It’s time to break new ground. As old systems buckle and collapse under the strain of entirely novel challenges we have faced, spaces of opportunity open to remake and rebuild better together. Join the community service sector in WA for our first opportunity to gather post- COVID-19, register for the WACOSS Conference, Finding Ground: Building a better way back together, February 22-24 2021. The 2020-21 NSW Budget comes at a time when NSW is facing the worst prevailing economic conditions in a generation. The impacts of the pandemic continue to unfold, with a wave of disadvantage spreading across the state. Read the NCOSS Analysis: NSW Budget 2020-21, covering specific policy areas including: Housing and homelessness, Domestic violence, Child protection, Educational attainment, Mental health, Cost of living and Sector support. The 12 months between July 2019 and June 2020 were a time of change, disruption and challenge for Tasmanians, the community services industry and TasCOSS. This year’s Annual Report captures the strength, adaptability and resilience of our industry. Head to www.tascoss.org.au/ar201920 to find out more. QCOSS has launched several new Policy Networks to bring together members to help shape our advocacy work while connecting with experts across the sector. The networks will cover a range of issues, with experts sharing their perspectives on Women’s Equality, Housing and Homelessness, Employment, Living Affordability and Research and Evaluation. ACTCOSS marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by calling for adequate support for ACT community services supporting women and children experiencing violence. ACTCOSS also made a submission to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee calling for a permanent and adequate increase to the rate of JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and other income support payments. Finally, ACTCOSS welcomed its new Chair and Board. The Victorian Government has pulled out all stops to crush inequality and promote community wellbeing across the state, according to Victoria’s peak social advocacy body VCOSS. “This budget is literally brimming with positive, smart and effective social policy measures that will make real inroads into poverty and disadvantage,” VCOSS CEO Emma King said. “The pandemic has made bold interventions a necessity, and the government isn’t missing its shot.” Read more here.
SACOSS, together with other groups, has sent a letter to the SA Premier about the recent lockdown, the government's response, and some of the vulnerabilities posed by insecure work. We are very lucky in SA to have got many things right, but there is still work to do. Our health response will only be as strong as the structures, social and economic, that underpin it. Read more here. On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 25 November NTCOSS states that on average one woman a week dies at the hands of her partner or former partner. The rates of violence against women in the NT needs our urgent attention and it was heartening to hear Karen Worden talk about her commitment to treating this as priority. Thanks Charlie King for leading the way with NO MORE AU. Your leadership is making a real difference. | 
