Support ACOSS in developing sound policy and undertake effective advocacy on the needs of people affected by poverty, disadvantage and inequality, and to build a strong and sustainable community sector.
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October 2008
In October 2008, ACOSS held a seminar in Sydney on ‘Three dimensions of social inclusion' to help inform our policy development in this area.
Participants included ACOSS member organisations, representatives from relevant Government Departments, and academic experts.
September 2008
Senate Economics Committee Inquiry into the disclosure regimes for charities and not-for-profit organisations.
ACOSS welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this historic inquiry - the first inquiry by the Australian Parliament into the unique needs of the Non Profit Sector (the Sector).
This submission focuses on two policy priorities arising from the inquiry terms of reference that are of particular relevance to non profit organisations operating in the community services and welfare sector:
1. Developing regulatory and legal frameworks that support the Non Profit Sector to thrive; and
2. Improving the operating environment for the Non Profit Sector by providing better financial regulation and oversight.
August 2008
This discussion paper is intended to provide information about current processes and directions for reform of Commonwealth/State relations and to identify reform opportunities which will benefit low income and disadvantaged people. The paper has been written to assist in gaining the views of the community services and welfare sector on desirable directions for reform of Commonwealth/State relations which can then be used to help influence the reform process at various levels of government - Commonwealth, State/Territory and Local Government. This is a working document for the sector to use and provide feedback on and will form part of a wider consultation process with the sector.
August 2008
The Not-for-Profit Sector is a vital part of Australia's civic, social, economic and environmental life. The Sector provides a broad range of services and opportunities to Australians, including essential community services, culture and recreation, representation and advocacy.The Not-for-Profit Sector and the Commonwealth Government are exploring ways to develop a new and stronger relationship with each other, based on partnership and respect. The Government has asked the Australian Council of Social Service to consult Not-for-Profit organisations, and the people who use them, about a compact and prepare a report for the Government and the Sector.
July 2008
ACOSS welcomes this opportunity to comment on the discussion paper, Australia's children: safe and well - A national framework for protecting Australia's children (the Discussion Paper). We support the development of a national framework to promote child wellbeing, meet children's needs and protect them from harm. We believe that a national framework has the potential to achieve better outcomes for children through improved service integration and coordination, increased resources, a stronger prevention focus and effective government action to address some of the structural and social factors which are associated with child abuse and neglect.
July 2008
ACOSS' submission to Ministers on the National Mental Health and Disability Employment Strategy deals with the causes of poor employment outcomes for people with disabilities (less than 40% of people with disabilities are employed wityh little progress madeover the last 15 years) and policy recommendations to improve them including reform of social security payments, a workplace adjustment package, and action to prevent people with disabilities from becoming jobless long term. It argues that the problem has been defined too narrowly in the past as reliance on disability pensions and that Welfare to Work policies that shifted people to lower payments have led to greater financial hardship without resolving the underlying problems.
June 2008
This Report presents the results of the Australian Community Sector Survey 2008 (ACSS). The Report provides information on service use, income, expenditure and workforce issues for the community services and welfare sector. The ACSS is the only annual survey which covers the non-profit community services and welfare sector, which is a major provider of the community services that most of us rely on at some point in our lives, but which are particularly important to people on low incomes.
ACOSS Paper 154
February 2007
This Report presents the results of the Australian Community Sector Survey 2007 (ACSS). The Report provides information on service use, income, expenditure and workforce issues for the community services and welfare sector. The ACSS is the only annual survey which covers the non-profit community services and welfare sector, which is a major provider of the community services that most of us rely on at some point in our lives, but which are particularly important to people on low incomes.
ACOSS Paper 154
January 2007
Right now there are two million Australians who do not have an acceptable standard of living and go without the bare necessities: housing, work, education, health care and community services. Their daily struggle to make ends meet takes its toll on their health and life chances.
Includes: Information about fairness in Australia. Exercises to help you prepare a list of 10 essentials to make Australia fair.
September 2006
ACOSS Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Committee. Includes: Commonwealth-State Territory Disability Agreement. Services for people with disabilities. Australian Federal Budget.