is willing to gamble $410 million over the next five years to manage 20,000 people in the Northern Territory. Per head, this is eight times the amount - just $500 - provided to an employment services provider to help someone find a job.

"The limited consultation on income management for the poorest Australians is in stark contrast to the attention given to the mining industry over their opposition to the mining tax.

"Along with many of our members and Indigenous organisations in the Northern Territory, ACOSS sees a useful role for income management where individuals or communities choose to use it. It then becomes a tool for them to help overcome entrenched social problems rather than a clumsy imposition from Canberra.

"This Bill only partially reinstates the Racial Discrimination Act, leaving parts of the Northern Territory Intervention still in breach of human rights, including compulsory leases of Aboriginal lands. ACOSS calls on Government to reinstate the Act in full, and as soon as possible.

"Income management will apply automatically to people on certain payments in regions nominated by the Minister, regardless of how well they manage their money and care for their children. It will start in the Northern Territory and extend progressively to disadvantaged communities across the country.

"It is disappointing that the major parties have approved such a radical and harmful change to our social security system with so little public consultation and debate. We commend the work of the Australian Greens which is the only party to have consistently opposed this legislation in the Parliament."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Income Management Net Widened

17 June 2010

ACOSS will tell a Federal Government consultation in Sydney tomorrow that some age, disability and carer pensioners who live in areas designated by the Minister would come under the income management scheme.

Under draft guidelines the net would be cast well beyond people on those payments who are victims of domestic violence or 'humbugging'.

"The guidelines detail the rollout of the scheme and have widened the definition of a "vulnerable" person so it could potentially apply to anyone on income support payments who lives in designated area," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Centrelink social workers could apply income management to people they identify as being under financial stress, experiencing homelessness, suffering domestic violence, under pressure to hand their money to others, or with mental health issues.

"Most people who depend on income support are under financial stress, including many pensioners, carers, unemployed people and sole parents. If you are a single unemployed person living on just $230 a week, or a single pensioner on $350 a week, it is highly likely are experiencing financial stress.

"We fear that people will not seek help from Centrelink with emergency relief, homelessness, or domestic violence services in case income management applies to their payments.

"Income management can assist people manage their budgets, but it should be a choice made by individuals or communities, not imposed by government in blanket fashion to anyone who is living in a disadvantaged area and either receives a particular payment or is deemed by a social worker to be 'vulnerable'.

"Under the draft guidelines, parents seeking exemptions from income management would have to jump through so many hoops that many will simply give up."

Parents would have to pass a detailed test of their budgeting skills and answer 46 intrusive financial questions - a checklist that is more complex than the average mortgage application.

They would also have to 'prove' to Centrelink that they are good parents, for example by sending their children to playgroups, daycare centres or kinder-gym. Many middle income families would fail these detailed and intrusive tests.

"We are calling on the Federal Government to halt this scheme. There is little evidence to show compulsory income management assists people overcome disadvantage. The $410 million over five years should go toward programs that help people build skills and move into work," said Ms Martin.

ACOSS' submission to the consultation, and a new analysis of the scheme are available here.

Australia needs a robust tax system with fair and efficient taxation of mining super profits

14 June 2010

Joint Statement

National organisations representing social and community sector, unions, environmental and consumer groups have called for the voices of ordinary Australians to be heard in a tax debate that has been dominated by powerful vested mining interests.

Reform of mining tax is a key recommendation from the Henry Report to strengthen the tax system and meet the challenges of tomorrow's Australia, including population ageing, climate change, and social infrastructure.

This is essential to improve the fairness and efficiency of Australia's tax system and strengthen the national economy.

Australian and State and Territory Governments must make better use of the fairest and least economically harmful taxes. A resource profits tax is a major first step in that direction.

Australia should not be diverted from the path to fair tax reform.

The Henry review was set up because the present tax system needs urgent reform.

Key reforms to improve fairness also include more consistent tax treatment of investment income; a fairer distribution of tax breaks for superannuation contributions; land and housing tax reform to improve affordability; and the closure of tax avoidance loopholes.

If we baulk at necessary reforms now and muddle though with the present system, future Australian Governments will not be able to raise the revenue to meet the community's needs without shifting more of the burden onto ordinary wage earners and harming the economy.

The strong demand for our resource exports has sent resource prices soaring and delivered windfall profit gains to the big mining companies.

There is both need and capacity to raise more tax revenue from this boom, and to use it to build a stronger, more sustainable economy and a fairer Australian society.

Fair and efficient taxation of Australia's natural resources is critical if all Australians are to obtain lasting benefits from the nation's mineral wealth.

The case for resource tax reform is clear-cut. Any design and implementation details of the new Resources Super Profits Tax will be resolved through consultation.

The implementation of the RSPT should create a demonstrable net environmental benefit and commit a share of the revenue raised to sustainable infrastructure investments through Infrastructure Australia.

As national community sector organisations, we call on all parties to engage with the government and resolve these matters in the national interest, and for the wider community to be allowed into the debate.

ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence said:

"These reforms will benefit all Australians and they should have a say in this debate, not just mining executives. It's wrong for billionaires to hijack this debate and hold the country to ransom with their $100 million scare campaign.

"By opposing the RSPT, mining magnates are putting at jeopardy improved superannuation savings for the workforce of more than 10 million, billions of dollars of infrastructure spending that our nation needs, and a cut to the company tax rate for 770,000 businesses.

"The RSPT misinformation being spruiked by the big miners is a disgrace. The big miners and their CEOs have been pocketing the fruits of the minerals boom for years - it's time ordinary Australians got a fairer share. After all, the nation's minerals belong to all of us."

ACOSS CEO Clare Martin said:

"Australia needs a stronger tax base, including a national tax on use of Australia's mineral resources, to fund services for the community especially as our population ages. Taxes on resources are a fair and economically efficient way to raise revenue.

Sustainable tax reform should also be built on a fairer share of superannuation tax breaks for low and middle income earners, and changes to land and housing taxes to improve housing affordability.

ACF Strategies Director Charles Berger said:

"Australia's mineral resources are owned by the public, and the mining industry receives hefty subsidies from government, so it's fair to expect that mining profits will be shared with the public and invested into a sustainable future.

In the final design of the RSPT, the Government must demonstrate that the policy will have a net environmental benefit. In particular, the Government should ensure there will not be tax refunds to mining projects in the event of environmental disasters, and should phase out subsidies for exploration and fossil fuel intensive activities as the Henry Review recommended.

The revenue from a resources tax should be invested in renewable energy and other sustainable infrastructure for Australia. Funds could be administered through Infrastructure Australia to ensure broad public and environmental benefits, rather than handed back to the mining industry through exploration rebates or mining infrastructure projects."

CFA Chair Catriona Lowe said:

"The RSPT is good policy - a tax on resources should be part of a sound tax base - and it comes with some off-sets in other parts of the tax-base, so it has the added virtue of rebalancing a base out of kilter.

"Unlike many other products, the resources aren't mobile - they are in the ground. Australian ground. All Australians should benefit from this luck of geography, not just a well-heeled few."

The organisations making this joint statement co-operate in the Community Tax Forum to promote broad public engagement in the national tax reform debate.

Media contact: Clare Cameron: 0419 626 155

Welcome Drop in Unemployment Rate, but Long-Term Jobseekers Still Struggling

11 June 2010

ACOSS welcomes the drop in the unemployment rate of 0.2 pts to 5.2% in May and calls for more assistance for long-term jobseekers to reconnect to the workforce.

"The drop in unemployment and the addition of 26,900 jobs to the economy are really positive signs for Australians looking for work," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Despite these strong signs of recovery, long-term joblessness continues to rise. In April, there were around 360,000 Australians on Newstart or Youth Allowance for over 12 months, which is a 27% increase on last year. Long-term unemployment is a delayed indicator of an economic downturn and we expect this figure will increase further over the next year.

"People who have been out of the workforce for many months, or years, often require intensive assistance to move back to work.

"ACOSS is calling for the introduction of a paid work experience program for long-term unemployed people to transition participants into mainstream employment. Based on experience in a real job, the program would improve the confidence of jobseekers, as well as build job skills and networks that will assist with job search.

"Australians looking for work also need an adequate income while they look for work. A single unemployed person receives just $231 per week which barely covers the costs of basic essentials. ACOSS is advocating for a lift in this payment of $45 per week."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Campaign Kicks Off to Support Equal Pay for Community Workers

8 June 2010

ACOSS today launched a new campaign in support of the landmark equal wage case to lift the pay rates and conditions of 200,000 community sector workers.

ACOSS is encouraging its members, and other community organisations, to support the campaign by signing onto a joint statement of support. The statement calls for state and federal governments, and non-government funders, to commit to full funding of any pay increases that result from the case.

"Community sector workers provide vital assistance to over 6.5 million Australians in services such as youth refuges, homeless shelters, family counselling, and community legal centres," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Low wages have meant the community sector has suffered workforce shortages and struggled to attract and retain well-qualified staff. 71% of respondents in our annual survey of the community sector reported low wages were a key difficulty in hiring staff.

"If wages do not improve, we will not be able to sustain our workforce and organisations will not be able to continue their crucial work. Our workforce is aging and low salaries will make it even harder to replace workers who retire.

The test case, currently before Fair Work Australia, follows in the steps of a Queensland court decision to lift pay rates for state community workers by 18% - 37%.

ACOSS will continue to advocate for full funding of any wage decision in this case. You can support our campaign by signing onto our joint sector of support:

click here to read the statement and email Tessa Boyd-Caine (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) to join.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Welcome Boost for Lowest Paid Workers

3 June 2010

ACOSS has welcomed today's Fair Work Australia decision to increase the federal minimum wage by $26 per week.

"Around 1.4 million Australians depend on the minimum wage, and we welcome today's increase which will help people on the lowest wages keep pace with the increasing cost of living," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Minimum wages dropped behind average wages by over 6% following last year's minimum wage freeze. Low-paid workers have not received an increase a wage increase for the last 17 months and this is a strong first step to restore the real value of the minimum wage.

"Minimum wages, plus the social security system, are an important safety net to ensure a decent living standard and prevent poverty.

"Today's decision to increase the weekly minimum wage to $569.90 will help workers pay for increased housing costs, transport, childcare and basics essentials like food and electricity.

"Many workers in the community sector receive minimum wages. ACOSS supports a major pay equity claim for community sector workers which is currently before Fair Work Australia. This wage claim is critical for the future sustainability of community services."

Who depends on the Minimum Wage?*

• 52% of low paid employees are women compared with 45% of the overall workforce
• 630,000 young employees under 21 years are paid at or less than the adult minimum wage
• 40% of people paid below the minimum worked in five industries - business services, accommodation cafes and restaurants, community services, personal and home goods retailing, and agriculture.

ACOSS' submission to Fair Work Australia called for a substantial increase to at least maintain the real value of the minimum wage and to start to catch-up the with wage increases awarded to workers nationally. Read the submission here.

*Healy & Richardson 2006, Updated profile of the minimum wage workforce in Australia, Report for Fair Pay Commission, National Institute of Labour Studies.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

ACOSS Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

2 June 2010

Cassandra Goldie has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of ACOSS, the nation's peak council of the community and social services sector.

"The ACOSS Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Cassandra Goldie as CEO and we look forward to her joining the highly professional team at ACOSS to progress its social justice agenda for Australia," said Simon Schrapel, ACOSS President.

"Cassandra comes to ACOSS from the Australian Human Rights Commission where as Director of the Sex and Age Discrimination Unit she played a pivotal role in the inquiry into pay equity and paid parental leave.

"Cassandra's impressive leadership, public advocacy credentials and her track record in policy and management make her ideally suited to this position. She has an extensive career in the community sector in Australia and internationally working in the human rights, law and justice fields."

Cassandra has previously been the Director of the Homelessness Legal Rights Project at UNSW, a consultant to UN Habitat, Solicitor in Charge of Client Services with Legal Aid in Western Australia and Executive Officer of the Darwin Community Legal Service.

Cassandra has also been President of NTCOSS and Board Member of ACOSS (2001-2002) and was an ACOSS Law and Justice Policy Advisor (2000-2006).

Cassandra will take up the position in July 2010, replacing Clare Martin who has successfully led the organisation over the past two years. Clare Martin has been appointed a Professorial Fellow with The Northern Institute, a new research and development enterprise with Charles Darwin University.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

New pilot program to help long-term job-seekers welcomed

25 May 2010

ACOSS has welcomed the Government's new Local Connections to Work initiative which will bring together employment, advice and support services to help disadvantaged job-seekers move into work.

"This new program is a great step toward helping disadvantaged job-seekers who are often juggling a range of serious problems, like homelessness, poor health and financial stresses, that make job search difficult," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Bringing together employment and community assistance services should make it easier for disadvantaged job-seekers to get the help the need as they move between services."

The program will bring together supports including financial assistance, advocacy, housing, employment and health support services, education and counselling into one location.

"Tailored, personalised programs which actively help people into work are more likely to lead to better employment and personal outcomes than blanket approaches like compulsory income management," said Ms Martin.

"Income management targets long-term jobseekers and does not take personal circumstances into account. The $410 million which will be spent on income management over the next five years would be better directed into programs such as the Local Connections to Work programs that actively help people find work."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Pathway to surplus and investment in primary healthcare welcomed but not enough help for unemployed

12 May 2010

ACOSS has welcomed the release of the Federal Budget which forecasts an earlier-than-expected return to surplus and unemployment declining faster than predicted.

"The resource rental tax has created an economically sensible way for the Government to fund services for the community, especially services for the most vulnerable Australians.

"The $2.2 billion for more GPs and to improve primary healthcare is a significant investment that will assist Australians have better access to affordable healthcare," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Dental care remains the critical gap. 2.3 million Australians go without dental care because they cannot afford it. Universal access to oral healthcare is vital so that all Australians can have dental care when they need it.

"We applaud the Government's commitment to literacy and the investment of $119 million for a literacy and numeracy skills program which will go some of the way to assist jobseekers into work or training.

"With over 600,000 Australians out of work, ACOSS is disappointed to see there is not more support for Australians looking for work, especially for the 350,000 people who have been without work for over a year.

"This Budget has meant little for unemployed Australians who still must survive on $33 per day. Unemployment has devastating effects for individuals and the whole community. It is too important an issue to overlook."

ACOSS has been advocating for the single Newstart payment to be lifted to $39 per day, or $276 per week.

"The $120 weekly gap between pensions and allowances has caused disincentives for people on disability support payments to move into work. If these payments were equalised, there would be less need for measures such as the push to restrict access to the disability support pension," said Ms Martin.

"Low-income people will benefit from the introduction of standard deductions for tax returns as they are less likely to routinely claim deductions. But the 50% tax discount on savings is unlikely to be much of a positive as a person needs to have $20,000 in savings for this measure to make a difference.

ACOSS continues to strongly support the $5.6 billion investment in social housing that was introduced in the stimulus packages. We expressed our disappointment that the Government did not take up the Henry Review's recommendations to tackle affordable housing where there is a critical shortage of 251,000 homes.

One recommendation that could have been implemented in this Budget was an increase to rent assistance. ACOSS has proposed an increase of $15 per week for those on the highest rate to protect low-income earners cope with rising rents.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

 

ACOSS calls on Government to help unemployed Australians in federal budget

10 May 2010

ACOSS is looking to tomorrow's Federal Budget to provide assistance to unemployed Australians and is urging the Government to introduce a paid work experience scheme and lift unemployment payment rates.

"Over 600,000 Australians are currently out of work and they need targeted assistance to help them reconnect to the workforce," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Many of Australia's jobless are young people who require appropriate and well-targeted training and supports to help them into work.

"ACOSS is advocating for the introduction of a paid work experience program for long-term unemployed people which is designed to transition participants into mainstream employment. The program would improve the confidence of jobseekers, as well as build job skills and networks that will assist with job search.

"Unemployed Australians need assistance to move into work and an adequate income while they look for work.

"The Newstart allowance is less than half the minimum wage and we are calling on Government to lift the single base unemployment payments by $45 per week. This would mean a single person would receive $276 per week, instead of the inadequate $231 per week currently received.

"A boost to the Newstart payment would assist people pay for the rising costs of groceries, rent and power."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Low-Income Renters need a Helping Hand in Tuesday’s Budget

7 May 2010

The recommendations of the Henry review to improve housing affordability and assist low-income private renters should be taken up in Tuesday's Budget, says the Australian Council of Social Service.

"Rising housing costs are putting increasing pressures on low-income Australians who are struggling to make ends meet in a tight rental market," said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS.

"The Henry review identified what low-income renters have known for years - rent assistance is too low for many people to secure adequate housing.

"ACOSS is urging Government to take up the Henry review proposal to increase rent assistance and link maximum rates to market rents.

"We have asked for a 30% increase in rent assistance for low-income households which is about $15 per week.

"The Henry review notes that a single unemployed person spends about half of their payments on rent, leaving them with little left for other living expenses.

"Rent assistance levels have fallen behind market rates. The Henry review notes that over the last three years annual rents have risen at an annual rate of 10 per cent, yet rent assistance has increased by only 2.7 per cent."

"Housing affordability is too important to be shelved without an ongoing commitment.

"ACOSS is also calling on Government to on its build on its excellent $6 billion social housing program and establish an Affordable Housing Growth Fund. This fund would start with a down-payment of $750 million in this year's Budget," said Ms Martin.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Time for a new National Regulator for Non-Profit Organisations

5 May 2010

ACOSS is calling on the Federal Government to adopt recommendations of the Henry Review and the Productivity Commission in next week's Budget to establish a new national, independent commission to regulate the non-profit sector.

"Australia's diverse and vibrant non-profit sector adds $43 billion to our economy and employs 8 per cent of workers," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"This important economic contribution requires national oversight by an independent ASIC-style body which would monitor, advise and gather data on non-profit organisations.

"It is time for the non-profit sector to have a more streamlined regulation framework that has applied to the business sector for many years."

ACOSS has written to the Prime Minister and Treasurer asking for the regulator to be established without delay.

"The Henry Review and the Productivity Commission have both recognised the pressing need for a new national non-profit regulator to reduce complexity and compliance costs on organisations.

