As the Northern Territory Government prepares to frame the 2009/10 budget, Wendy Morton, Executive Director of NTCOSS, today called for financial support for community organisations to assist those Territorians who will be hardest hit by the global financial crisis.  

 

“Seven out of ten community organisations in the NT are struggling to recruit quality staff, which places at risk their ability to continue to deliver high quality services in key areas like drug and alcohol rehabilitation, aged care, and mental health,” said Ms Morton.

 

“Staff turnover in NT community service organisations is running at more than 35% annually - which is more than twice the national average.”

 

Rates of pay in the community sector languish 15 to 20% behind the rates for comparable work in government or private enterprise. Cash-strapped community sector organisations cannot afford to fund a desperately needed catch-up in pay for their workers, without some assistance from government.

 

The base rate of pay in the community sector is just under $31,000 per year, yet the minimum pay rate in the NT public service is more than $36,000. A psychologist in the community sector earns $55,000 per year, but a similar job in the government sector would pay $15,000 more.

 

“We are mindful of the general economic downturn,” said Ms Morton. “But the global financial crisis will significantly increase the demand on our member organisations, so it’s critical that they have sufficient resources to assist Territorians in need. A strong community sector makes for a healthy and supportive Territory – and that’s in everyone’s best interests.”

 

“We are very concerned at recent media reports suggesting that welfare initiatives may be cut in the upcoming budget. The most vulnerable members of our community will be placed under additional stress by the global financial crisis. These people should not be abandoned.”