The cost of living, evidence talks, and back to the good things

All the latest news from the Councils of Social Service of Australia.

ACOSS

With lockdowns now in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, over one million people, including hundreds of thousands of children, are excluded from the federal government’s COVID Disaster Payments because they are on a social security payment, even though many have lost part-time paid work and it’s near impossible to find a job in a lockdown.

ACOSS is calling on the federal government to immediately extend Disaster Payments to lift all incomes up to $600 per week, especially for those renting. When Federal Parliament returns, we need to fix social security arrangements for lockdowns to deliver an income floor for all. This means lifting social security payments above the poverty line: at least $475 per week (single rate), increasing Rent Assistance by 50 per cent, and additional supplements for people with disability or chronic illness and single parents.

VCOSS

Getting vaccinated isn’t just about “not catching COVID”, as crucial as that is. It’s about reclaiming our old lives; the things we once took for granted. Meeting grandchildren, hugging your mum, catching up with friends. It’s about music festivals, first dates and dancefloor introductions. It’s about an end to home-schooling, and hitting the open road. It’s about getting back to the good things. Watch VCOSS’s new Back To The Good Things campaign video, highlighting the benefits of getting vaccinated.

NTCOSS

In its 30th Cost of Living Report, released on Wednesday, NTCOSS highlights that as more and more services move online, many Territorians are struggling to afford their telecommunications. Report author Jonathan Pilbrow said despite improvements in digital services and better value mobile and internet plans, the need to be online more often sees low income households and remote Territorians still facing financial hardship to keep up. Click here to read the report and learn more.

NCOSS

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice defines evidence-informed practice as “using evidence to design, implement and improve our programs and interventions”. This evidence can be from research studies, lived experience and client voice, and professional expertise. In this free online discussion series, NCOSS “go back to basics” and relearn concepts (from spotting quality evidence to revisiting theory of change), whilst preparing to use the highly-anticipated DCJ Evidence Portal when it launches in September/October. Register now for NCOSS/DCJ Evidence Talks Training.

QCOSS

Are you ready to submit a Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) or other grant application? Before you hit “submit”, join QCOSS to review some top tips and tricks that will ensure your application is as strong as possible! While the QCOSS-led workshops focus on the SQW initiative, these tips are also designed to be used more broadly to help organisations with other funding proposals or grant applications. Sessions are available online and in-person at a number of locations across Queensland. Find out more here.

TasCOSS

Earlier this month, the Tasmanian government released its draft legislation that will end Federal Group’s monopoly over gaming in Tasmania and give licences for poker machines to individual pubs and clubs. Join TasCOSS for its next Policy Conversation where it will hear from public policy expert John Lawrence on the details of the draft legislation and have a Q&A about where it needs to be improved. Register now and join the conversation! 

ACTCOSS

ACTCOSS has given feedback on Dr Marisa Paterson MLA’s exposure draft of the Crimes (Consent) Amendment Bill 2021. The bill introduces a new definition of consent based on free and voluntary agreement. In its response, ACTCOSS agreed to a need for consent to be communicated, not assumed. This brings us in line with other jurisdictions and makes it easier to address sexual assault. Learn more here.

WACOSS

A reminder that WACOSS are still currently recruiting for the deputy CEO role, with the option of a 12 month secondment, or a three-year fixed term contract. For more information read the position description on our website. Applications are being accepted until 9am, Friday 30 July 2021.

SACOSS

#HereForSA is a social media campaign celebrating the essential work of the South Australian community sector. SACOSS recognise the 37,000 South Australians workers and 54,000 volunteers in crisis care, aged care, social work, disability, mental health, emergency relief, youthwork, homelessness, financial counselling and domestic violence support, as well as those employed by community organisations as receptionists, policy officers, fundraisers, event organisers, drivers and call-centre operators. Click here to learn more

This article was contributed by ACOSS Community Hub.