"Currently the regulatory framework is uncoordinated at Commonwealth and state/territory levels, making it complex and costly for organisations to meet their reporting requirements.

"A regulator has had widespread support across the community sector for over a decade and its adoption is long over-due."

Operating as a ‘one-stop shop' for regulation, the regulator would oversee tax concessions, submission of corporate and financial information, and register national fundraising activities. The regulator would also modernise the definition of a charity, which is currently based on a outdated, irrelevant definition.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

A Fairer Tax System: Some important steps but further to go

2 May 2010

ACOSS welcomes today's release of the Australia's Future Tax System report which has set a framework for a fairer, more sustainable tax system for the Australian community, but is disappointed that Government has ruled out a number of its key recommendations.

"Hard decisions need to be taken to build a strong economy for the future and support services for the community. In not taking some of those tough decisions, Government has missed an important opportunity," Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

ACOSS is today responding to four key areas in the Henry Report which covers both the tax and transfer system.

Superannuation

"For over a decade ACOSS has advocated replacing the flat 15% tax on super contributions with a simpler, fairer tax rebate. We are pleased the Henry report has adopted this proposal," said Ms Martin.

"Today Government has taken an initial step forward to make it easier for low-income Australians to save for retirement with its $500 annual contribution for workers up to $37,000.

"However the increase in the threshold in super contributions to $50,000 is a step backwards because it restores tax breaks for high-income earners.

We urge Government to implement these Henry recommendations for a super system that helps low-income Australians save for retirement."

Housing Affordability

"Housing affordability is a critical issue for all Australians, especially those on low incomes," said Ms Martin.

"Presently the tax system inflates housing prices while the social security system does not provide adequate assistance for people struggling in the private rental market.

"The Henry Report proposals would help alleviate the housing affordability crisis through increases in private rent assistance. Proposals to reduce rental support for public tenants are concerning but these have been ruled out by Government.

"Government's decision not to adopt key changes to tax treatment of housing including land tax, are disappointing because they benefit people with housing wealth at the expense of middle and lower income people trying to break into the market.

"Housing affordability is too important to be shelved without an ongoing commitment."

Transfers

"Although the Henry report acknowledges the present split between pensions and allowance payments is unfair, complex and discourages workforce participation, its proposals do not resolve this fundamental unfairness," said Ms Martin.

"ACOSS welcomes proposals to reduce the payment gap by increasing the single Newstart rate and indexing it above CPI.

"ACOSS has argued this would require an increase in the single Newstart allowance of $45 per week, increasing it from $231 to $276 per week. ACOSS has proposed this for the upcoming Federal Budget.

"This is a complex and sensitive area especially for people already on payments. We urge Government to commit to simplifying the system and to consult widely with the community.

"No group should be worse off and those in deepest poverty should be better off as a result of these reforms.

"People with disabilities required to work part-time and some families with a part-time second earner would have better work incentives if Henry's proposals to reform income tests are adopted."

Community Services

"While there have been strong recommendations from both the Henry Report and Productivity Commission to establish a national Charities Commission to oversee non-profit regulation, we are disappointed this has not yet been adopted by Government.

A Charities Commission is supported by the not-for-profit sector and we strongly urge Government to establish one.

"However we welcome the important assurance from Government it will not support any changes to tax concessions that will harm community services organisations."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

What will the Henry Report mean for Low-Income Australians?

30 April 2010

ACOSS is looking to the Henry Review to recommend targeted changes to ease hardship among Australians on income support payments and make it easier for people to move into work.

"The Henry Review is a once-in-a-generation chance to reform working-age income support payments, which cost the Government about $30 billion every year," said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS.

"ACOSS has proposed a new system where all Australians of working age are paid the same base payment rate. Payments would be topped up for extra costs, such as rent, disability, caring, education and training.

"This would end an inequitable system that discourages people from looking for work and pays people at different levels regardless of their circumstances."

Under the ACOSS proposal, couples would receive 1.5 times the single rate and would cover payments for disability support pensioners, carers, sole parents, unemployed people and students.

"There is no justification for paying people in the same circumstances different amounts. One level of payment for all people of working age would be simpler and more equitable," said Ms Martin.

"Currently some payments are $120 per week less than others. This is not equitable and means people are discouraged from looking for work as they fear ending up on lower unemployment payments.

"The base payment would be based on a Minimum Standard of Living - what it actually costs to live basically, but decently, in Australia. That's likely to be more than the $230 per week a single unemployed adult receives on the Newstart Allowance."

ACOSS has released its five benchmarks for equitable social security reforms, asking whether the Henry report will:
1. Equalise core social security payments for people of working age (pensions and allowances)?
2. Propose new supplements for people with disabilities, sole parent families, and job search and training expenses?
3. Increase in Family Tax Benefits and Youth Allowances to prevent poverty among families with older children?
4. Reform social security income tests to encourage unemployed people to seek part time and casual jobs?
5. Simplify income testing and taxation for pensioners?

Read the benchmarks here.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, 0419 626 155 

10 Points to Watch out for in the Henry Tax Review

28 April 2010

ACOSS today released ten critical questions that should be answered by the Henry tax review to ensure Australia builds an equitable and efficient tax system with enough revenue for the community in the future.

"The Henry review has a once-in-a-generation chance to lock-in key reforms to guarantee there is adequate public revenue to fund services and income support needed by Australians as the population ages," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"The tax treatment of housing and superannuation in particular should be scrutinised. There are generous tax concessions for these assets which benefit people with substantial wealth at the expense of Australians on low incomes.

"ACOSS is also looking to the Henry report to recommend for measures to ensure that revenue is raised on people's ability to pay tax, not their ability to game the system."

ACOSS will be looking for the following ten questions to be addressed by the Henry report: :

1. Does the report propose to increase public revenue as the population ages to meet the growing cost of health and disability services?

2. Would the taxation of superannuation be fairer?

3. Would the tax treatment of housing be fairer?

4. Are opportunities for people to arrange their financial affairs to avoid income tax curbed?

5. Would investment incomes (e.g. capital gains and interest) be taxed more consistently, and would this be achieved by raising or lowering overall taxes on investments?

6. Would business pay more or less tax overall?

7. Would the tax treatment of charities be placed on a fair and secure footing?

8. Would the proposed system be fair between generations?

9. Would the proposed system improve work incentives?

10. Would the proposed system be simpler?

Read the full list and detail here

As the peak body for the community sector, ACOSS has made a number of submissions to the Henry tax review which are available here. 

Further CPRS Delay too costly for Jobs; Environment; Global Action

28 April 2010

The Southern Cross Climate Coalition (SCCC) has expressed deep disappointment about the shelving of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) and warned Australia could not afford to stall its contribution to global action.

The SCCC said: "Australian businesses, jobs and investors have had a decade of delay in effective climate policy. Meanwhile, clean energy industries and jobs have been lost to competitors in China, South Korea, and Europe where ambitious clean energy policies are being implemented.

"Since October last year more than 150 new measures have been announced globally to reduce climate pollution and 32 countries now have emissions trading schemes. Around US$200 billion is expected to be invested in clean energy solutions, in 2010.

"All political parties and many business leaders are responsible for jeopardising efforts to make the transition to a clean energy economy and growing Australian clean-energy jobs, investment and industries.

"Shelving serious efforts to reduce Australia's climate pollution diminishes the positive role that Australia can play in global climate negotiations which will ultimately increase climate and economic risk to the nation.

"Both parties who have backed the 2020 target ranges for emission reductions now need to explain how these are to be achieved at lowest cost without an economy-wide price signal such as an emissions trading scheme."

All political parties should revisit their policies to:

1. Turn around our still rising climate pollution in the life of the next Government (i.e before 2013) and establish credible plans to achieve at least the 25 per cent reduction target by 2020.

2. Encourage investment, jobs and profits in clean energy and other climate solutions.

3. Make large companies responsible for their climate pollution by limiting and pricing emissions.

4. Implement a carbon price through an emission trading scheme in 2011 at the latest.

5. Ensure support for low income and vulnerable households as we move to put a price on climate pollution and experience greater climate change impacts.

6. Establish additional incentives for companies to overcome non-price barriers to invest in large scale investment in clean energy technologies, jobs and industries.
7. Help households and businesses use energy more efficiently so the whole economy can catch up with other countries that are doing more to avoid costly energy wastage.

The SCCC is comprised of ACOSS, ACTU; The Climate Institute, Australian Conservation Foundation and WWF.

Call For Henry to Overhaul Income Support and Introduce one Payment Rate

15 April 2010

ACOSS is calling for the introduction of a single base payment rate for all people of working age on income support to fix problems in the current system where some people are paid $120 per week less than others.

In a report released today, ACOSS says payments to over 2 million Australians - disability support pensioners, carers, sole parents, unemployed people and students - should be overhauled.

Base payments would be topped up for extra costs, such as rent, disability, caring, education and training. Couples would receive 1.5 times the single rate.

"What's the sense in paying people in the same circumstances different amounts?" said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS. "One level of payment for all people of working age would be simpler and more equitable.

"Top-ups for job search and training costs, like phone bills and text books would act as an immediate encouragement for unemployed people to seek work or training.

"The Henry Review is a once-in-a-generation chance to achieve these reforms and we encourage the Government to look closely at our proposal. The Government currently spends about $30 billion per year on these payments.

"The base payment would be based on a Minimum Standard of Living - what it actually costs to live basically, but decently, in Australia. That's likely to be more than the $230 per week a single unemployed adult receives on the Newstart Allowance."

"We owe it to low-income Australians to put into place a safety net that is straightforward and responsive to people's changing needs over time," said Ms Martin.

"There are penalties built into the current system which discourage people from seeking work. For example, a person on a disability support pension faces a drop in their weekly income of $120 per week if they decide to move into work but end up on unemployment payments.

"We propose that income tests be redesigned to encourage more people to take on part-time and casual work. For example people could average their income over more than a fortnight when they get a casual job."

The paper, Out of the Maze: a better social security system for people of working age, has been released today ahead of the Henry Review into tax and transfers. Download here.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

ACOSS Welcomes PM’s Energy Efficiency Initiative

30 March 2010

ACOSS welcomes today's announcement of the Prime Minister's Task Group on Energy Efficiency as a significant step forward to coordinate action and strengthen Australia's energy future.

"With energy prices rising by over 20% around the country last year, Australians on fixed and low incomes have been hit hard," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Improved household energy efficiency means lower consumption and lower bills for these essential services. With the cost of electricity and gas predicted to double over the next five years, low-income households will struggle to keep up.

"ACOSS congratulates the Government for prioritising energy efficiency as a way to lower energy bills and carbon pollution and improve health and wellbeing.

"We welcome the opportunities for economic and community development that flow from this nationwide project. We support efforts to build industry and employment in areas that promote energy efficiency and ease the transition to low carbon futures. "

ACOSS will advise the Task Group on household energy efficiency measures. Our work in the National Energy Market shows there are considerable efficiency gains to be made across the industry.

A step-change is achievable if generators, networks and retailers work with consumers. We look forward to working with energy companies and others towards concrete outcomes.

ACOSS continues to work in partnership with a range of organisations to promote energy efficiency and appropriate responses to climate change. With Choice and the Australian Conservation Foundation we produced a research report detailing the potential for and benefits of better residential energy efficiency: Energy & equity: Preparing households for climate change: efficiency, equity, immediacy.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Budget is Time to give Australians Looking for Work a Hand

24 March 2010

ACOSS is urging the Federal Government to tackle growing disadvantage among unemployed Australians by setting up a program of paid work experience and by lifting unemployment payments for singles by $45 per week.

Releasing its recommendations for the Federal Budget 2010-11 today, ACOSS has outlined costed measures to assist job seekers into work and limit their financial hardship. Under the ACOSS proposal, Newstart Allowance payments for single people would rise by $45 to $276 per week.

"The economy may be in recovery, but unemployed Australians still need help to move into work and an adequate income while they look for work. The payment is currently a paltry $33 per day," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"The gap between unemployment payments and pensions now stands at a staggering $119 per week. This gap has doubled since last year. Unemployed people missed out on a payment increase in the Budget last year and also missed out on the stimulus bonus payments.

"It's time in this year's Budget to give jobless Australians a hand."

The weekly single pension rate is $350.55 and weekly single unemployment rate is $231.40.

"An extra $45 would help to close this gap and assist people without work to pay for the rising costs of groceries, rent and power. These essential items cost the same whether you are on a pension or on Newstart.

"Closing this gap would also limit the penalty imposed on people on disability support pensions when they seek work and are forced onto the lower payment."

Although the official employment rate is increasing, the numbers of people accessing Newstart and Youth Allowance payments has increased by 24.5% from January 2009 to January 2010. There are now 687,236 people on these payments, with numbers of long-term jobseekers growing by 10.3%.

A paid work experience program would significantly improve job prospects as the economy recovers. Designed to transition participants into mainstream employment, this program would improve confidence on the job skills and networks that will assist with job search.

Other ACOSS proposals include:

Housing affordability package - To meet the drastic need of an undersupply of 251,000 low cost homes, an Affordable Housing Growth Fund should be established, with a down-payment of $750 million in the first year with sustained increased long-term funding. To help with the high costs of private rent, a 30% increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance would see approx $15 per week go to low income households on the highest rate.

Universal Dental care - 2.3 million Australians report that they delay or avoid dental treatment because of its cost. Universal access to oral health care is vital so all Australians can access dental care when they need it.

Read ACOSS' Budget Priority Statement 2010-11 here.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

President Obama delays trip, but ACOSS Conference still coming to Canberra!

19 March 2010

25 - 26 March 2010 | Canberra | Last chance to register

Speakers at the annual ACOSS National Conference will focus on issues affecting low income Australians and the community sector in election year 2010. Despite improving economic conditions, Australians are still experiencing unemployment, homelessness or struggling to make ends meet.

- Senator the Hon. Nick Sherry and the Hon. Sussan Ley MP will discuss tax reform and the forthcoming Henry Tax Review.

- Charles Michalopoulos from Washington think-tank MDRC, on the challenges of long-term unemployment.

- Bob Wyatt, of the Muttart Foundation, Canada, will give an international perspective on the third sector - in the context of the Productivity Commission's report into the not-for-profit sector.

- Elton Consulting, Macquarie Capital Funds Limited and Queensland Affordable Housing Consortium on solutions to address affordable housing shortages, including private sector investment.

- Population challenges and the implications of a Big Australia for sustainability and the community sector will be a debated by a panel of migration, environmental, demographic and urban planning experts.

- Innovative programs underway in the community sector will be showcased in Celebrating our Sector.

- Views on income management with Senator Rachel Siewert, the Family Responsibilities Commission and Catholic Social Services Australia.

- A panel including the Hon Bill Shorten MP will discuss new approaches for funding disability services.

- Plus more... including a panel debate on equity moderated by Chris Ulhmann, 7.30 Report.

ACOSS NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2010: A VOTE FOR EQUITY
25 - 26 March 2010
Rydges Lakeside Canberra | 1 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT
Program and more information

Media organisations are welcome to attend, please contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

 

New National Compact to Bolster Third Sector and Government Ties

17 March 2010

ACOSS welcomes today's signing of the new National Compact as an important foundation for stronger links between the not-for-profit sector and government.

Attending the official signing ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra are ACOSS President Simon Schrapel, ACOSS board member Maryanne Diamond and ACOSS CEO Clare Martin.

Mr Schrapel and Ms Diamond have been appointed to the National Compact Sector Advisory Group which will drive plans to implement the shared priorities of the Compact.

"This relationship is critical to building a more socially inclusive and tolerant Australian society. The Compact provides a way to work through a host of issues which have traditionally become barriers to a productive and respectful relationship," said Mr Schrapel.

Ms Diamond said: "We have a great opportunity to collaboratively work across all of government to build the capacity of the sector and ensure the sector is recognised and valued. By working together I look forward to seeing decisions of government reflecting true consultation."

The Compact and Advisory Group could act as an important key mechanism to pursue the recommendations of the Productivity Commission's report into the Not-for-Profit sector.

"Key reforms that would increase the effectiveness of the sector include establishing an independent Registrar for Community and Charitable Purpose organisations and addressing funding of the community sector, including payment of market wages," said Ms Martin.

"With over half of ACOSS members reporting that red tape hinders their ability to deliver services, streamlining contracting and reporting mechanisms should also be a priority."

ACOSS looks forward to continuing to work with government and through the National Compact Sector Advisory Group to build closer ties.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

INCOME MANAGEMENT TO BRING BACK RATIONS SYSTEM

11 March 2010

ACOSS has expressed deep disappointment that a Senate Committee Inquiry examining a national income management scheme has failed to recommend against the introduction of a policy that will cause shame and discriminate against low-income Australians.

"Given the overwhelming evidence presented to the committee about the detriments of the scheme, this is a very disappointing outcome for low-income Australians," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"The majority report reflects a single-minded pursuit of this policy, despite all evidence to the contrary. It is a case of the government experimenting first and evaluating later despite the risk of social harm.

"This scheme will see the government take unprecedented control over the finances of low-income Australians. The cost of the scheme alone should have demanded greater scrutiny. $4,400 will be spent each year on every person being income managed in the Northern Territory.

Delivering the 2010 Dame Roma Mitchell Memorial Lunch in Melbourne, Clare Martin described the government's income management scheme as a major shift in Australian social policy which will bring back a ration system last seen in the Depression.

"Our modern social security system is now under threat from major reforms which are proposed to the social security system by the current Government."

"While voluntary income management can be a useful tool for some services and communities, it must be a tool in their hands, not an instrument applied by government."

"During the Senate Committee Inquiry, Aboriginal people spoke of their frustration at not being able to shop at their preferred retailers, of the burden of frequent contact with Centrelink and the shame of being stigmatised by the Basics Card.

"In some town centres in the Territory, separate queues have been established for income managed shoppers due to the delays caused by declined transactions. Because it is difficult to check the balance on the card, one in five transactions have been declined with embarrassed shoppers forced to return goods to the shelves.

Senate Committee figures reveal that in the Northern Territory when the scheme will first be rolled out, 5,600 people under 25 and 14,500 people over 25 will be affected.

