NTCOSS NEWS SHEET – March 2009
NTCOSS NEWS SHEET – March 2009
The NT Government is currently finalising its 2009-10 budget in the context of the global economic crisis. The economic downturn will inevitably generate increased demand for housing support, emergency relief, drug and alcohol counseling, and other related services. NTCOSS has recently written to all government ministers asking them to ensure that the needs of disadvantaged Territorians are not overlooked in the budget deliberations.
Meetings with Ministers
NTCOSS and NT Shelter were among a number of groups who met with Treasurer Lawrie. We took the opportunity to emphasise key recommendations in our pre-budget submission, including the importance of maintaining the competitiveness of community sector pay and conditions, and the need for a comprehensive transport strategy for the Territory. We also met with Minister Malarndirri McCarthy to impress on her the importance of investing in the community sector to support vulnerable Territorians in difficult economic circumstances. Finally, NTCOSS representatives met with opposition members to represent our policy positions.
AoD and Youth peak bodies
NTCOSS met with representatives of both the ‘alcohol and other drugs’ sector and the youth sector, as we continue to push for peak bodies in both these areas. The NT remains the only Australian jurisdiction without a funded youth or AoD peak body.
Central Australia
NTCOSS Central Australian Policy Officer, Jonathan Pilbrow, has been actively involved in responding to the NT Government’s Youth Action Plan for Alice Springs. The government’s focus on supporting youth is welcomed, however some policy issues remain to be resolved, particularly around the ‘no school - no service’ code. Jonathan has also done media on ABC news around the short-term accommodation crisis in Alice Springs.
Media
NTCOSS has enjoyed some significant media exposure this month. On March 25, the Darwin Sun ran a front-page story headlined ‘It’s now you need us most’ which focused on the importance of funding community organisations to support vulnerable Territorians as the global financial crisis hits. I recorded a brief interview for Channel Nine television news appealing for a more considered long-term plan to address alcohol misuse in the community, and a radio interview with Territory FM on pay and conditions in the community sector. Finally, I did a number of interviews for ABC news on issues such as alcohol rehabilitation, and community sector conditions. We will continue in our efforts to raise these critical issues in the media.
Newsletter
Earlier this month NTCOSS published a detailed newsletter with reports from all project officers, and a statement on ‘why NTCOSS counts’. The newsletter also features an article on the late Tony Fitzgerald, in recognition of Tony’s enormous contribution to the community. We will publish the newsletter on a quarterly basis and continue to issue these monthly news sheets to keep NTCOSS members up to date in between times.
regards
Wendy Morton
Executive Director
NTCOSS
Source:
NTCOSS
Contact Name:
Graham Ring
Contact Phone:
89482665
Contact Fax:
89484590
Contact Email:
graham@ntcoss.org.au