Funding Pay Equity
November 2010
This paper presents a set of principals for a nationally consistent approach by Australian governments to funding equal remuneration for community sector workers.
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ACOSS Reports & Submissions
Sector Development
ACOSS statement to Fair Work Australia Equal Remuneration Case
August 2010
ACOSS has been leading the campaign for equal pay within the community and social services sector. This statement was given to Fair Work Australia in August 2010 and outlines the secotr position on the importance of equal pay and this test case.Water Reform - A National Consumer Forum
August 2010
Summary Paper and Presentations
More than 60 consumer, welfare, environment and government representatives participated in Water Reform - A National Consumer Forum, in Melbourne on 3 July 2009. The Forum was presented by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC) and the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) with the aim of building knowledge about national water reform issues and considering strategies for increasing consumer consultation and engagement with the Federal Government.Summary Paper and Presentations.
ACOSS’ Election Platform : The Contest for a Fair Australia
August 2010
ACOSS' Election Platform outlines key priorities to build a fair Australia which ensures people on low incomes are not excluded because of social or economic disadvantage. We are calling for commitments from our political leaders on issues including: Work and income support; Affordable Housing; Oral health; Indigenous; Tax; Climate change; and measures to Strengthen the Community Sector.
Employer Reference Group, Terms of Reference
April 2010
Equal remuneration case for social and community service (SACS) workers
ACOSS has established an Employer Reference Group as a working group for the not-for-profit social service sector comprising employer organisations, peak representative bodies and unions involved in the equal remuneration case for SACS workers. Its objectives are to facilitate communication and collaboration across the sector through the lifetime of the case and the campaign for funding of any wage increases. It provides a focus for sector organisations to develop strategies and messages in relation to the campaign for funding; and through which to be apprised of developments and provide input into the case. ACOSS will be communicating regularly with our members as the campaign for funding develops.
Sector Development Glossary
March 2010
ACOSS has developed a glossary of terms that encompass the breadth of sector development work currently underway. This is a resource for the sector and an effort to clarify some of the language and terms used variously in social and community services across the country. For example, the following terms are used in different parts of the country and are often interchangeable: individualised service agreements; direct service delivery; consumer-directed purchasing; personalised social care; self-directed funding; individualised funding; individualised care packages; personalised budgets; individualised support packages; self managed care; direct funding; and consumer choice.
Productivity Commission study on the contribution of the NFP sector
March 2010
ACOSS analysis and priorities for advocacy
This analysis has been prepared for the benefit of national, affiliate and associate members of ACOSS; for the Councils of Social Service in each state and territory; and for their members. It provides an overview of the Productivity Commission's recent report on the not-for-profit sector and sets out ACOSS priorities for future advocacy in this area. ACOSS invites comments and input on these priorities from our colleagues and members in the sector.
Report of ACOSS consultation on national standard chart of accounts
March 2010
In February 2010 ACOSS consulted its members about the development and introduction of a standard chart of accounts, a tool for reporting financial information to governments across the country. We consulted with our national member organisations (NMO); the Councils of Social Service in each state and territory; and COSS members at the state and territory levels. This is the report of that consultation that was provided to COAG.
Introduction of a national standard chart of accounts
February 2010
In February 2010 ACOSS was invited to consult on the national standard chart of accounts (SCoA). The deadline for consultation was 10 March which did not leave much time for detailed engagement with our members. This document is intended as a resource both for the consultation process and for the sector more generally to understand the SCoA and its implementation. We provide basic information to our members about the SCoA's contents and purposes; its implementation; and we invite input into the consultation through a set of questions about the design, implementation and usefulness of the SCoA. Comments for the formal consultation with government must be received at ACOSS by 5 March. However we will continue to welcome feedback from our membership and to engage with government on the SCoA beyond this timeframe.
Reform of Australian Government Administration
December 2009
This submission focuses on several areas that are key to the relationship between the Australian government and the not-for-profit community sector. These include:
- the interaction between government departments and policy and program areas;
- appropriate and effective consultation processes;
- awareness of the broader context in which services are delivered and the implications of administrative decisions on those services; and
- bureaucratic processes (reducing ‘red tape').
The submission discusses some of the key issues facing ACOSS members and their clients in these respects. It is written from the perspective of the not-for-profit community and social service sectors and is based on our extensive experience working with Australian government administration.