The legislation would enable a compulsory income management scheme to be potentially applied to all long-term recipients of specified payments in declared disadvantaged communities. The Government is not able to say how many other people across Australia would be covered by the scheme; or the total national cost.

The speech is available here: Clare Martin, Address to the 2010 Dame Roma Mitchell Memorial Lunch

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Clare Martin, Address to the 2010 Dame Roma Mitchell Memorial Lunch

11 March 2010

The 2010 Dame Roma Mitchell Memorial Lunch
Melbourne
Thursday 11 March 2009

Thank you to the Victorian Women Lawyers and the Law Institute of Victoria for the invitation to present at the 2010 Dame Roma Mitchell Memorial Lunch.

I am honoured to be speaking at this important event on the Victorian legal calendar, to celebrate International Women's Day and the life of Dame Roma, Australia's first female QC and Supreme Court judge and the founding chairperson of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Dame Roma was a passionate feminist and a strong advocate for equal pay for women. She also had a strong sense of social justice and fairness.

Today I want to talk about some contemporary issues affecting low income Australians and the community and welfare sector that I think resonate with Dame Roma's concerns with social justice, fairness and equality for women.

A strong safety net and fair social security system

Dame Roma's experience of the Great Depression enlivened her to the need for a strong social safety net and a fair social security system which respects people's dignity.

In an interview with Robin Hughes in 1993, speaking during the recession, she commented on the need for a system which supports people who are out of work - in some cases permanently.

She also reflected on her memories of the Great Depression and the mark this left on her social consciousness.

A university student at the time, Roma describes walking down North Terrace and seeing a line of men down Kintore Avenue to get their ration tickets which they had to use to buy food. As Roma said, they didn't receive any cash and they were forbidden from purchasing cigarettes with these tickets.

At this time, unemployed Australians did not receive social security payments in cash, but had to rely on rations (‘the susso') which could only be spent at designated stores. These rations were distributed at police stations, often in return for work.

By 1932, more than 60,000 people depended on ‘the susso' to survive. To be entitled to receive the payment, you had to have been unemployed for a sustained period of time, and have no assets or savings. The susso was given in the form of staple foods - like bread and potatoes.
At that time, Australia had a charity model of welfare provision. This is illustrated by Dame Roma's description of the provision of financial assistance by a philanthropist, Lord Bonython, the founder of the Adelaide Advertiser. She said:

The unemployed would line up and get two shillings each from his secretary and I'd see them lined right down Weymouth Street. Well, it was beneficent but it was horrifying to think that's the sort of thing people used to do.

The charity model of assistance to the poor, along with the susso, caused much hardship and shame.

This led to the realisation that such an approach was unsupportable. Instead, a national consensus emerged that unemployed people were entitled as citizens to adequate Social Security payments, generally paid in cash, as long as they were taking reasonable steps to find work. Strict work requirements have been imposed ever since.

Indeed, unemployment benefits have never been the 'passive welfare' that some claim. In fact, Australia has among the toughest set of activity requirements for unemployed people in the OECD with individuals generally required to apply for 10 jobs a fortnight and attend Centrelink in person every fortnight to prove this.

Income management: a modern rations system

Our modern social security system, based on a system of regular payments in cash to income support recipients, is now under threat from major reforms which are proposed to the social security system by the current Government.

The previous Government introduced compulsory income management to prescribed Aboriginal communities in 2007 as part of the Northern Territory Emergency Response or Intervention.

As a result, Aboriginal people were forced to shop at designated stores with a special card, the Basics Card, which made them identifiable as income support recipients subject to a separate, race-based system. This was enabled by the suspension of the Racial Discrimination Act.

Since that time, Aboriginal people have spoken of their frustration at not being able to shop at their preferred retailers, have spoken of the burden of frequent contact with Centrelink and the shame of being stigmatised by the Basics Card. In some town centres in the Territory, separate queues have been established for income managed shoppers due to the delays caused by declined transactions. Because it is difficult to check the balance on the card, one in five transactions have been declined with embarrassed shoppers forced to return goods to the shelves.

In one case that ACOSS is aware of, an Aboriginal woman was turned away when she tried to buy a bottle of water at a roadhouse with her Basics Card. She did not know that the roadhouse was only licensed under the scheme to sell fuel. Because of this, she was forced to endure the humiliation of being refused service.

The current Government committed to reinstate the Racial Discrimination Act in the Spring session of Parliament last year. Legislation was introduced on 25 November to effect that commitment.

However, the legislation would achieve a partial, not complete, reinstatement of the Act. In its current form, it is something of a poisoned chalice.

It offers some improvements in NTER measures but at great cost - by enabling, in effect, a modern rations system for income support recipients across the country.

The legislation would establish a compulsory income management scheme to be potentially applied to all long-term recipients of specified payments in declared disadvantaged communities. It is, on its face, therefore racially non-discriminatory.

In this way, it is designed to implement the Government's commitment to reinstate the Racial Discrimination Act to the Northern Territory Emergency Response. However, the measure is likely to disproportionately affect Indigenous Australians who are more likely to live in disadvantaged areas and to receive payments for longer periods.

Under the Government's proposed scheme, people on payments for over 12 months (or, in the case of young people, 3 months) would have at least half of their payments ‘managed' by government.

These funds would be siloed off to a special account. A proportion would go on a Basics Card, to be used to buy groceries.

The scheme is designed to ensure that recipients spend their money on essential items, by controlling what people can buy, but it would also impose tight restrictions on where people can shop and how they budget.

People would only be able to shop using their managed funds at selected retailers - generally large supermarket and retail chains. They would be unable to purchase milk at their corner store or buy fresh fruit and vegetables from their local greengrocer unless the store is participating in the scheme. They would be unable to choose to shop at stores that may be cheaper or better located than those that are licensed under the scheme.

To make matters worse, people would be identified as a long-term income support recipient by their method of payment. This has been a great cause of shame and humiliation in the Northern Territory.

The policy would be applied as blanket measure, covering whole groups of people on income support. It is not targeted to people who are demonstrably failing to meet the needs of their children or are misusing their payments.

In a reversal of the usual burden of proof, it would require recipients to provide proof of responsible parenting or a regular pattern of employment in order to escape the scheme.

The scheme would extend beyond remote Australia to people across the Territory, followed by suburbs across Australia.

Long-term unemployed people, single parents and young people would be swept up into the scheme. The scheme would apply to those who lost their jobs in the downturn, including retrenched older people facing age discrimination.

Women are likely to bear much of the impact of the policy. This is not only because many women on Parenting Payment (Single) and Newstart allowance will be included in the scheme, but also because, as primary carers, women are more likely to be subject to the responsible parenting requirements under the legislation than their former partners.

In addition to the indignity which income support recipients will experience, the extension of income management across the country under the Government's model is likely to have some perverse effects on local economies.

Dame Roma herself observed some of the anti-competitive impacts of the ‘susso', which could only be used at certain stores to by specified goods. She describes a friend's father's milk run which foundered during this Depression because of the ration ticket system. Under the system, powdered milk could be bought with the tickets. Fresh milk was not permitted.

In the Northern Territory, we know that Aboriginal people have been forced to shop at large retailers and, in some cases, to travel great distances to access licensed stores. We know that, as a result of their choices being constrained, they do not have access to the same range of products which other citizens do. We know that small businesses have lost business from the scheme while larger chains have done well out of it.

For this reason, the proposed national roll out has been met with concern from some small businesses.

The primary goal of the income support system is to ensure all Australians have access to adequate income when they don't have a job. Any conditions which are attached to payments should be linked to efforts to secure financial independence, for example, through employment.

The use of the social security system to achieve wider behavioural change not tied to this objective is inappropriate and inefficient, unless individuals or communities have sought this approach. This is because the social security system and Centrelink are poorly adapted to providing the kind of intensive case management that is required, which is rightly provided by specialist, local community organisations.

Income management can be a useful tool for those services and communities, but it must be a tool in their hands, not an instrument applied by government.

Human rights

Dame Roma was the first chair of the Australian Human Rights Commission. As a lawyer, she saw rights as a first line of defence against abuses of power.

In her 1989 inaugural Mitchell Oration, Dame Roma wondered why the Commonwealth had not succeeded in producing a bill of rights acceptable to all or even the majority of citizens.

She expressed the view that some of the opposition stemmed from a fear of the unknown. I would suggest that this remains true today. She responded to concerns that a bill of rights would give rise to a flood of litigation by suggesting that the volume of litigation would be unlikely to significantly increase.

ACOSS is a strong supporter of a national human rights act, and has lobbied for an act which includes economic, social and cultural rights in addition to civil and political rights. These ‘second generation rights' are key to our concerns about equity for low income Australians including the right to an adequate standard of living, access to housing, to health care and education.

Poverty, deprivation, housing stress and homelessness are not just equity or social justice issues. They are also human rights issues.

The right to an adequate standard of living, to social security, to safe and secure housing, to health care, education and work are all protected under international human rights law. Indeed, Australia has accepted its obligations to protect these rights by signing both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

A national human rights act would produce better outcomes for low income and disadvantaged Australians through better and more accountable decision-making.

Litigation under a national human rights act would be a last resort. Rather, the key benefits of the act would be improved government decision-making and policy development and service delivery that is better adapted to meeting the needs of individuals. Indeed the most significant impact that a national HR act could have would be in the prevention of human rights infringements.

A national human rights act would require Government to turn its mind to the impacts of any new legislation or policy on human rights. Drastic cuts to social services in times of economic boom would raise serious human rights questions which government would need to answer.

A national human rights act would enable courts to interpret legislation in a way that was human rights compliant and to identify laws which, in its view, were inconsistent with rights. In this way, weak tenancy protections which enabled unreasonable rent increases or eviction without adequate notice could be challenged and parliament would have to justify any decision not to reform the law.

As a last resort, a national human rights act would enable individuals to bring a direct action in the courts where rights have been infringed by a public authority. For example, a disadvantaged job seeker may be able to challenge the imposition of unreasonable requirements as a condition of receiving income support as a breach of his or her right to social security or choice of work.

Without a national human rights act we are left to rely on our system of parliamentary review to consider any likely adverse affects of new legislation, but with no requirement that Parliament directly consider rights issues. Public debate is all the poorer. Courts have no clear statement of human rights principles in domestic law by which they can be guided in decision making. And individuals in many cases are left without recourse when their rights are infringed by Government or others acting on its behalf.

However, the protection which human rights legislation would afford, though important, is likely to be limited. It would not be a panacea for social injustice and inequality. Indeed, human rights compliant policy may not, in itself, always make for good social policy that is effective, fair and respects people's dignity in their everyday interactions with Government and services.

This goes to the difference between conceptions of social justice and human rights. In my view, social justice includes but is broader than human rights. It embraces concepts of social and economic equality and a commitment to redistributive justice. In this way, it includes a number of mechanisms which are critical to redistributive justice but largely outside the scope of human rights law. The tax and transfer system is perhaps the most significant mechanism through which redistributive social justice can be pursued. Although human rights principles include a right to social security, progressive taxation is largely outside the scope of human rights.

ACOSS has called on the Australian Government to develop a comprehensive social inclusion framework with an explicit anti-poverty strategy. A national human rights act would provide another layer of protection for Australians who might otherwise fall through the cracks. It would also provide a legal and policy framework for the values underlying the ‘fair go for all'.

Adequate financial support for sole parents

In her 1993 extended interview, Dame Roma reflected on the major advances in social security protections for women in her lifetime - the introduction of pensions for so-called ‘deserted wives' and of the child endowment.

Since 1974, when the Whitlam Government introduced it, low income sole parents have been paid a pension. The payment has played a vital role in helping many women to escape from difficult or violent relationships and in reducing poverty among children.

Now called Parenting Payment Single (PPS), this is still paid as a pension. There are about 360,000 sole parent families with around 600,000 children between them on this payment.

Until last year, Parenting Payment Single was paid at the same rate as the other pensions, including the aged pension and disability support pension. In the 2009 Budget, the Government announced a $30 pension increase for other pensions but excluded sole parents from the increase. As a result, for the first time in over 30 years, sole parents aren't paid the same rate as other pensioners. An opportunity to reduce poverty among 360,000 sole parents and 600,000 children was also lost.

Most sole parent families live on low incomes - over 70% are in the bottom 40% of Australian households ranked by income. It is well known that sole parent families on social security payments face a high risk of poverty.

Sole parents and their children often have to go without the essentials of life. For example, the Social Policy Research Centre found in a recent survey that:

• 43% of Parenting Payment recipients lacked a decent and secure home;
• 57% could not pay a utility bill in the last 12 months;
• 56% lacked $500 in emergency savings;
• 54% could not afford necessary dental treatment;
• 24% could not afford up to date school books and clothes; and
• 40% could not afford a hobby or leisure activity for their children.

Sole parents receive about $550 per week in Parenting Payment, Family Tax Benefit and Rent Assistance, This is usually not enough to meet basic living costs for a family of three. Around two thirds of sole parent families rent their homes and it is now common for rents for 3 bedroom properties in capital cities to exceed half this income ($275 pw).

ACOSS expressed strong criticism of the decision to exclude sole parents from the pension increase at the time. We continue to advocate for adequate payments for this group at high risk of poverty.

Equal pay for women

Dame Roma was also a passionate advocate for equal pay and equal opportunity for women.

Women comprise approximately 87% of workers in the community sector in Australia. It is no coincidence that pay and conditions in the sector are significantly lower than in the public sector for similar work.

ACOSS has long argued for better pay and conditions for workers in the sector who provide essential services to their communities: as disability support workers, as case managers in homeless services, as carers in aged care facilities and counsellors in youth services.

In a very significant development, the Australian Services Union (ASU) and the Australian Government have reached an historic agreement which under which the social and community services sector will be a test case for pay equity in the new Federal Industrial Relations system.

The follows on from a significant win for the sector, and for women, in Queensland in which the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission recognised that the work performed by workers in the sector had been undervalued and rates of pay must be corrected. The QIRC recognised that this undervaluation was gender based. This is because care work is seen to be an extension of women's role in the home and is therefore not appropriately valued.

The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission ordered pay increases range from 18% to 38%. Significantly, the Queensland Government has allocated $414 million to fund these increases.

ACOSS is working with the Australian Service Union to support the national pay equity case.

Conclusion

In her 1989 oration Dame Roma said:

It would be gratifying to believe that an oration upon topics relating to equal opportunity and human rights would, before long, become otiose ... but I am not optimistic that this will happen in the foreseeable future.

Sadly, she was right in this prediction.

But, there is also cause for optimism. The groundswell of support for a national human rights act gives us hope. So do moves to close the pay gap between community sector workers and their public sector counterparts.

Much has been achieved and we have come far from the days when the unemployed queued for rations and so-called ‘deserted wives' were not entitled to financial support.
But we must not be complacent about the gains we have secured. The recent changes to the sole parent pension and proposals to income manage broad groups of social security recipients tell us that we must remain vigilant. I can assure you that ACOSS will remain so!

Thank you.

- Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS
Invitation from the Victorian Women Lawyers and the Law Institute of Victoria

- check against delivery -

Media Contact: Clare Cameron: 0419 626 155

Australian Council of Social Service
Locked Bag 4777, Strawberry Hills, NSW, 2012
Ph (02) 9310 6200 Fax (02) 9310 4822
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
www.acoss.org.au

Income Management Scheme to Penalise Low-Income Australians

26 February 2010

The federal government is set to roll-out a wasteful and highly bureaucratic scheme that will cost taxpayers millions of dollars and will exacerbate not address social problems say national representatives of the community sector and financial counsellors.

AFCCRA and ACOSS have strongly opposed the government's moves to introduce compulsory income management to disadvantaged communities across Australia.

"Income management is based on an incorrect premise that people cannot manage their own incomes. In our experience, this is a long way from the truth. Many, many people on low incomes are in fact excellent budgeters. In many ways they have to be to manage their low payments," said Fiona Guthrie, Executive Director, Australian Financial Counselling & Credit Reform Association.

"The aim of financial counselling is to put a client back into control of their financial situation. The inherent contradiction in government's policy is that income control is said to foster individual responsibility. It is hard to see how this happens when individuals lose control over 50% of a welfare payment and 100% of any lump sum payment."

"This is a bureaucratic measure that will penalise, not protect low-income Australians. It is poorly targeted, expensive and will inflict indignity on income support recipients," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"$4,400 will be spent each year on every person being income managed. This is nearly nine times the amount paid to employment service providers to help long-term job seekers - just $500 annually.

"If this legislation passes, the government will have unprecedented control over the finances of low-income Australians and determine minor purchasing decisions, like where someone can purchase milk or the newspaper.

"Taxpayers' money would be better spent on targeted employment assistance and training, improved access to mental health and alcohol and drug services, or improving the adequacy of income support payments."

ACOSS and AFCCRA support voluntary income management on an individual or community basis.

ACOSS has told a senate committee inquiry today (Friday) that the proposed scheme has a weak evidence-base, and is founded on unsubstantiated assumptions about long-term income support recipients.

Under the Government's scheme, long-term income support recipients receiving particular payments and living in areas declared as ‘disadvantaged' will have 50-70% of their payments quarantined. Their ability to shop at preferred outlets will be constrained, and discretionary funds will be limited.

ACOSS' opening statement to the Senate Community Affairs Committee Inquiry is available on our website www.acoss.org.au/publications  

An overwhelming majority of organisation's submissions to the senate committee inquiry oppose the proposed scheme including ACOSS members:

Australian Association of Social Workers
Catholic Social Services Australia
Family Relationships Services Australia
Jobs Australia
National Council of Single Mothers and their Children
National Ethnic Disability Alliance
National Shelter
National Welfare Rights Network
People with Disability Australia
Salvation Army
St Vincent de Paul Society
UnitingCare

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155
Fiona Guthrie, AFCCRA - 0402 426 835 

 

 

Homelessness Targets Should be a Cross-Party Priority

16 February 2010

ACOSS has called on all parties to affirm their support for the Federal Government's targets and strategy to reduce homelessness.

