NTCOSS News Sheet August 2009
Northern Territory Council of Social Service
NTCOSS NEWS SHEET – August 2009
It has been a tumultuous month in Territory politics. Former Indigenous policy minister, Alison Anderson’s resignation from the ALP left the Henderson Government in the precarious position of holding 12 seats in a 25 seat assembly. Stability of a kind was returned after independent Gerry Wood reached a remarkable personal agreement with the Chief Minister, under which Wood appears set to play a key role in the deliberations of a new review body to be known as the Council for Territory Co-operation. NTCOSS will watch with interest.
Proposed Alice Springs by-laws
The most contentious current issue for the community sector continues to be the draconian by-laws under consideration by the Alice Springs Town Council. Under the new provisions, people who are begging will be liable to a fine of $130. It is difficult to understand the logic in fining people for begging, and deeply concerning that this relatively trivial offence may see even more Indigenous Australians come into contact with the criminal justice system. Other aspects of the proposed by-laws will make it more difficult for people to camp out in public places, despite the fact that there is a chronic housing shortage in Central Australia. NTCOSS has significant concerns about a number of these by-laws and believes that some will actually exacerbate existing social problems. NTCOSS has completed a written submission, and worked with other organisations on strategies to address these concerns.
AoD Peak seed funding
The NT Government recently announced a one-off grant of $50,000 to help establish an Alcohol and Drug peak body for community service organisations working in this field. NTCOSS Central Australian Policy Officer Jonathan Pilbrow recently presented a paper at the National Alcohol and Other Drug Conference on the need for an AoD Peak Body in the NT. Alcohol and drug misuse costs the NT millions of dollars each year through accidents, illnesses and absences from work, and contributes significantly to violence and anti-social behaviour. A properly-funded peak body will have the capacity to provide policy advice, analysis and research, and become a single point of reference for government and other key players. An AoD peak makes good economic and social sense, as we work to address the harm that grog does here in the Territory.
Media
In Alice Springs, Jonathan Pilbrow received news coverage on ABC radio around the issue of homelessness. He referred to the example of a woman who moved to Alice Springs for work who is now living in a borrowed tent with two young children. He also referred to the impact the housing shortage is having on recruitment and retention for Community Sector organisations. Jonathan received additional ABC coverage on ‘income management’ and the need for evidence to be collected on its effectiveness. CAAMA radio also provided coverage on the by-Laws issue.
Events
* The NTCOSS AGM on 23 September 2009 at 11.30 am at our offices in Nightcliff.
* Mental Health Week dinners featuring John Brogden and comedian Fiona O’Loughlin:
- Alice Springs on Wed 7 October - for bookings Elizabeth Dodd on 8950 4600
- Darwin on Thurs 8 October - for bookings phone Roma Hill on 8948 2665
Regards
NTCOSS TEAM
