NTCOSS New Sheet July 2009
NTCOSS NEWS SHEET – July 2009
As we enter a new financial year, community sector organisations continue to struggle to provide an adequate standard of service to an ever-growing number of clients. The recent ACOSS community sector survey found that in 2007-08, NT agencies were unable to help almost 3,000 Territorians who sought assistance. Low wage levels in the sector make it difficult for organisations to maintain a stable and skilled workforce at a time when the global financial crisis threatens to put increasing pressure on the most disadvantaged in our community.
Meeting with Minister Malarndirri McCarthy
Recently NTCOSS met with Minister for Children and Families, Malarndirri McCarthy. We raised the issues of transport, housing, the inadequate resourcing of child protection, community sector wages, lack of apparent outcomes from the disability review, disability taxis, and the continued need for AOD and youth peak organisations. Minister McCarthy listened carefully to our positions but gave no undertakings. The Minister raised issues around the NT Government's proposed 20 ‘Growth Towns’ announced as a part of the Working Future strategy, and has indicated that she will hold a briefing with our sector to encourage community sector input.
Pre-Budget Submission consultations underway
One of NTCOSS’ major ‘products’ every year is our pre-budget submission to the NT Government. Consultations with community organisations have just commenced, as we seek to identify two major funding priorities in each sector. These will provide the basis for our recommendations to the NT Government in the run-up to the 2010-11 budget. All NTCOSS members are encouraged to have their say, so that we can produce a well-informed and considered document.
Central Australia
NTCOSS Central Australian Policy Officer, Jonathan Pilbrow, has been working with the People’s Alcohol Action Coalition (PAAC) to highlight the alcohol-fuelled emergency in Central Australia that ruins lives and causes premature deaths. Despite an 18% reduction in alcohol consumption since the local Alcohol Management Plan was implemented in October 2006, Alice Springs residents still drink at alarming rates. PAAC is calling for the introduction of a ‘minimum fixed price’ of $1 per standard drink on all alcohol products, since evidence shows that price is the key determinant of consumption and harm.
Media
In Alice Springs, Jonathan Pilbrow has done interviews on the ABC radio and on CAAMA radio, speaking out against proposed new Alice Springs Town Council by-laws. They include a $130 fine for begging, and also provide for an authorised officer to direct a person to ‘move on’ if that person is asleep, or ‘likely to engage in conduct involving breach of the by-laws’. We have also received some media coverage around our concerns about Minister Macklin’s proposed compulsory acquisition of the Alice Springs town camps.
Workforce Toolkit going gangbusters
The NTCOSS Workforce Toolkit is receiving rave reviews from all around the country. Members who have not yet received their free copy should contact NTCOSS so that we can send you one. Places are still open in the Workforce consultation workshops to be held in Katherine on Tuesday 4 August and in Darwin on Thursday 6 August. Contact NTCOSS for more details.
Regards
Wendy Morton
NTCOSS