ACOSS welcomed the homelessness targets when they were announced in December 2008 and supports the strategy outlined in the government's white paper on homelessness, The Road Home.

"Given the economic downturn, and an expected rise in homelessness, it is vital that our attention remains on assisting the most vulnerable in our community," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"ACOSS calls for a cross-party commitment to halve homelessness by 2020 so that more Australians have a safe place to sleep.

"Homeless Australians need to know that their fate doesn't hang on an election outcome.

"We applaud the Prime Minister's decision to give priority to reducing homelessness as one of his first announcements on taking office.

"Homelessness services are reporting a huge demand for crisis accommodation and it is vital there is a long-term commitment to prevent and respond to homelessness by supporting specialist services.

"Substantial investment in affordable housing and a strong social housing system are key to achieving the 2020 homelessness targets."

ACOSS has strongly supported the government's stimulus spending of $6 billion on social housing to build 19,200 dwellings as a first step to reducing the drastic shortfall in affordable dwellings.

We have also called for a future growth fund for housing with a down-payment of $750 million in the coming federal budget and sustained long-term ongoing funding.

To alleviate the stress on private renters, and help prevent homelessness, we have also called for a 30% increase in the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Community services :  A crucial lifeline for Australians in the downturn

15 February 2010

Community and welfare organisations provided crucial support to keep struggling Australians afloat during the financial crisis, reports ACOSS' Australian Community Sector Survey 2010.

Surveyed organisations provided services to Australians on 4.3 million occasions in 2008-09, an increase of 4% on the previous year.

Young people, sole parents and Indigenous Australians were among the groups with the highest need for services. There were over half a million requests for help from people needing youth employment and youth welfare services during the year.

"Community services were a vital lifeline for low income Australians during the economic downturn," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"The survey reflects the pressure points in the community during the economic downturn. People were assisted with essential services such as finding a bed for the night, emergency cash to pay bills, disability support services and mental health counselling.

"Agencies are reporting they are struggling to meet the rising demand for services and are forced to turn people away.

"With long-term unemployment still rising and high youth employment, the pressure on organisations to meet this high level of demand will only escalate.

"It is very concerning the most disadvantaged people in our communities are not able to access help when they need it.

"Particular groups are more likely to need help. Although people on parenting payment single make up less than 2% of the population, they account for 26% of service users, indicating income support payments are not adequate for sole parents to make ends meet."

"Indigenous people are 6.5 times more likely to access community and welfare services than the representation in the general community would suggest."

Key Findings - Australian Community Sector Survey

Services experiencing the greatest increase in demand:

• Housing/homelessness services (13% increase on the previous year)
• Family services (12% increase)
• Employment/training services (11% increase)
• Health services (11% increase)

Services that people were turned away from in the highest numbers were:

• Youth service and youth welfare services - 115,685 instances
• Financial and material support - 92,862 instances
• Housing/homelessness services - 15,897 instances
• Legal services & advocacy - 12,765 instances

Community sector workforce

• Employment in the community sector rose by 8% (full-time equivalent staff).
• Low wages make finding and retaining staff more difficult, with 71% of respondents reporting this as a key difficulty in hiring staff.
• Employees in community services were predominantly female (87%).

• 80% respondents disagreed with the statement that government funding covers the true cost of delivering contracted services.

About the survey

The Australian Community Sector Survey is the only annual survey providing an overview of the non-profit community services and welfare sector. Respondent organisations included community and welfare organisations from the membership of ACOSS and the State and Territory Councils of Social Service.

The report provides information on service use, income, expenditure and workforce issues for the community services and welfare sector. The 2010 survey covers the financial year 2008-09 and had 582 survey respondents.

Read the Australian Community Sector Survey 2010.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

ACOSS Welcomes Proposals to Strengthen Not-For Profit Sector

11 February 2010

ACOSS welcomes the release of the Productivity Commission's final report on the contribution of the not-for profit sector and calls on the federal government to implement key reforms including the establishment of an independent regulator; and to address funding of the community sector, including payment of market wages.

"Community service organisations provide vital services such as employment assistance, crisis housing, emergency financial help, and disability support services. They also provide important policy development and advocacy," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"We welcome the commission's recognition of this role and its recommendations to strengthen the sector through removal of onerous and unnecessary ‘red tape'. More than half of ACOSS members report that red tape adversely affects their ability to deliver services.

"We also support the establishment of a new Registrar for Community and Charitable Purpose organisations and reiterate our advocacy for such a Registrar to be independent.

"We welcome the Commission's support of ACOSS' recommendation of government funding for innovation in service delivery and community development."

The report paints a clear picture of the value of the sector and points to key areas for reform. It is important that any changes are informed by effective consultation with the sector.

ACOSS will be working closely with the government (and state and territory governments through the COSS network) in the next steps flowing from this important report.
Read ACOSS' submissions to the Productivity Commission's study into the Contribution of the Not-for-Profit Sector:

• Submission to the Productivity Commission: Contribution of the NFP Sector (November 2009)
• Submission to the Productivity Commission Study into the Contribution of the Not for Profit Sector (June 2009)

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Weekly Centrelink payments will help homeless Australians

10 February 2010

Disadvantaged Australians will have better access to Centrelink payments with legislation introduced to Parliament today by the Minister for Families and Community Services, Jenny Macklin, giving people the option to change the frequency of payments.

"ACOSS welcomes this move by the Government which will help severely disadvantaged people access their payments on a weekly, rather than fortnightly, basis," said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS.

"Homeless people in particular can struggle to maintain a budget and often operate on a day-to-day basis rather than in fortnightly cycles. Giving people a choice to receive payments weekly will empower them to take control of their finances, minimise hardship and prevent people from slipping into homelessness."

"The government is delivering on a promise made in its homelessness strategy, The Road Home, to make weekly payments available to reduce the need for urgent payments and help people budget."

Vulnerable clients identified by Centrelink as having difficulties budgeting their payments over the fortnight will be able to choose to have their income support payments paid weekly instead of fortnightly.

Weekly payments, along with other voluntary budgetary tools, such as Centrepay, are more effective and empowering alternatives to help people manage their finances than a compulsory income management scheme.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Medicare-Levy to help pay for Ageing Population : ACOSS

1 February 2010

ACOSS has called for two measures to free-up billions of dollars to pay for the skyrocketing costs of future health, aged care and disability services - introducing a Medicare-levy supplement and scrapping inequitable tax breaks for seniors.

The 2010 Intergenerational Report released today shows that government spending on health, aged care and age pensions will rise from a quarter to half of the federal budget in 40 years.

"We need to plan now to deal with the rising costs of an ageing population or face critical shortages in community, health and aged care services," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"The ACOSS proposal is for all taxpayers to contribute to these costs, though a Medicare-style health and disability services levy that rises slowly as the population ages."

For example, a 1% increase in the Medicare Levy (currently 1.5% of income) could raise an extra $8 billion. This could be gradually introduced over a period of 5 to 10 years.

"The structure of our population will radically shift and by 2050 a quarter of the population will be over 65 years," said Clare Martin.

"Older people are the biggest users of health services. But only a small minority - 20% - are currently required to pay tax. By 2030, half of all household wealth will be held by Australians over 65 years."

More revenue could be collected from those who can afford to pay to help with the costs of improving health, disability and aged care services by:

• scrapping the Senior Australians Tax Offset (worth $900 million);
• removing loopholes that allow people over 55 to churn their wages and other income through their super accounts - which reduces their tax rate to 15%. Treasury estimates that $10 billion annually is churned through super accounts in this way.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

 

Compulsory Income Management Scheme Wasteful and Discriminatory

22 December 2009

The Federal Government should immediately halt its plans to expand compulsory income management across Australia, and instead redirect funding to programs that address social problems and disadvantage, a coalition of national community organisations have said in a public statement released today.

A voluntary, not mandatory income management scheme should be introduced into a Bill before the Federal Parliament rather than a blanket approach which would see all long-term unemployed Australians and sole parents in regions nominated by the Minister automatically lose half their cash payments to income support management.

"The scheme is based on a discriminatory assumption that people on income support cannot manage their money or that they are unable to care for their children," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

To administer the scheme, the Government will spend an average of $17,600 on every person being income managed over four years in the Northern Territory.

"This is a serious waste of taxpayers' money to be spent on administering ablanket scheme which is discriminatory and demeaning. This funding could be better spent on targeted programs to help people find jobs, fixing social problems, or to improve the adequacy of income support payments," said Ms Martin. "Quick fixes don't work."

"We support non-discriminatory policies that help people manage their finances and income management can be used as a useful tool when this is voluntary and supported by the right mix of community services."

The joint statement is supported by :

• ANTaR
• Australian Association of Social Workers
• Australian Council of Social Service
• Catholic Social Services Australia
• People with Disability Australia
• Family Relationship Services Australia
• Jobs Australia
• National Council of Single Mothers and their Children
• National Ethnic Disability Alliance
• National Shelter
• St Vincent de Paul
• UnitingCare

Click here to read the joint statement

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Climate laws urgently needed Australian jobs and environment stall as world moves forward

3 December 2009

The ACTU, the Climate Institute, ACOSS and UnionsNSW are calling on all political parties to get Australia's climate change laws into place as quickly as possible.  At a Climate Change and Jobs Forum in Sydney today, the groups said the creation of tens of thousands of new, clean energy jobs were being put at risk, as well as investment in new industries.

"There has been a complete failure by our politicians to deliver action on the most pressing issue of our generation. Climate action, at a most crucial time for our planet, is now at a standstill in Australia," said John Connor, CEO if the Climate Institute.

"Enough is enough. If parliament can't decide, then Australians must be given a vote. The climate emergency must be dealt with now," he said.

"A majority of Australians want action, they have said it in poll after poll. Business is also calling for certainty so investment can begin to flow to build a low carbon economy," said ACTU President Sharan Burrow.

"Modeling by Treasury and a range of independent reports shows we can create up to a million new clean energy jobs in the next 20 years in new and existing industries if we act urgently to put these laws in place."

"Australia does not want to become the world's carbon pollution rust-bucket by failing to modernize and invest," said Ms Burrow

"The clock is ticking. The longer we stall on climate change action, the more it will cost our communities, our environment and our economy," said ACOSS CEO Clare Martin.

"Without immediate action by our politicians, we will lose out on the benefits a clean energy economy will deliver to Australians, such as new jobs and training opportunities."

The groups say world leaders meeting in Copenhagen next week officially recognize climate change as the most serious threat to the planet and are creating a collective course of action as a matter of urgency.

"With the world already moving fast on a new economic and political framework, Australia must take its place. It's time for our politicians to knuckle down and meet the challenge head on without delay."

ACOSS Welcomes New Initiative to Green-Up Low Income Households

25 November 2009

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.  "This initiative is a win-win. It is a win for low income earners who will benefit from energy efficiency measures through increased amenity and lower utility bills. And it is a win for the environment, through reduced carbon emissions," said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS, speaking at the launch of the Green Start program.

"Low income households are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and will be hard hit by rising energy and water prices.

"On average, low income earners spend double the proportion of their total weekly household budget on power and water than wealthier households. Power and water bills have been increasing at rates well beyond other goods and services in recent years and low income householders must cover the costs by cutting back on other essential goods like groceries.

"Households with tight budgets have little financial capacity to find the extra dollars to improve the efficiency of their homes, such as such as new showerheads, insulation, new hot water systems or rainwater tanks.

"Everyone in the community has a part to play to lower carbon emissions. Many low-income Australians want to be part of the solution but often lack the financial capacity to make the transition."

ACOSS welcomes the Green Start initiate to provide assistance which includes:

• Free energy and water efficient audits in homes;
• Free supply and installation of energy efficient products such as light bulbs, draught proofing, grey water hoses and compost bins;
• Linking up existing programs offered by state, territory and federal governments

Green Start was launched today in Canberra by Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts the Hon Peter Garrett, MP.

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.

For more information on the Green Start program, click here.

Community organisations, along with private organisations, can tender for delivery of the program. Tender documents will be available through AusTender.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

 

Time to Get Started on Climate Action

25 November 2009

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.

"We support immediate passage of this legislation not because of what it is, but what it can become with better targeted incentives, improved energy efficiency, and stronger clean energy and other low carbon policies .

"We support immediate passage of this legislation because this settlement between Australia's two major parties allows us to move on from the scaremongering, distortions and deception of big polluters and others who have sought delays and special deals.

"We support immediate passage of this legislation because, on balance, we believe this is the best chance for the Australian Government to aim for the more ambitious end of the 5% to 25% pollution reduction range by 2020, which has bi-partisan support.

"Critically, amendments that could have hindered achieving this range have not been accepted.

"Our difficult decision to offer support comes with a strong commitment to pursue laggards in industry, and the Government on further urgent climate action and a fast and fair transition to a clean energy economy.

Some key positive amendments in the package include:

• Review mechanisms for industry assistance, within reasonable timeframes
• Funding for environment stewardship and biodiversity resilience
• Action on national energy efficiency mechanisms
• Recognition of voluntary actions from households including Greenpower

"This is not the end of the process, it is the beginning.

"We will focus now on the immediate need for Australian Government financing of forest protection, adaptation and mitigation that is also a key aspect of a global climate agreement."

"We will work tirelessly to ensure Australia is both competitive in the emerging global clean energy economy and cooperative in helping achieve an effective global climate agreement."

John Connor, CEO The Climate Institute
Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS
Greg Bourne, CEO, WWF
Sharan Burrow, President, ACTU

*Support is conditional on consideration of the fine print of the legislative amendments.

Media contact: ACOSS Clare Cameron 0419 626 155

Rollout of Blanket Income Management Unfair and Un-Australian

25 November 2009

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.

"While the reinstatement of the Racial Discrimination Act is welcome step, it comes at a cost," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"These are major reforms to our welfare system and we are concerned there is no evidence to warrant an extension of income quarantining.

"Blanket income management is a blunt instrument which does not consider individual circumstances. We need individual solutions to individual problems and we urge caution on a national rollout."

The proposed scheme to extend income management to more low-income people will mean unemployed Australians and sole parents who have been on payments for over a year in the last two years will have their payments quarantined.

"Applying different provisions to different income support recipients is unfair and un-Australian.

"In addition to being unable to find a job and having to live on $228 a week, this announcement is another humiliation for unemployed people. These measures will not give unemployed Australians jobs or training."

The last report released by the Government on the progress on the NTER - the Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory - showed that high levels of disadvantage remain despite over two years of income management.

Overall, there has been no improvement in school attendance, and sales of cigarettes have remained steady, despite the argument that income management would improve school attendance and reduce alcohol and tobacco sales.

While the provision to opt-out of income management by applying for an exemption to income quarantining represents a softening of the current policy, these measures should be a first rather than a last resort.

ACOSS supports the option for an individual to choose to have their income managed, if they decide it is right for their individual circumstances.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Time to Maximise Momentum to Improve Support for People with Disability

23 November 2009

The Federal Government's announcement of a Productivity Commission inquiry into disability services is an important step toward landmark reforms, such as the introduction of a national disability insurance scheme.

"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.

"Community support for improved services for people with disability is riding high and it is critical that momentum continue. Landmark reforms, such as a national insurance scheme, have widespread support among disability advocates, carers, social services and unions.

"While funding increases through the National Disability Agreement have been welcome, disability support services continue to struggle to meet the needs of growing numbers of people with disability. Around 2.3 million Australians will have a high level of disability in 20 years.

"People with disability, especially those on low incomes, must juggle the high cost of living with disabilities to cover the costs of essential services such as paid carers and supports, wheelchairs, communication aids and therapies.

"Gaps in services mean that many people with disabilities and their families, friends and carers are forced to meet the cost of essential services and experience enormous financial and personal stress. The demand for disability services will only increase as the population ages.

ACOSS has been advocating for better support and services so that people with disability, particularly those on low incomes, receive the assistance they need to live decently and participate in the community.

The National Disability Strategy Consultation Report released in August found that people with disabilities and their carers experience stigmatisation and are excluded from key areas of life such as work and education.

ACOSS looks forward to working with our membership to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities and their carers are met effectively by strong and sustainable community services.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

How much does it cost to raise a teenager? Family payments don’t add up

19 November 2009

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.

Sole parents, families without paid work and raising teenagers struggle to budget for essential items for their children and face greater levels of poverty and disadvantage. Family payments cover less than half of the cost of raising teenagers aged 16 years and older.

While Australia's family payments are mostly well targeted and are relatively effective in keeping families out of poverty by assisting with the costs of children, ACOSS has proposed key changes that would reduce disadvantage among families earning less than $40,000.

"Every parent who has raised a teenager knows that kids can be expensive. Families on low incomes rely heavily on family payments to pay for groceries, clothes, school books and housing expenses for growing children," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"While kids cost more as they get older, family payments decrease with age. Our research shows a 16-year-old costs $200-$290 a week. Yet when a child turns 16, payments drop by $14 to $102 per week, which is less than half of the costs of these children.

"Payments based on the amount children cost to raise at different ages would be a better solution. Until this can be put into place, an increase in the Youth Allowance rate for young people living in low income families would direct funding when the costs of children are highest."

The downturn has seen increased numbers of Australian families without paid work, rising from 11.8% to 13.9% of all families with children from June 2008 - 2009.

"Families without paid work are six times more likely to be in poverty than employed families. Almost 10% of Australian working age households with children do not have an employed parent, double the OECD average.

"As more families come to rely on inadequate family payments, it is likely child poverty will rise. During the recessions of 1980 and 1990, family joblessness almost doubled."

Sole parents face additional costs because they are raising children alone and experience high levels of poverty and deprivation. Over half of sole parents on income support payments could not pay a utility bill in the last 12 months, and a quarter could not afford up-to-date school books or clothes.

ACOSS proposals:

Increase support for older children

• Develop an age-based family payment structure based on minimum costs of raising children in low income families as they grow older.
• Increase dependent Youth Allowance payments.

Increase support for sole parent families

• A supplement for sole parents to recognise the additional cost of raising children alone.

Ensure the long term sustainability of family payments

• Restore the indexation of family payments to wages, which was removed in this year's Budget. If payments continue to be indexed to the CPI only, they will fall behind community living standards and child poverty will rise.

The Henry Review is considering reforms to family payments along with other social security payments.

Read the full paper here

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

 

Plug Tax Loopholes so all Pay Fair Share : Challenge to Henry Review

15 November 2009

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.

"All Australians should pay their fair share of tax to fund essential community services and the needs of an ageing population," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Tax should be based on someone's ability to pay rather than smart tax advice.

"Higher income earners should not be able to dodge the tax office by hiding behind tax shelters and loopholes.

"Cracking down on tax breaks on capital gains, super contributions and private companies and trusts would mean more revenue for the services used by everyone in the community, such as schools, hospitals and housing.

"Australia needs a tax system that is efficient, equitable and where everyone contributes to pay for the future needs of the community.

"The Henry review has a once-in-a-generation chance to tackle the complexities in the tax system correct imbalances that favour the top earners. Currently the top 10% of earners receive more than 60% of all income from dividends and capital gains."

If these loopholes were closed, more revenue could be collected for the future needs of the community, especially the health care costs of an ageing population. Treasury has estimated that governments will need an extra $40 billion a year in 40 years time to pay for existing health and aged care services and pensions.

"Tax avoidance should not be the major factor in investment and workforce participation decisions. The global financial crisis should have taught us about the dangers of a tax system that encourages people to go heavily in debt to invest in property."

Australia is the eighth lowest taxing country in the OECD. The problem is not that Governments tax too much, but that they tax unfairly and inefficiently.

Key benchmarks for reform
ACOSS has released a paper outlining the key benchmarks for an equitable tax system to be put to the Henry tax panel. These include:

• removing the 50% discount for capital gains
• replacing tax breaks for super contributions with a simple Government Co-contribution that favours low and middle income earners
• removing opportunities to shelter income in private companies and trusts.

ACOSS encourages the Henry tax review to look at innovative solutions such as standard tax rates for investment incomes and extending the ‘deeming' system for pensioners to the income tax system.

This should be done in ways that increase the share of tax paid by high income earners, who receive the lion's share of investment income.

Tax avoidance: how it can be done
A taxpayer on $200,000 can avoid the 45% tax rate and end up paying at the same rate as an average worker or even less by:

• investing in shares or property financed by debt, since capital gains are taxed at half the standard marginal rate of 45%, and they can also claim deductions for interest payments against their wages
• sacrificing part of their salary for a superannuation contribution, they can reduce their tax rate to 15%

• sheltering income in a private company they can reduce their tax rate to 30% and they can reduce it lower still by splitting income with their partner though a private trust. 

Read the full paper here.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

 

Historic Test Case Brings Wage Increases for Community Workers a Step Closer

4 November 2009

Community sector workers around the country are one step closer to higher wages following the announcement of a landmark pay equity test case in the new Fair Work system.

"ACOSS congratulates the Australian Services Union and Federal Government for setting in train a process to address the low wages of community sector workers," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"This announcement follows in the steps of a recent Queensland decision which lifted pay rates for SACS and CASH workers by 18% - 37%, to be implemented over three years, and sets a precedent for wage increases under national arrangements."

The ruling also highlighted the discrepancies of wages paid to workers in different states. The ASU estimates community service workers in NSW are underpaid by up to $20,000 per year compared to workers in QLD.

"We strongly support the test case as a vital step towards long-awaited pay increases for community workers. Low wages have meant the community sector has long-battled workforce shortages and problems of attracting and retaining well-qualified staff.

"Decent wages are essential to a sustainable community services sector so that workers can deliver good community outcomes. ACOSS looks forward to supporting the process as it unfolds.

"Community workers provide vital services, often to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our communities - they are our nursing home assistants, workers in homeless shelters, counsellors of young people."

This will be the first equal pay test case brought under Fair Work Australia. Dozens of Social and Community Sector Awards industry awards could be rolled into a single federal award.

Media contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Strong, Fair Leadership on Asylum Seeker Issue is Overdue

29 October 2009

Australia's peak welfare body has issued a call for strong, compassionate leadership on the issues of asylum seekers so that people escaping persecution or violence are treated fairly.

Responding to heated public debate in recent days, the Australian Council of Social Service has called for our nation's leaders on all sides to adopt a reasoned, non-partisan approach to asylum seekers.

"This is a compassionate country with a strong tradition of giving others a fair go. Our nation has been built on migration and multiculturalism," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Australia should maintain its commitment to protect vulnerable people. Under international law, people have a right to seek asylum in this country.

"We are calling on our political leaders to act on this complex issue with compassion and fairness. It is a time for a balanced approach which is characterised by respect and reason.

"This is a chance to build on the humane steps already taken by the Federal Government to end mandatory detention and abolish temporary protection visas.

"Around the world large numbers of people are fleeing human rights abuses and conflict zones which presents complex and difficult issues for the Australian Government and governments around the world.

"Cooperation between governments and political parties - at an international, regional and local level is vital to a humane response."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Emissions trading amendments should be rejected unless substantially changed

18 October 2009

The Southern Cross Climate Coalition (SCCC) has called on the Federal Government to reject the Opposition's proposed amendments to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, saying they take the scheme backwards.

"The Government should reject the Opposition's amendments unless they are substantially changed because, as they stand, they take the scheme backwards," said ACF executive director Don Henry.

"A strengthened and passed CPRS would enhance Australia's ability to push for a strong global agreement at Copenhagen and grow clean energy jobs in Australia while a weakened one will not," said Sharan Burrow, President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions.

"Australia should be promoting credible and effective domestic and international mechanisms to help achieve an effective global climate agreement," said Climate Institute executive director John Connor. "That means a stronger CPRS with built in financing for investment in clean technology and avoiding deforestation in neighbouring developing countries and helping them prepare for the unavoidable impacts of climate change. The Liberals' proposals do not address this key issue."

"Australia is one of the most energy inefficient and least carbon competitive economies in the developed world," said Clare Martin, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service. "While there are some energy efficiency measures in the amendments, to promise more unconditional handouts, subsidies and exemptions for polluting industries would be a blow to low-income Australians."

"Neither Malcolm Turnbull nor Kevin Rudd can claim the CPRS is ‘environmentally effective or economically responsible' by taking backward steps," said Greg Bourne, Executive Director of WWF.

The Southern Cross Climate Coalition (SCCC) recently wrote to the Government and Opposition urging both sides of politics to strengthen and pass the CPRS and warning that the SCCC would not support the legislation if it was made ineffective or irresponsible by backwards steps.

Draft Reforms Lift Barriers so Non-Profit Services can get on with Providing Vital Assistance

14 October 2009

Join in Anti-Poverty Week !

9 October 2009

Anti Poverty Week: 11 - 17 October 2009
www.antipovertyweek.org.au

Over 300 activities will be held around Australia in Anti-Poverty Week 2009. About 1,000 organisations and more than 10,000 people will participate.

Activities include launches, forums, awards, addresses, exhibitions, publications, concerts, rallies and many other activities focussing on different aspects of poverty and hardship at home and abroad.

Participants include major national organisations like ACOSS, ACTU, Amnesty International, Anglicare, Australian Education Union, Australian Nursing Federation, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Catholic Social Services, Jobs Australia, Liquor Hospitality & Miscellaneous Work-ers Union, Make Poverty History, Mission Australia, Opportunity International, Oxfam, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Shelter, St Vincent de Paul, Stand Up, UnitingCare and World Vision.

Other supporters include churches, schools, universities, hospitals, indigenous groups, legal centres, student groups, businesses, unions, government departments and local councils.

A small sample of activities are listed below.

For further information about these and other activities, including detailed State programs and contact points, go to www.antipovertyweek.org.au

Conferences and Forums

• Education and Poverty in Melbourne on 12 October
• Food Security in Adelaide on 12 October
• Youth Homelessness in Tweed Heads on 12 October
• Business Forum on Poverty in Adelaide on 12 October
• Climate Change and Low-Income Households in Hobart on 13 October
• Aspects of International Poverty in Sydney on 14 October
• Aid, Trade and Climate Change in Sydney on 14 October
• Under-employment and Poverty in Melbourne on 15 October
• Poverty and Disability in Perth on 15 October
• Inequality in Melbourne on 15 October
• Health and Poverty in Sydney on 15 October and in Adelaide on 16 October

Prominent Participants 

• Lt Gov Hieu Van Le in Adelaide on 11 October
• Sir William Cox in Hobart on 11 October
• Thérèse Rein in Canberra on 12 October
• Bishop Greg Thompson in Nhulunbuy on 12 October
• Minister Jay Weatherill in Adelaide on 13 October
• Ministers Geoff Wilson and Karen Struthers in Brisbane on 13 and 14 October
• Prof Julian Disney in Sydney on 13 October and Canberra on 14 October
• Dr Lynn Arnold in Adelaide on 14 October
• Minister Robyn McSweeney in Perth on 14 October
• Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Melbourne on 15 October
• Michael Raper in Melbourne on 15 October
• Bishop Pat Power in Canberra on 15 and 16 October
• Lin Hatfield Dodds in Melbourne on 15 October and Canberra on 16 October

Dip in Unemployment Gives Hope

8 October 2009

Human rights report paves way for better protections for marginalised Australians

8 October 2009

ACOSS welcomes the report released today by the National Human Rights Consultation Committee recommending that Australia adopt a national Human Rights Act.

"Human rights are important for all Australians, but particularly for low income and disadvantaged Australians who can be vulnerable to human rights breaches," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"People who are homeless, on income support, or in poverty commonly experience discrimination and the denial of their rights to adequate housing and health care."

"ACOSS calls on Government to accept the Committee's recommendations, including by incorporating social and economic rights into legislation. The enforceability of social and economic rights through the legal system should be a future step."

"A national human rights act could make an important difference in the lives of low income and disadvantaged Australians. Practically, it would produce better outcomes through improved and more accountable decision making."

"We congratulate the Committee on its detailed and meaningful community consultations and its efforts to reach people on the margins - people experiencing homelessness, people with a mental illness, disabilities and those living in remote communities."

"Law reform is just one part of human rights protection and broader social, institutional and cultural change must be the ultimate goal. We are delighted the Committee has made a range of recommendations to enshrine a human rights culture in Australia and to improve the legislative and policy process."

Media contact: Clare Cameron 0419 626 155

No time to move backwards on CPRS

4 October 2009

The Southern Cross Climate Coalition (SCCC) has written to major parties and cross bench Senators urging key amendments to the CPRS and has warned the Government and Liberal Party that the SCCC would not support the legislation if it was made ineffective or irresponsible by backwards steps.

"Neither Malcolm Turnbull nor Kevin Rudd can claim the CPRS is ‘environmentally effective or economically responsible' if they take backward steps," said SCCC spokesperson, John Connor.

"It's not effective or responsible to give windfall gains to booming coal miners or to give billions extra to businesses who bought brown coal fired generators knowing a carbon price was coming. And it's not effective or responsible to top up the CPRS ‘green carbon' provisions in a way which undermines a global rules based system.

"Some in industry are proposing amendments which would hinder the transition to a low carbon economy and further restrict the flexibility needed for an effective global response. They would likely cast a much heavier financial burden on taxpayers, ordinary households and small businesses.

"We've made it clear to the Prime Minister and Malcolm Turnbull to say these industry proposals would make the CPRS ineffective and unsupportable. Only Big Polluters would support such a CPRS."

"We have suggested amendments aimed to boost Australia's competitiveness in the global low carbon economy and increase cooperation towards the achievement of an effective globalagreement."

The letters acknowledge bi-partisan support for the 2020 carbon pollution reduction range of 5% to 25% as a welcome acknowledgement of Australia's interest in securing a global agreement that stabilises greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at 450 parts per million or lower. The letters note a reduction of at least 25% would be Australia's "fair share", with recent science reinforcing the importance of flexibility as strengthened goals become necessary.

The SCCC's key amendments (see below) seek to ensure flexibility regarding targets and subsidies to ‘emissions intensive trade exposed industries' (EITEIs), extra energy efficiency measures, targeted use of permit revenue for investment and support, as well as enhanced transparency and accountability.

The letters suggest that, with the economy showing signs of recovery and likely to avoid recession, the 4th May "global recession buffer" additional handout of free permits to EITEIs could be better targeted towards clean industry, employment, skills development or low income household support.

The SCCC also noted that any green carbon, or biosequestration efforts, must be part of a global rules- based system that ensures proper measurement and compliance. The letters also recommend "complementary policies in areas like land use should be capable of delivering additional emissions reductions as well as creating positive revenue streams and social benefits for rural communities".

"Strengthening and passing the CPRS, without adding further polluter subsidies or inflexibility, will help Australia be both competitive in the emerging global clean energy economy and cooperative in achieving an effective global climate agreement.

"Now is not the time for Australia to go backwards. Now is not the time to be ineffective or irresponsible. Now is the time to accelerate a low carbon economic recovery. Now is the time to drive future competitiveness and prosperity," concluded Mr Connor.

SCCC key CPRS amendments
While individual SCCC members have other detailed suggestions, the SCCC recommends the legislation should be amended to include:

• A requirement for an independent review of targets, caps and gateways immediately following the finalisation of the next Working Group Assessment reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2013/14, or equivalent body, or a significant increase in the ambition of other major emitters' climate efforts.
• A requirement for an independent review of EITEI assistance following the negotiation of a new global climate change agreement and/or a significant increase in the ambition of other major emitters' climate efforts.
• Energy efficiency measures such as:
  • Targeted transitional financial incentives for commercial buildings and industries or, in the absence of equivalent national policies, a national 'white certificate‘ trading scheme additional to CPRS.
  • Strengthened appliance, building and fuel efficiency standards to world's best practice levels.
  • Amendments to Energy Efficiency Opportunities Legislation to extend its reach, improve uptake of opportunities, enhance public reporting and require third party auditing.
  • Large-scale energy efficiency deployment programs
• Targeted investment and support from permit revenue:
  • Continuing support for low income households, strengthening existing programs to ensure well coordinated, broad coverage, integrated energy efficiency and climate variability preparedness support.
  • Dedicating at least 20% of permit revenues to the research, development and deployment of clean energy and technology solutions in both Australia and developing countries.
  • Ensuring a substantial proportion of permit revenues is dedicated to help developing countries adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change.
  • Establishing clean industry and innovation hubs in key regional centres funded by a revenue stream equivalent to 3% of carbon permits, backed by increases in the Productivity Places Program.
  • Promoting ecosystem resilience and biosequestration efforts through a National Biodiversity and Climate Change Fund, funded by a secure revenue stream equivalent to at least 10% of carbon permits.
• Enhanced transparency and accountability by ensuring standing for any person to enforce the legal obligations of the CPRS.

The SCCC acknowledges that in the next few years much of the permit revenue is allocated but believes legislative clarity regarding future permit revenue direction is important now. Amendments should state these revenues are directed by no later than 2015 as international action unfolds and transitional support needs subside.

The above amendments are advocated subject to there being no further unconditional subsidies to EITEIs, coal mining companies or coal fired generators, or any further hindrance to flexibility and review.

Media contact: Clare Cameron, 0419 626 155

Stimulus Shields Australian Economy, but not in Recovery until Unemployment falls

22 September 2009

It is a major achievement that Australia's economy has been protected by the severe impacts of the global financial crisis, ACOSS has said in a submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Government's economic stimulus initiatives.

ACOSS has called for two vital adjustments to the stimulus program to ensure Australians without jobs or secure housing are protected from the worst effects of the downturn.

"Given the severity of the financial crisis and the slowdown in international growth, it is a remarkable achievement that Australia has avoided higher levels of unemployment," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

Evidence points to the cushioning effect the stimulus measures have had on the Australian economy and unemployment rates. A recent OECD report estimates that 150,000 to 200,000 jobs were ‘saved' as a result of the stimulus measures.

"Australia will not be in recovery until unemployment has decreased. There has been a 40% rise in joblessness from the lowest level achieved during the boom and this figure is likely to keep rising for at least another six months," said Clare Martin.

"To prevent long term joblessness and entrenched social disadvantage ACOSS has recommended the stimulus be adjusted to tackle two vital social problems - prolonged unemployment and a critical shortage of affordable housing."

"A quarter of future expenditure of the $650 million Jobs Fund should be allocated to assist unemployed Australians who have looking for work for over a year. To improve their jobs prospects, they would be engaged them in paid temporary employment in projects of local community benefit."

"The need for affordable housing remains critical. ACOSS strongly supports the social housing element of the stimulus package and calls for the $750 million which was cut from the social housing stimulus budget to be reinstated, or committed to a future affordable housing growth fund. The $750 million could have generated an additional 2600 affordable housing dwellings."

Download the submission here.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Rising Numbers of Jobless Australians Living On $32 / Day Need Payment Boost

10 September 2009

Despite this month's welcome pension increase, the growing numbers of Australians relying on unemployment payments are at risk of being left behind on payments which have not substantially increased since the 1980s, the Australian Council of Social Service has warned.

While today's ABS figures show the unemployment rate is steady at 5.8%, there are some troubling indicators including the net loss of 27,000 full-time jobs, and a continued drop in the number of hours worked. Applications for unemployment benefits are trending upward and rose by 40% from May 08 to May 09.

"It is extremely concerning there are thousands of Australians without work and rising numbers of people are relying on inadequate unemployment payments," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Among those doing it toughest, the 644,000 Australians on unemployment payments struggle to make ends meet. How does a single unemployed Australian budget for rent, groceries and bills on $32 a day? Despite this, there has been no substantial increase in the real value of unemployment payments since the 1980s."

"From 20 September, single age, disability support and carer pensioners will have $33 added to their base rate payments. The Government should be applauded for this unprecedented increase in the age pension rate which will bring financial relief for many struggling pensioners."

"Most single people on Newstart will get a top up of just $1.35 per week, bringing the base rate to $228 per week. This will lead to an astounding gap of $108 per week between typical payment rates for single pensioners and unemployed Australians."

"No matter what payment you are on, essential items like groceries, petrol and electricity bills cost the same. ACOSS continues to urge the Government to lift the single Newstart allowance rate by $30 per week as a first step to closing the gap between payments."

"We know that people who go on to Newstart can languish there for long periods. 112,000 people who went onto Newstart were still on the payment five years later (to May 2009) according to recently released data from Senate Estimates Hearings."

Changes to single weekly payments :

Unemployment payment (Newstart)
No pensioner supplements payable

• Previous amount: $ 227
• ncrease (includes indexation) $ 1.35
• Amount from 20 Sept $ 228

Pensions (excluding Parenting Payment)

• Previous amount $ 275
• Increase (includes indexation) $ 33
• Amount from 20 Sept $ 308
• ($336 including supplements for telephone, utilities and pharmaceuticals)

 Media Contact: Clare Cameron 0419 626 155

 

ACOSS Calls on Government to Invest in Affordable Housing for the Long Term

28 August 2009

ACOSS joins with housing peaks, including National Shelter and the Community Housing Federation of Australia, to express disappointment that $750 million has been cut from the stimulus budget for social housing.

"Australia needs a long term commitment and ongoing funding for affordable housing to meet a severe shortage of dwellings," said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS.

"The construction of 19,200 new social housing dwellings and repairs of existing dwellings is a fantastic first step, but ongoing future funding is critical to ensuring tens of thousands of low income Australians have secure, affordable housing."

"This is a big problem which needs long term planning and ongoing investment to meet demand. There is a shortage of 251,000 rental dwellings available for lower income families and individuals."

"We congratulate state, territory and Commonwealth governments on progress so far to drive the housing dollars further. Every dollar is crucial to meet the growing need and we want to see future investment, not budget cuts, in new dwellings."

"With 180,000 people on waiting lists for social housing around Australia, there is a vital need to ensure an adequate supply of social housing now and into the future."

"It is important that these dwellings are energy efficient, located close to public transport, schools and other social infrastructure."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, 0419 626 155

CPRS Verdict Misses an Opportunity to Build a Clean Energy Future

14 August 2009

Statement from Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.
"ACOSS is disappointed by the Senate verdict on climate laws. We have missed an opportunity to begin urgently required work towards a clean economy."

"Now is the time to start investing in thousands of clean energy jobs. Without swift action, the economic opportunities of job creation will pass us by."

"Low income Australians will be disproportionately hit by climate change. An equitable approach to climate change involves protecting the most vulnerable from the impacts of climate change while tapping opportunities for enterprise and employment.

"The longer we take to act on climate change, the more costly it will be. We await the swift return of the legislation to Parliament."

ACOSS is a founding member of the Southern Cross Climate Coalition, which comprises leading labour, environmental, social and research organisations working to promote solutions to the climate crisis.

See www.CleanEnergyJobs.com.au

 

National Clean Energy Jobs Campaign Steps Up a Gear

14 August 2009

Welfare, union, environment, and research organisations today launched a major national grass roots ‘clean energy jobs' campaign aimed at ensuring future CPRS or other negotiations strengthened climate action and clean energy policies.

"Our campaign is now going local to put some clean energy forged steel into the backbone of negotiators from all parties," said John Connor, campaign spokesperson.

On Sunday the groups launched a national multi-media campaign calling on "dinosaurs" in politics and business to stop blocking urgent climate and clean energy action.

"After this week of Parliament it is dinosaurs 1, clean energy economy 0."

"Our politicians need to turn this around not only next week by strengthening and passing renewable energy legislation, but also in coming months by ensuring CPRS negotiations strengthen, not weaken, climate and clean energy action."

The campaign will now roll out around the country and include actions and educational events in regional and inner city areas.

"The 'dinosaurs' are being put on notice - we're coming to a town near you!" said Mr Connor.

"Any changes to the CPRS need to face two key tests - will they help make Australia competitive in the emerging global clean energy economy and will they be cooperative in achieving an effective global climate agreement in Copenhagen in December."

ACOSS is a founding member of the Southern Cross Climate Coalition, which comprises leading labour, environmental, social and research organisations working to promote solutions to the climate crisis.

See www.CleanEnergyJobs.com.au

“Dinosaurs” Urged to Evolve and Support Clean Energy Jobs

9 August 2009

Southern Cross Climate Coalition Media Release

Welfare, union, environment, and research organisations have launched a national multi-media campaign calling on "dinosaurs" in politics and business to stop blocking urgent climate action in Australia, saying this is holding up the creation of hundreds of thousands of new clean energy jobs.

"Urgent policies are needed to unlock billions of dollars of investment and deliver a just, fair and decisive transition to a clean energy economy," said campaign spokesman John Connor, The Climate Institute CEO, at the Parliament House launch today.

"In a world turning to clean energy and technology, Australian industries are in danger of being left behind. Some dinosaurs in Australian politics and business are blocking climate action that will create the hundreds of thousands of clean energy jobs we need now more than ever.

"It's time for these dinosaurs to evolve."

Key facts about the global clean energy economy include:

o In 2008 alone, US$155 billion was invested in new clean energy sources, representing a four-fold increase since 2004 and for the first time outstripping investments in fossil fuel technologies.

o Worldwide, the renewable energy sector already employs an estimated 2.3 million people - more than the total number employed directly by the oil and gas industry.

o All credible economic research, including that used by big polluters, shows that Australian jobs and the economy will grow even with significant carbon pollution reductions .

The campaign, backed by The Climate Institute, the ACTU, Australian Council of Social Service, the Australian Conservation Foundation and WWF, is launching as parliamentary debate is set to resume on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and Renewable Energy Target.

The multimedia campaign, which includes national advertising, online communications, and public information sessions, will run until the international climate change negotiations in Copenhagen in December and beyond.

"We know that the shift to a clean energy economy requires assistance to workers and families. All the research shows we can have a prosperous economy and avoid the worst impacts of climate change if we get cracking now and that the longer we wait the more it will cost," said Mr Connor.

The campaign also links to a newly created website http://www.cleanenergyjobs.com.au built in partnership with GetUp, and provides facts, research and case studies on clean energy jobs.

"There has been too much delay and too much squabbling between all politicians. Urgent action is needed this year to strengthen climate policies, grow a clean energy economy and help achieve an effective global climate agreement.

"We are saying to all politicians and business it is time to evolve, and calling on all Australians to help them evolve," Mr Conor said.

 

Report highlights barriers faced by people with disabilities

6 August 2009

ACOSS welcomes the release of the Government's consultation report, Shut Out: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia, as a first step to inform the National Disability Strategy and strengthen the service and support for people with disabilities.

The National Disability Strategy Consultation Report found that people with disabilities and their carers experience stigmatisation and are excluded from key areas of life such as work and education.

"We welcome the Government's moves to assist people with disabilities break down barriers so they can fully participate in economic, social and cultural life," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"We also commend the inclusion of carers within the consultation and development of a National Disability Strategy."

"Discrimination and exclusion are daily experiences for some people with disabilities. Stories relayed in the report include a child with an intellectual disability who was refused care by a child care centre, and a man who was denied a vital organ transplant because of his disability."

The consultation report forms part of the National Disability Strategy, which is a key component of the Government's social inclusion agenda.

ACOSS has been advocating for better support and services for people with disabilities and their carers, particularly those on low incomes. One option for review is a national disability insurance scheme. ACOSS supports further discussion and investigation of a scheme of this kind to assist people with disabilities to live and participate as fully as possible in society.

ACOSS looks forward to its ongoing work with members spanning advocacy and service provision to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities and their carers are met effectively by strong and sustainable community services.

 

Call for decisive climate leadership to unleash clean energy jobs

6 August 2009

Southern Cross Climate Coalition Media Release

Decisive leadership on climate change will create up to a million new clean energy jobs in Australia by 2030, the Southern Cross Climate Coalition said in a statement today.

"Australia needs a clean energy industrial boom that will create new jobs and investment, starting today," the statement says. "Otherwise, we risk being left behind as one of the developed world's most carbon polluting and inefficient economies."

The statement says the global ‘low carbon and environmental goods' sector is now worth A$6.1 trillion and the global renewable energy sector already employs around 2.3 million people - more than the total number employed directly by the oil and gas industry.

The statement says leadership at December's UN climate negotiations in Copenhagen and legislating for a stronger emissions trading scheme and renewable energy scheme are crucial to unleashing the potential for jobs in a clean energy economy.

"The fate of Australia's natural icons, our great rivers and our farming and coastal communities depends on an effective international agreement to cut carbon pollution, so it's crucial we getcracking," said ACF executive director Don Henry.

"Australia can create up to a million clean energy jobs in at least six industries, but there's no time to waste, we must get started now," said ACTU president Sharan Burrow. "We need strong policies implemented as quickly as possible to drive investment so we can begin the economic and environmental transformation."

"Australians living with poverty will be hit hard by climate change. We need decisive leadership so that action on climate change is implemented swiftly, protects the most vulnerable, and creates clean energy employment," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"Australia's jobs growth, and economic prosperity, is inextricably linked to that of our neighbouring emerging trading partners. Dependable financing and investment in clean energy and low carbon technology is crucial to that growth being sustainable, said John Connor, CEO of The Climate Institute.

The Southern Cross Climate Coalition comprises leading union, environmental, social and research organisations working to promote solutions to the climate crisis.

Read the SCCC Joint Statement here.

Lowest paid workers miss out on wage increase

7 July 2009

ACOSS has expressed disappointment at the Fair Pay Commission's decision to leave the Federal Minimum Wage unchanged at $14.31 per hour. ACOSS' submission to the Commission called for a modest increase to at least maintain the real value of the minimum wage.

"The minimum wage is an important safety net for low paid workers and should provide a decent standard of living so that Australians who depend on the minimum wage do not go backwards," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"In tough economic times, wage rises across the economy should be modest to help prevent job losses, but those on the lowest incomes shouldn't have to bear the full brunt of wage restraint."

"A person living on $544 a week, who is renting, and has costs like transport, childcare and basics essentials like food must budget carefully to make ends meet. A modest increase would have helped keep pace with living costs, especially increased housing costs."

"Higher minimum wages do not automatically lead to higher unemployment levels among the low skilled.
Modest increases in minimum wages over the last decade have not prevented employment from growing strongly and unemployment from falling to low levels by OECD standards."

Recent research by the OECD on the effects of minimum wages on employment finds that they generally have little or no impact on employment among adults, though they may effect employment among young people in the absence of lower rates of pay within this group.

Who depends on the Minimum Wage?

• 40% to 50% are under 25 years
• A majority are women
• People with low educational qualifications
• About one third are the sole breadwinners in their household.
• About two fifths are the highest earner in their household.
• Higher incidence among employees living outside major cities
• Mainly come from the retail, hospitality, and community services industries, and mainly from low skilled occupations such as elementary or intermediate service workers, labourers, and production workers.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Where is The Road Home? Fears homelessness strategy has stalled

1 July 2009

The Australian Council of Social Service has urged the Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek along with state and territory governments to swiftly implement the Federal Government's white paper strategy on homelessness, The Road Home.

"ACOSS is a strong supporter of the Government's commitment of $800 million to fund homelessness services which was made in December 2009. This is a critical program to help get people off the streets and ensure more Australians have secure housing," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"We are concerned progress has stalled and final agreements are still to be signed off. Preventing homelessness before it begins is a key plank of The Road Home. The sooner people at risk of homelessness can access early intervention programs and integrated services the more protection they will have."

"As the winter cold sets in it is vital that rough sleepers have somewhere warm to sleep. Frontline services are reporting an increase in homelessness and crisis services are under greater strain."

"An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report recently showed 59% of people who sought crisis accommodation were turned away from services in 2007-2008."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

 

Flexibility Needed in Job Services Start-Up to Avoid Unfair Penalties

30 June 2009

With nearly 260,000 job seekers expected to register with new job services providers from tomorrow, disadvantaged job seekers risk incurring unfair penalties, says the Australian Council of Social Service.

"We expect that nearly half of jobseekers will have to change their employment agency from tomorrow as Job Services Australia commences," said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS.

"The next few months will be a difficult time of upheaval and disruption for some services and job seekers. Greater flexibility and consideration of individual circumstances is important so that people looking for work are not unfairly disadvantaged as a result of the changeover."

ACOSS supports comments by the Minister for Employment Participation, Senator Mark Arbib that flexibility is necessary to avoid major disruption in the transition to Job Services Australia (Sydney Morning Herald, 26 June 2009).

"Some job seekers will be confused about the new arrangements, despite the best efforts to inform them, so flexibility should be applied through the ‘reasonable excuse' provisions," said Clare Martin.

"Job seekers who fail to attend an interview with the employment services provider may incur a first strike under the ‘three strikes' rule which triggers a compliance assessment and could mean a losing payments for eight weeks."

"We want to ensure there is not a repeat of the serious transitional problems experienced with the 2003 tender where many job seekers had difficulty transitioning to new providers."

Media Contact:
Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

 

Appeal to Lift Living Standards of Sole Parent Pensioners

19 June 2009

ACOSS has warned that 360,000 of the poorest families in Australia will be left behind by legislation before a Senate Committee which increases payments for age, disability and carer pensioners but which fails to include sole parent pensioners.

Appearing this morning at a Senate Inquiry to the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Pension Reform and Other 2009 Budget Measures) Bill, ACOSS urged the Committee recommend changes to the legislation so that sole parents on Parenting Payment Single also receive the pension increase.

ACOSS has also raised concerns about the widening gaps and inadequacy of the Newstart Allowance; proposals to freeze the real value of Family Tax Benefits and the increase in the retirement age from 65 to 67 in the absence of an increase in the superannuation preservation age.

"The proposal to lift the single pensions by $33 per week will usher in the largest increase since the Whitlam Government and will relieve financial pressures faced by pensioners," said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS.

"But the legislation also marks an unprecedented delinking of the sole parent pension from other pensions and means sole parents will no longer receive the same support as other pensioners."

"Whether you are an aged pensioner or a single parent pensioner, living costs - the price of groceries, fuel and rent - are the same. Yet under this legislation a sole parent family receives $43 a week less than other single pensioners. This is simply inequitable."

"Single jobless people on Newstart Allowance have also been overlooked and will receive $106 per week less than a single pensioner. Research cited by the Harmer Report shows the cost of living is actually higher for unemployed people due to the costs of job search."

"Any policy that allows the incomes of sole parents and unemployed people to fall behind those of the community generally will almost inevitably lead to an increase in child poverty. To rob low income families to pay pensioners is unnecessary and inequitable."

"It is clear from research on financial hardship in Australia, and from our members including emergency relief providers, that these groups face at least the same risk of deprivation, if not a greater one, than age pensioners."

Research by the Social Policy Research Centre that examined the number of essential items that different groups in the community lacked found that 19% of single mature age people could not afford three or more essential items (for example, a decent and secure home) compared to 8% of mature couples, 54% of unemployed people, 49% of sole parents, and 27% of people with disabilities. A major factor leading to financial hardship among the latter three groups is that a high proportion rent their housing.

Read the submission to the Inquiry here.

 

Ramp up Help for Long Term Jobseekers

11 June 2009

"With the national unemployment rate at 5.7%, ACOSS is saddened to see an extra 27,200 Australians out of work," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

The Government has announced welcome initiatives to sustain and maintain jobs through the $300 million to assist newly retrenched workers, and nation building infrastructure projects such as $6 billion for public housing, $14.7 billion for school upgrades and the home insulation rebates.

While newly unemployed people have received assistance, ACOSS is calling on the Government to provide more help for long term jobseekers.

ACOSS has flagged several options to assist long term unemployed people at today's Senate Inquiry into the tender process to award employment services contracts.

"With more people on the unemployment queue for longer periods, ACOSS is calling on the Government to strengthen its commitment to social inclusion by doing more for people who are out of work for 12 months and longer," said Clare Martin.

Funding for the Work Experience phase of employment services drops off once people are unemployed for over a year. In most other OECD countries the situation is reversed - assistance for long term unemployed people is ramped up.

Employment services providers receive just $500 to assist a long term jobseeker move back into work for the entire period they are unemployed. ACOSS has proposed this amount should be raised to atleast $750 per year of unemployment.

"There was a group of workers who lost jobs in the 1990s recession who never worked again. We don't want to see this situation repeated. It is critical that Government act now to assist people who are unemployed for long periods."

Two years after the 1991 recession, long term recipients of Newstart Allowance more than doubled in number from 180,000 to 430,000.

ACOSS has also proposed introducing a paid work experience program targeted at long term jobseekers. This would involve six months of paid work experience in a regular job in the community and public sectors paid at a training wage. The cost of 25,000 places would be about $200 million.

"If a person can participate in paid work experience in a regular job, it can help break the cycle of long term unemployment by keeping people in touch with the mainstream labour market, strengthening skills, confidence and work habits, and giving them access to employer references and contacts."

"Government should also ensure there is support for people while they are unemployed. The current single Newstart payment of $227 per week is inadequate and should be increased."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Community Services Forced to Turn Away Needy: Survey

4 June 2009

Community services organisations provided assistance to over 3.1 million clients last financial year, a new report has revealed. Some services are at breaking point and were forced to turn away a quarter of people needing child welfare, youth or housing services.

Demand for community services across Australia increased by 19% in 2007-2008 compared to the previous year - services in highest demand are long term and crisis housing and health services (including mental health and drug and alcohol services).

Launching the Australian Community Sector Survey 2009, Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS, said:

"Community services play a vital role in providing essential services and make a real and tangible difference to people's lives. These frontline services mean a woman escaping domestic violence can find somewhere safe to stay, or a person who loses their job is able to access emergency relief and financial counselling."

"Agencies are reporting they are struggling to meet the rising demand for services. It is concerning that nearly 280,000 eligible people were turned away, an increase of 17% on last year."

"Organisations were surveyed prior to the impact of the economic downturn. We expect the effects of the downturn, particularly rising unemployment, will stretch resources even further and more people will miss out on the help they need. The survey showed people were most often turned away from housing, youth and child welfare services."

Australian Community Sector Survey 2007-2008 key findings:
Surveyed community and welfare organisations provided services to 3.1 million clients, compared to 2.6 million clients in 2006-2007. This is an increase of 19% in the number of those assisted.

The services and supports most needed by clients (by rank) were:

0. Long term housing
0. Crisis and supported accommodation
0. Health care (including mental health, drug and alcohol services)
0. Income support
0. Aged and disability services
0. Employment, education and training programs

Agencies turned away 278,107 eligible people, a 17.3% increase on the 237,024 people turned away from services in 2006-2007. Overall one in 12 people were turned away.

Services that people were turned away from in highest numbers were:

• Youth (48,357 people turned away or one in four people)
• Child welfare (5,570 people turned away, or one in three people)
• Housing and homelessness (19,202 or one in four people)
• Employment and training (10,903 or one in six people)

The Australian Community Sector Survey is the only annual survey providing an overview of the non-profit community services and welfare sector. Respondent organisations included community and welfare organisations from the membership of ACOSS and the State and Territory Councils of Social Service.

The report provides information on service use, income, expenditure and workforce issues for the community services and welfare sector. The 2009 survey covers the financial year 2007-08 and had 556 survey respondents.

Read the full report here.

Downturn Leads to Spike in Homelessness

28 May 2009

The economic downturn has put increased strain on homelessness services, underscoring the importance of the Government's homelessness strategy and its commitments to halve homelessness and end rough sleeping by 2020.

ACOSS has applauded the Government's homelessness strategy, The Road Home and the significant funding of $6 billion for social housing programs in February's economic stimulus package.

"Even before the downturn hit, people were turned away from homelessness crisis services," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service. "ACOSS is calling on state and federal governments to move swiftly to prioritise the implementation of the homeless strategy and ensure more Australians have a secure place to live."

"The economic downturn has meant increased job losses leading to rental arrears, mortgage defaults and more evictions leading more people to seek crisis accommodation."

"Our members are reporting a spike in demand for crisis services, for example a St Vincent de Paul centre has reported a six-fold increase in the number of homeless families needing help. Frontline services are also reporting an increase in demand for emergency relief and financial counselling services."

59% of people who sought crisis accommodation were turned away from services, according to figures released today from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for 2007-2008.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

 

Budget Targeted for Job Creation but Bypasses Most Disadvantaged

12 May 2009

The Australian Council of Social Service welcomes announcements in the Budget to increase payments for single pensioners and the better targeting of expenditure including tightening of super tax breaks, pension taper rates and the private health insurance rebate.

However the Budget has largely bypassed two of the poorest groups in the country and who will be most affected by the recession - sole parent families and unemployed people.

Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service:

"This Budget will help the economy recover through investment in infrastructure projects such as public transport, health projects and green collar job creation. Better targeting of Government programs and tax breaks such as those for superannuation, private health insurance and pensions will help the bottom line recover."

"These changes are fair and necessary to make room for spending on essential services and payments for those affected by the downturn."

"We applaud the Government's move to increase the single age, carer, and disability support pensions by $32.50. This is an historic rise, the biggest increase since the Whitlam Government, and will assist single pensioners achieve a better standard of living.

We are concerned that raising the pension age to 67 will disadvantage lower income mature age people with limited job prospects, who will have to remain on lower incomesupport payments for longer.

The pension increase is well-targeted for single pensioners but misses what should be its main focus - those most affected by the downturn - sole parent pensioners and unemployed people."

"I can not understand why the poorest people in the country, unemployed people and sole pensioners, have missed out on increases to their base payment rates. An unemployed person on the single Newstart rate of has to get by on $227 per week. Who can live on $32 a day?

Raising children as a sole parent is hard enough. But $550 per week is not enough to raise two school age children alone. Research shows 57% of families on parenting payment could not pay a utility bill in the last 12 months."

"Announced in the Budget was that at the same time that pensions will be indexed to a higher % of average earnings, Family Tax Benefit for low income families will no longer be linked to average earnings at all - only CPI. Family assistance will over time fall behind improvements in community living standards.

"The $20 per week training allowance announced today will assist some jobless people to get by while they are studying, but more is needed to support people in their search for work. The Budget made no provision for any major new employment programs for long term unemployed people and we look forward to working with Government on programs to assist this particularly disadvantaged group move back into the workforce."
 
Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

 

Mind the Gap: Report on Growing Inequity in Income Support

12 May 2009

Following the release of the Federal Budget, community sector organisations are increasingly concerned that gaps between income support payments are widening and there is now a four-class system of income support. There is a $147 per week gap between the top and bottom income support payments.
 
New research released today by ACOSS shows a stark contrast in the different levels of income support payments and an increasingly complex system. Click here to read the report.
 
"ACOSS welcomes the Government's Budget announcement to increase assistance to struggling single pensioners by increasing their payments by $33, the biggest rise since the Whitlam Government increased pensions by 10% in 1972," said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS.
 
"However, the pension increase in last night's Budget excluded sole parent pensioners who remain on the old payment levels. Sitting well below sole parent pensioners are people on the unemployment allowance and even lower, students 18-64 years old on Youth Allowance or Austudy Payment."
 
"If the pre-Budget pension rate of $285 per week is not enough for a single pensioner to live decently, then $227 is not enough for an unemployed person. Also, $550 per week (including $285 for the parent and $265 in Family Tax Benefits for the children) is not enough for a sole parent to raise two school age children alone."
 
"Past governments sought to justify the gap between pensions and unemployment payments because pensioners have to rely on income support for longer. In reality half of all people on Newstart Allowance now rely on this payment for over one year, andover a quarter for over two years."
 
As unemployment rises, closing the gaps between payments will be more important. ACOSS has been urging the Government to extend pension increases for single people to sole parents on Parenting Payment Single, and the single rates of Newstart Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy Payments, Special Benefit and Youth Allowance (for those living independently of their parents).

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Time to Cut Fat and Target Federal Budget to Those in Need

6 May 2009

As speculation grows that Australia will carry a deficit for multiple years, the Government has an opportunity in next week's Budget to better target expenditure so it can afford to stimulate the economy and help people affected by the recession.

ACOSS has proposed cost savings measures of up to $3.5 billion for the next Budget to strengthen the economy for future years and to avoid cuts to basic services and payments needed by low and middle income people.

"This Budget should be about fairness and equality. As the slowing economy creates higher unemployment and more people face disadvantage, Government should target Budget expenditure to those who need it most," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"At a time when many people are losing their jobs and suffering the hardships of unemployment, it is time to cut back on unsustainable, poorly targeted assistance."

"Tax breaks on superannuation contributions should be more equitable - currently low income earners benefit the least. For example, an employee on $120,000 gets a tax break on their super guarantee contributions of $3,500, but someone on $40,000 saves just $600 and there is no benefit for anyone on $20,000."

ACOSS has also called for income support payments to focus on those who need it most including single age, disability and carer pensioners, and also sole parents and unemployed people who will be severely affected by the recession.

By tightening the pension income test from 40 cents to 50 cents in the dollar, the Government could reduce the cost of a $30-a-week pension increase by $1 billion a year. This would end the situation where a couple on over $60,000 (and singles on around $40,000) can still get a part pension.
ACOSS' proposals to save up to $3.5 billion:
Replace the 15% flat tax rate for super contributions which favour people on over $100,000 with a more equitable rebate per dollar contributed to superannuation (saving: up to $2,000 million / year)
Remove private health insurance rebate from non-hospital care (saving: $1,000m)
Remove the special tax break for golden handshakes - treat the same as redundancy payments (saving: $150m)
Treat share schemes with benefits worth over $1,000 as Fringe Benefits and tax accordingly (Saving: $200m)
Remove the special import tax concession for 4 wheel drive vehicles (saving: $200m)

Media Contact:  Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

Flexibility Key to Learn or Earn Compact

1 May 2009

"Training and education programs can open doors for people of all ages, and the Compact will help many young Australians improve their skills and ability to find employment," Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service. "No one wants to see a generation of young people lost to unemployment and training programs can be part of the answer."

"Important to the success of the Compact will be flexibility in addressing the individual needs of young Australians. It should not be a one-size fits all approach."

"We will be looking closely at the Youth Allowance conditions so that disadvantaged young Australians are not unfairly penalised by having their payments withheld and face greater hardship. Some young people - those with mental illnesses, or homeless people for instance - need ongoing training and mentoring that suits their circumstances."

ACOSS is also urging the Government to lift the Youth Allowance payment in the Budget.

"Currently a major disincentive for people on Newstart to undertake training and improve their chances of getting a job is the loss of income they face when moving to the Youth Allowance payment.

Youth Allowance is $40 per week less than Newstart. It should be simple - whether working or studying people should be on the same payment.

We are calling on the Government to fix this anomaly and lift the Youth Allowance to the same rate as Newstart in the Budget."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, ACOSS - 0419 626 155

 

Charities Report Sole Parents and Unemployed in Urgent Financial Need

28 April 2009

Emergency relief providers and the Australian Council of Social Service are urging the Government to address the inadequacy of these payments received by these groups in the Budget.

Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS: "Sole parent families and unemployed people struggle below the poverty line because their low payments are simply not enough to live on. Any pension increase in the Budget should include sole parents on Parenting Payment Single and single people on the Newstart Allowance."

"The Harmer Review, which examined the adequacy of the pension, should be released ahead of the Budget so its conclusions on which groups are in hardship can be debated fully."

Typically a single unemployed person receives about $227 per week and a sole parent with two children gets $550 per week (including Family Tax Benefit).

Dr John Falzon, St Vincent de Paul Society National CEO: "Sole parents and unemployed people are coming to us to help them stay afloat. In some instances around the country we are receiving reports that 60% of the people we are assisting are sole parents and unemployed people.

"A government that commits itself to a social inclusion agenda must ensure these two groups are genuinely included. Genuine inclusion means having enough income so that a person does not feel the need to seek assistance from a charity."

"We will always be there to assist sole parents and unemployed people. But we know that what they really want is justice, not charity. Leaving them without a fair increase in their pension or benefit is not justice. And it is certainly not inclusion."

Major David Eldridge, Salvation Army Australian Southern Territory: "Sole parents accounted for 47% of clients seeking assistance from Salvation Army Emergency Relief Centres over the past month. They come desperate for support to pay for food, rent, chemist, school and power bills.
With rising unemployment we expect to see even greater numbers of sole parents in financial crisis.
 
Barriers preventing sole parents finding employment are significant and they have a higher than average unemployment rate which is already in double figures, at over 10%.
 
If additional support is not available sole parent families will struggle to keep their children out of poverty."

 

ACOSS Concerned About Job Network Overhaul

1 April 2009

ACOSS has expressed concern that job seekers may be disadvantaged in the transition to the new Job Services Australia system announced by the Government today.

Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service :
"The key issue is whether unemployed people can get the support they need. This is our benchmark in responding to the tender."

"With unemployment rising, tendering the entire employment services network couldn't have come at a worse time. There is real potential for disruption and disadvantage for job seekers."

"At greatest risk are people are who have been unemployed for long periods and require intensive assistance, as well as jobseekers in regional and remote areas where it is already difficult to find work."

"ACOSS would be concerned if Job Network providers who have demonstrated high performance over many years lose their contracts or if the diversity of the sector is reduced. Non-profit, smaller and specialised providers make a vital contribution in getting people who are unemployed back to work."

ACOSS will provide further comments once the full list of successful tenderers are announced by DEEWR tomorrow.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

 

Don’t Forget Sole Parent Families in Pension Increase

26 March 2009

ACOSS is urging the Government to reassure sole parents on Parenting Payment that they will be included in the promised pension increase in the May Budget. The Minister for Community Services Jenny Macklin has clarified in reports today that other pensioners - age, disability support, carers and veterans - will receive an increase in payments.

"It is only fair that the pension increase applies to all pensioners. Sole parent families should not be left out," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service. "ACOSS is asking the minister responsible, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Julia Gillard, to guarantee the pension increase will apply to the 350,000 sole parents on Parenting Payment."

"Sole parent families are the poorest families in Australia and children in these families regularly do without the things that other kids take for granted. We know that over half of sole parent families were unable to pay a utility bill in the last year and a quarter can't afford new school uniforms and books."

"A sole parent pensioner with two children receives $546 per week*. ACOSS is calling for the single pension rate to be lifted to two-thirds of the couple rate. This would be about $30 per week."

"Sole parent families have been paid at pension rates since the Whitlam Government introduced a pension for them in 1974. If the link between sole parents and other pensions was broken this would be a historic and retrograde change."

"Another group facing great hardship are people who have lost their jobs on the Newstart Allowance and who struggle to get by on just $226 per week. If the single pension rate is increased by $30, then the difference between the two payments would be a staggering $90."

"A $30 per week increase for Newstart and Youth Allowance recipients is critical to make the system fairer and start to raise the growing numbers of jobless people above the poverty line."

*This figure includes Family Tax Benefit and Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Capital city rents would typically account for half of the payment.
 
Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

 

Plan Now To Help Long-Term Jobless

12 March 2009

With Australia's unemployment rate now at 5.2%, ABS figures for February show there are an extra 47,100 people looking for work. "ACOSS shares the concern of all Australians about rising unemployment. Sadly, there is likely to be dramatic upheaval in the lives of the tens of thousands of people who lost their jobs last month," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

While ACOSS welcomed the Government's steps to help newly retrenched people - such as the $300 million for employment services announced in February - more assistance should be directed to people who unemployed for over a year, including introducing a paid work experience program.

"The longer a person is out of the workforce, the harder it is for them to get back in. Almost 60% of jobless people are on Newstart for over a year and 30% have received it for over two years," said Clare Martin.

"If a person can participate in paid work experience in a regular job, it can help break the cycle of long term unemployment by keeping people in touch with the mainstream labour market, strengthening skills, confidence and work habits, and giving them access to employer references and contacts."

"In 1-2 years, we can expect to see at sharp rise in long term unemployment. Government planning needs to start now on programs to tackle long term unemployment. Two years after the 1991 recession, long term recipients of Newstart Allowance more than doubled in number from 180,000 to 430,000."

"Long term unemployment breeds social exclusion and erodes people's skills, confidence and health. It can also lead to family breakdown, being forced to move to lower-rent areas where jobs are scarce and social problems become entrenched."

ACOSS' work experience program proposal would target people looking for work for over 12 months and involve:

• 6 months of paid work experience in a regular job in the community and public sectors
• Payment of a training wage, at National Training Wage levels - for example, 80% of the minimum wage.
• Where the provider and the employer believe a jobseeker would benefit, vocational training to be provided during the placement - preferably linked to the work performed.
• Mentoring and support for the trainees and their supervisors to be given by the employment service provider.
• The cost of 25,000 places would be about $200 million.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

 

Fairer Penalty Regime For Jobless, But Risks Remain

12 March 2009

ACOSS today welcomed the passing of legislation that does away with the present penalty regime for unemployed people. The Senate today passed the Employment Services Reform Bill, which introduces a fairer compliance regime.

Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service:

"Any compliance system should ensure people meet their requirements, not penalise the vulnerable. ACOSS is pleased that the Government is building a more equitable system for job seekers. The old system was unfair and didn't take individual circumstances into account. Last year over 32,000 people lost their income support for 8 weeks.

""As unemployment rises, more people will be accessing the services provided by Centrelink and employment service providers. The new system gives people greater opportunity to comply with the rules before they can be denied income support for 8 weeks."

"We particularly welcome amendments to the legislation moved by the Australian Greens giving Centrelink more discretion to overturn penalties and to defer any loss of payment for a fortnight so that people have an opportunity to adjust to a lower payment."

ACOSS is disappointed that the harsh and unreasonable 8-week penalty was not abolished but we hope that the number of people affected by it will be reduced by preventive action by providers and Centrelink. ACOSS will closely monitor the new system and work with the Government to ensure it reduces the number of penalties applied.

Any penalty regime carries risks for unemployed people, especially people who find it difficult to navigate complex rules, such as people with limited English, homeless people and people with mental health problems. ACOSS' main concerns include:

• The loss of a day's pay for everyday a person does not attend work experience or training.
• The affect of a late amendment in the Bill that could result in 8-week penalties for people who don't show up for three days running. This aspect of the new system could be harsher that the old rules.
The changes include:
• Safeguards for unemployed people before an 8-week loss of payments is applied, including an individual assessment by Centrelink to determine if they had barriers to work that prevented them complying
• Unemployed people can ‘work off' the 8-week penalty by participating in an activity like work for the dole
• A new ‘No Show No Pay' penalty where a day's payment is deducted for every day that a person does not comply with work experience or training requirements.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

Lift Payments For Single Pensioners and Unemployed in Budget

2 March 2009

The single rate for all pensions, including the pension for sole parents, should be increased by $28 per week in the May Budget. Payments for single unemployed people should be raised by $30 per week at the same time, says ACOSS' submission to the Taxation Review Panel.
Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service:

"ACOSS is calling on the Government to increase the single pension by $28 per week to two thirds of the couple rate to assist pensioners at risk of poverty. Payment increases should also be extended to all people doing it toughest in our community including sole parents, disability and carer pensioners, unemployed people and private tenants."

"Sole parents are among the worst off in our community. Recent research published by ACOSS shows that 57% of sole parents on the Parenting Payment regularly can't pay utility bills. It is critical they be included in this next round of increases."

Other recommendations include:
To help pay for these payment increases:

• A modest tightening of the pension income test, reducing by 50 cents per dollar of income instead of the current 40 cents. The present income test extends part pension and pensioners concessions to retirees who arguably do not need it. For example, a couple can earn up to almost $70,000 per year and still receive a part pension. The proposed change would peg this back to around $55,000.
• Removing special tax breaks for seniors such as the Senior Australians Tax Offset which costs $1 billion a year is mainly paid to relatively well off retirees. Given the investment losses sustained by many retirees in the present economic downturn, ACOSS proposes this be phased in once the economy has had time to recover.
• A $15pw increase in Rent Assistance to assist pensioners and other social security recipients who face a very high risk of financial hardship - private tenants.
• A $30pw increase in Newstart Allowance as a first step towards closing the $56pw gap between pensions and payments for unemployed people. ACOSS research shows 54% of unemployed people on Newstart can't raise $500 in an emergency.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

Assistance for Newly Retrenched Workers Welcomed

24 February 2009

The Government's injection of $300 million for employment services is a welcome boost to assist people who are retrenched in the economic downturn, says the Australian Council of Social Service.

"ACOSS welcomes the Government's investment of $300 million to assist newly retrenched workers remain engaged with the workforce. People retrenched in a downturn will find it hard to get back on their feet without more help," said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS.

"We have also been urging the Government to take steps to improve the job prospects of long term unemployed people through a program of paid work experience in mainstream jobs. Under the new Job Network arrangements funding for employment services decreases once people are unemployed for over a year."

"ACOSS has also been calling for the Newstart payment to be increased by $30 a week to $255 per week for singles."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

Win for Social Infrastructure and Jobs

13 February 2009

ACOSS has applauded the passing of the Rudd Government's economic stimulus package which should see tens of thousands of jobs created through investment in social infrastructure projects.

Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service:

"The economic stimulus package will see extraordinary investment in social housing, ensuring more low income families have a secure place to call home and the creation of tens of thousands of jobs."

"Among the winners of the economic stimulus package are people struggling with housing costs, children needing better school facilities, and households wanting to reduce their carbon footprint."

"We welcome amendments to the package by the Australian Greens for more assistance for low income and unemployed people, such as relaxing the liquid assets test for unemployment benefits."

"ACOSS has urged the Newstart Allowance be increased by $30 to $255 per week for single people as well as investment in work experience programs to help long term unemployed people re-engage with the labour market. The Government has an opportunity in the May Budget to protect and assist people who have lost their jobs."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

 

ACOSS Urges Senators to Pass Stimulus Package Today

8 February 2009

The Australian Council of Social Service urges the Senate to allow urgent passage of the Rudd Government's $42 billion economic stimulus package and enable funding to flow to infrastructure projects.

"The economic stimulus package will make a big difference in the lives of disadvantaged Australians and create tens of thousands of jobs," said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS.

"ACOSS wants to see work start on infrastructure projects in schools, housing and funding for energy efficiency projects as soon as possible."

"The construction of 20,000 new social housing dwellings is a welcome result which will mean more low income families will have a secure place to call home. The sooner work is started on these infrastructure projects the closer we are to creating jobs and ensuring long term economic growth."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

Nation Building Plan Welcome but more Assistance for Jobless Needed

3 February 2009

ACOSS commends the Government's action to quickly create jobs and fund infrastructure projects in housing, schools and roads in today's stimulus package.

Disappointingly, unemployed Australians - who are most affected by an economic downturn - will receive very limited assistance and still must get by on a weekly payment of just $225 a week. ACOSS has been calling for the Newstart payment to be increased by $30 a week and for investment in new employment programs to help unemployed people find work.

"We are delighted that social housing has been given a much needed boost with the promise of 20,000 extra dwellings to be constructed. There is a drastic shortage of public and community housing dwellings and long waiting lists," said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service. "More than 750,000 people currently struggle with housing costs and this investment will help some of those Australians get secure housing."

"The Government is expecting unemployment to rise from 4.5% to 7% next financial year. ACOSS is concerned that those most affected by the downturn have received limited support in the stimulus package. It is only fair that people who are unable to find work get adequate assistance and support and ACOSS has been urging the Government to increase unemployment payments by $30 a week," said Clare Martin.

"The home insulation program and solar water rebates are welcome steps to create green jobs, lower energy bills and reduce emissions. Low income households will be greatly affected by climate change. We encourage the Government to invest in other energy efficiency measures targeted at low income households such as energy audits and appliance upgrades," said Lin Hatfield Dodds, President, Australian Council of Social Service.

"We encourage the Government to ensure that all of the new school buildings and homes funded by the stimulus package meet best practice standards in energy efficiency."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

ACOSS: Invest in Social Infrastructure to Kick Start Economy

2 February 2009

ACOSS supports calls by leading industry groups - the Housing Industry Association and the Australian Industry Group - for Government investment in social infrastructure to create jobs and provide an economic stimulus.

"This is a critical time for job protection and creation. ACOSS has been calling for the Government to invest in the construction of affordable housing and improve energy efficiency in low income housing," Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

"The Government could kill two birds with one stone by financing the construction of 30,000 new social housing dwellings. This would alleviate the huge demand for affordable housing and also create jobs."

A national program to improve energy efficiency for low income households would create thousands of green jobs and should start immediately through the expansion of existing retrofitting programs.

"We can climate-proof existing homes by upgrading household appliances and installing insulation. This program would boost local businesses,
minimise energy bills as well as lower emissions.

Expenditure on these programs would have significant multiplier effects across local trades and industries.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

 

Five Point Economic Stimulus Plan to Tackle Surge in Unemployment

19 January 2009

ACOSS is urging the Government to implement a second economic stimulus plan and has released a five-point plan to protect low income Australians and to strengthen and safeguard the economy in the long term.

The number of Newstart Allowance recipients jumped by 27,000 in December 2008 from the previous month, according to the Government's labour market figures published yesterday*. This increase is almost equal to the increase in recipients for the whole of 2008.

Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS:
"Australia needs immediate action to assist job seekers find employment and ease financial hardship. The plan should lay the foundations for a stronger economy and a fairer society in the future. ACOSS' five priorities are to create green jobs, construct social housing, implement paid work experience programs, increase unemployment payments and strengthen community services programs."

1. Create green jobs: "A national program to improve energy efficiency in low income households involving home audits and retrofits, upgrades for basic equipment such as refrigerators and hot water systems would create thousands of new jobs. Investment in this industry would also spin off to benefit local trades and industries in the longer term. Green jobs and apprenticeships range from entry-level to high-skill positions in the building trades and home services. Successful programs currently underway could be quickly expanded."

2. Construct social housing : "An initial investment of $875m over a year to finance the construction of new social housing dwellings would assist in creating jobs in the construction sector and also help alleviate the drastic undersupply of affordable accommodation and long waiting lists for public and community housing."

3. Increase unemployment payments : "Increasing the Newstart allowance by $30 a week for singles would ease hardship among unemployed people as well as stimulate spending in areas most affected by rising unemployment. It would reduce the gap between pension and allowance payments that discourages many people with disabilities and sole parents from seeking work. This would cost $700m in 09-10 to assist 500,000 single unemployed people."

4. Implement paid work experience for long term unemployed people : "People with limited skills risk becoming locked out of the jobs market if they can't get work experience and training in regular jobs. The Government should fill the gap in job opportunities through a program of temporary work experience and training targeted to long term unemployed people. This would cost $400m in 09-10 to assist 25,000 long term unemployed people."

5. Strengthen community services : "The Government needs to provide an immediate boost of $300m through existing programs such as counselling, family support and emergency relief services to cushion the effects of job losses and protect against social exclusion. ACOSS looks forward to working with the Government and the new Community Response Task Force on these initiatives."
(*DEEWR labour market figures show numbers of people receiving payments from Centrelink and uses different parameters to measure unemployment than the Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force figures.)

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

Increase Allowance for Jobless by $30pw

15 January 2009

ACOSS is urging the Federal Government to introduce a paid work experience scheme for long term jobless people and to increase the unemployment allowance by $30 a week.

Releasing its recommendations for the Federal Budget 2009-10 today, ACOSS has outlined costed measures to assist job seekers overcome barriers to work while also avoiding financial hardship.

Under the ACOSS proposal, Newstart Allowance payments for single people would rise by $30 to $255 per week. This increase would close the gap between types of social security payments - the current Newstart Allowance for a single person is $50 per week less than the Age Pension payment.

Clare Martin, CEO ACOSS:

"Labour Force figures for December 2008 released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show there are now half a million unemployed Australians. We need to ensure people without jobs can afford to live and support their families while looking for work. ACOSS is urging the Government to increase Newstart Allowance payments by $30 to $255 per week for single people."

"Job seekers, especially long term unemployed people, should be given the best possible chance to find work. ACOSS' Budget Recommendations outline a paid work experience scheme to help keep people engaged with the workforce. Planning for this program should start now."

Under existing arrangements, funding for work experience placements decrease once peopleare unemployed for over a year.

ACOSS' proposal would provide jobs in mainstream employment for long term unemployed people.

Employment would be in the community or public sector and paid at a training wage and offered for six months. The program would be designed so that in the event of a major economic downturn it can be expanded into areas with high unemployment to prevent long term unemployment becoming entrenched.

Download Social Inclusion and Economic Security: Recommendations for the Federal Budget 2009-10 here.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

Praise for Government’s Homelessness Strategy

21 December 2008

ACOSS strongly supports the direction of the Government's White Paper on homelessness, The Road Home, together with funding of $800 million for homeless services and the promise of 2,700 new houses for homeless people by 2011. Speaking at the launch of The Road Home, Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS said:

"The Government has shown it is serious about reducing homelessness. ACOSS welcomes the commitment to halve homelessness and end rough sleeping by 2020."

"Homelessness services are buckling under the demand for crisis accommodation. Less than half of people who seek emergency accommodation are found a bed for the night. Three-quarters of families with children are turned away from crisis accommodation."

"The Road Home recognises the valuable work of the homelessness sector and sees that this workforce must be adequately trained and better supported."

ACOSS supports the three strategies to tackle homelessness - early intervention, expanded and well-connected services, and breaking the cycle by moving people from crisis accommodation into stable housing.

"ACOSS welcomes plans to prevent homelessness before it begins by targeting people at risk - people lacking affordable housing, or suffering from domestic violence, financial crisis, ill health, family breakdown," said Clare Martin.

Substantial investment in affordable housing and a strong social housing system is key to achieving the 2020 homelessness targets. "Currently people are locked into staying in crisis accommodation because there is nowhere else affordable to go."

The White Paper recognises the pressures on homelessness services and challenges mainstream services - like health, education, housing, employment services and social security - to take a more active role in preventing homelessness and social exclusion.

"We welcome plans to ensure fewer people fall through the cracks between services and ensure, for example, that a person exiting a mental health facility is not discharged into homelessness," said Clare Martin.

The development of the White Paper shows the benefit of engaging with the community on complex problems like homelessness. Continuing discussions with housing and homelessness peak organisations is crucial to the success of this initiative.

ACOSS looks forward to working with our sector and the Government to ensure the targets to reduce homelessness are achieved.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

Bradley Review to aid struggling students

17 December 2008

ACOSS welcomes the recommendations of the Bradley Review of Higher Education to assist students struggling financially by increasing the Youth Allowance and Austudy payments and lifting parental thresholds.

Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS:

"ACOSS welcomes the broad direction of the Bradley Report to assist disadvantaged and financially needy students.

"We want students to study, not struggle to survive financially. Current payments of $178 a week for students not living at home are inadequate.

"Students on these payments struggle to make ends meet and pay for the increased cost of rent, groceries and fuel.

"Boosting Youth Allowance and Austudy payments as well as allowing students to earn $200 a week instead of $118 a week without it affecting their payments is a good start. An increase to the parental income test threshold will also mean more students doing it tough qualify for support."

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

Emissions Target Falls Short but ACOSS Welcomes Household Cash Compensation

15 December 2008

ACOSS is dismayed by the low target of a 5-15% reduction in greenhouse emissions, but welcomes the Government's assistance measures for low income households in the carbon pollution reduction scheme announced today.

"The target of 5-15% falls well short. It will not stabilise the climate for current and future generations. It is a missed opportunity to provide jobs and an economic stimulus through a green collar workforce and building on our expertise in green technology," said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS.

"But ACOSS welcomes the Government's commitment to provide cash compensation for low income households through the tax and payments systems to cover the expected energy price increases."

"Australians on income support will receive a 2.5% increase in payments which will help some meet the expected rise in average household electricity and gas bills of $6 per week. People on lower payments, such as Newstart and Youth Allowance, will receive proportionately less than other income support payments and still find it tough to make ends meet."

While the announcement to assist the community sector through the Climate Change Action Fund is welcome, it is a stop gap that only meets half the need. Capital funding will only cover initial outlays for energy efficient equipment but will not meet the ongoing increased cost of energy.

"Also missing from today's package is a retrofitting program for low income households to commence immediately. ACOSS has called for a retrofit of low income housing stock as part of our move to a low carbon economy. The retrofit would significantly increase household energy efficiency and could include upgrades of basic equipment such as hot water systems and refrigerators to best practice performance standards in low income households," said Clare Martin.

ACOSS urges the Government to start retrofitting households at the beginning of 2009, at the same time as the Climate Change Action Fund.

A member of the Southern Cross Climate Coalition, ACOSS has urged the Government to cut emissions by 25% by 2020.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

Emissions plan should protect disadvantaged

15 December 2008

ACOSS is looking for a Federal Government guarantee that no group of low income households will be financially worse off as a result of the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). The White Paper released today should include details of measures for households.

The Government should announce a tough but reasonable emissions reduction target of 25% by 2020 as well as measures to boost the economy through green enterprise and protect low income households.

"The cost of inaction is great. It is vital the Government act now to cut carbon pollution by 25% by 2020 to prevent dangerous temperature increases," said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS. "The global financial crisis is no reason to delay. Green enterprise and employment will provide economic stimulus."

"The transition to a low carbon economy should involve disadvantaged Australians. Low income households will be greatly affected by climate change and responses like emissions trading. They should be shielded from price hikes for essential goods and services and can be part of the transition by taking green jobs and benefiting from better home energy efficiency."

Measures include cash compensation, energy efficiency improvements, fair tariffs with appropriate supports including hardship programs and community service obligations.

ACOSS will be looking for the following critical measures from the CPRS:

• Full compensation for low income households for cost increases resulting from the CPRS, to be maintained in real terms over time.
• An upgrade of basic equipment such as hot water systems and refrigerators to best practice performance standards in low income households.
• Retrofitting of housing stock to significantly increase energy efficiency starting with low income households in both the public and private rental markets.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

Low income Australians are doing it tough

8 December 2008

New research from ACOSS shows many low income Australians go without the basic necessities like a decent and secure home, access to dental treatment and new schoolbooks and clothes for their children.

Indigenous Australians, unemployed people, sole parents and people with disabilities are doing it toughest and are regularly unable to pay for items like utility bills, prescription medicines, dental treatment, or presents for family. Among older people those who rent privately face the most hardship.

Those doing it toughest often get the least income support. The Government's economic security payments are due to hit bank accounts from this week. Although those with children will receive $1000 per child, unemployed people and sole parents, miss out on the $1400 and $2100 payments for pensioners.

"With estimates of an extra 150,000 unemployed people by mid-2010 there will only be greater numbers of people doing it tough," Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS. "Many unemployed people, sole parents and people with disabilities are unable to pay for things most people take for granted - such as buying new clothes for children and paying for medicines."

"57% of sole parents on income support can not pay their utility bills, 30% of people on Newstart recipients can't afford gifts for friends and family, and a third of Disability Support Pensioners cannot afford to visit the dentist. These are red flags that the social security system is not protecting the most vulnerable people from hardship."

New data shows:

• 65% of Indigenous people, 54% of unemployed people, 49% of sole parent families, 27% of people with disabilities, 53% of public tenants suffer multiple deprivation (lack three or more out of the 26 essential items identified in the report) compared with 19% of all Australians.
• Young people (under 25 years) are most likely to suffer multiple deprivation (27%) than those aged 26-64 (19%) or over 64 (12%).
• Among mature age people (over 64 years) those who rent their homes are the most likely to suffer multiple deprivation (39%).
• Those most likely to be living in poor quality or insecure housing are on Parenting Payment (43%), Newstart Allowance (23%), and other Centrelink payments - like Carer Payment - (14%), compared to 7% of all people.
• Those most likely to be unable to afford prescribed medicines are on Newstart Allowance (17%), Parenting Payment (13%), and Disability Support Pension (11%) compared to 4% of all people.

Breakdown by States and Territories:

• People living in Victoria (21%), Queensland (21%), and South Australia (20%) were more likely to experience multiple deprivation than residents of other States and Territories, and residents of the Australian Capital Territory (10%) and Western Australia (12%) were less likely. This is compared to 19% nationally.

Income Support Payments:

• An unemployed single adult on Newstart Allowance gets just $225 per week, which is $56 per week than the austere age pension payment ($281). An independent young unemployed person (under 25) receives just $178.

Read the report: Who is missing out? Hardship among low income Australians

Media contact : Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155

 

ACOSS welcomes report on charity regulation

5 December 2008

ACOSS welcomes the report of the Senate Economics Committee on disclosure regimes for charities and not-for-profit organisations.
"ACOSS particularly welcomes the recommendation to establish a single national regulator which should help reduce the regulatory burden for many not-for-profit organisations while making legal requirements clear," said Clare Martin, CEO, ACOSS.

"We also welcome the recommendation that the Australian Bureau of Statistics prepare and publish a comprehensive study of the size and composition of the not-for-profit sector and urge the Government to commit to regular data collection on the sector."

"The practicalities of some of the other recommendations will need to be explored with the sector. For example, while ACOSS strongly supports the development of a new national legal structure that is better tailored to not-for-profit organisations, we are not convinced this must be mandatory. If the legal structure is attractive, then not-for-profit organisations will move to the new structure at the time that best suits them. Similarly, while there is a need to develop consistent accounting standards, the answer is probably not a prescriptive national chart of accounts."

The report recognises the immense contribution not-for-profit organisations make to the community and the regulatory impediments they face. ACOSS looks forward to working with the Government in responding to the findings of the Senate Report.

Key recommendations from the Report include:

• All Australian Governments agreeing on common terminology for referring to organisations within the sector.
• Creating a Unit in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to manage issues arising for not-for-profit organisations, reporting to a Minister for the Third Sector.
• Creating an Australian National Regulator for Not-for-Profit Organisations which would develop and maintain a register of all Not-for-Profit Organisations in Australia; undertake either an annual descriptive analysis of the organisations it regulates or provide the required information annually to the ABS for collation and analysis; secure compliance with relevant legislation and investigate complaints; develop best practice standards and educate not-for-profit organisations on best practice standards; and educate the public about the role of not-for-profit organisations.
• Creating a National Fundraising Act.
• Implementing a standard chart of accounts.
• The Henry Tax Review examining taxation measures affecting the not-for-profit sector with a view to simplifying arrangements and reducing confusion.
• Establishing a Taskforce for implementing the recommendations of the Report, with membership including representatives from the peak bodies of not-for-profit organizations.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron - 0419 626 155