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newsletter

www.tascoss.org.au

Tasmanian Council of Social Service Inc.

inside this issue

Ef fect ive AdvocacyConference 1

From the CEO’s Desk 2

TasCOSS invest igates demand for communityservices t raining 4

Home and Community Care (HACC) Project 6

Sustainable Organisat ions Project 7

Tasmanian Social Pol icy Counci l Repor t 8

Communicat ions between the sector and Cent rel ink 9

TasCOSS Telecommunicat ions Project 10

Agency-Sector Forum Update 12

Window on Economics 13

Ending Pover ty - According to Plan 13

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Effective Advocacy Conference

“Each and every one of us can make a difference”….that was the message delivered at the Effective Advocacy Conference organised by the Tasmanian branches of the Australian Health Promotion Association and the Public Health Association Australia on Friday the ��th March 2005 in Hobart.

World-renowned health promotion expert Professor Ron Labonte from the Institute of Population Health in Canada headed up an inspirational panel of presenters for the Conference.

Ron spoke about being specific about the problem or issue, understanding the language and gatekeepers of policy, picking your moment in decision-making processes, being persistent, being politically astute, using the media and always being optimistic. In conclusion, Ron advised us to: “Be rigorous. Be righteous. Be hopeful.”

The Conference also showcased examples of ‘grass-roots’ advocacy, including a well-publicised program called the Parents Jury. Conference presenters included Jo Flanagan

“Without advocacy,” Ron said, “we cannot improve health – that has been the history of almost every health advancement in Western society.”

Ron challenged the audience to become passionate citizens (using “evidence-based anger”) who seek to change policy and not just raise awareness, and he provided practical advice on how to make the change process effective.

The panel from left: Jo Flanagan, Greg Johnson, David O’Byrne, Roscoe Taylor & Ron Labonte from Anglicare, David O’Byrne

from Smoke-Free Tasmania and Dr Roscoe Taylor from Population Health at DHHS.

Over �00 people attended the Conference from a broad range of sectors. An active panel discussion and afternoon workshops contributed to this very successful day.

Miriam HerzfeldAustralian Health Promotion Association (Tasmanian Branch)

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From the CEO’s DeskMarch 2005

The first thing you will all notice as you read this newsletter is probably that there hasn’t been a hard copy newsletter now for some months. The second thing is that now that you have one in your hands, it has a new look. One of the things we have been doing at TasCOSS in recent months has been to review and update our publications. We took the decision to trial the monthly TasCOSS E-News bulletin, which you should have all seen three editions of now, and to reduce the frequency of this hardcopy newsletter. We have also been working to achieve a consistent “look and feel” across our publications, including the E-News, hard copy Newsletter, and Annual report. Soon our website will also become part of this overhaul.

But of course attending to communications (which has been well driven by Mark Pegg) has only been one part of our activities in the halls of TasCOSS over the past three months.

TasCOSS fare-welled Chris Jones from our Board. After a number of years of solid service and commitment to governing TasCOSS, Chris has reduced his commitments in the sector to focus on completing his doctoral studies, and we thank him for his contribution. The TasCOSS Board co-opted Jo Flanagan into the casual vacancy on the board until the AGM in October, and looks forward to Jo’s strong experience and commitment to social justice issues at the Board table.

Community Sector Development

The Sustainable Organisations Project has hit full swing, again with Mark Pegg at the helm. You would hopefully be aware that the Project has in place a number of initiatives to provide greater support and resources to community sector organisations in Tasmania, including both members and non-members of TasCOSS. The HelpDesk is receiving an increasing number of requests for resources and support, the Clearinghouse of resources continues to grow exponentially, and the Seminar Series got off to a great start with the Better Funding Submissions Forum held in Hobart on 28 February. A number of other

development opportunities have also been offered to and taken up by your organisations. This project is a vital component of the core business of your peak body and I strongly encourage you to support its ongoing viability by making use of it, and by feeding back to us any suggestions you have for the suite of services your organisation needs to continue to be well supported and resourced by us.

Community Sector – Government Relationships

We have also been continuing our work with DHHS and other government departments on improving the communication and consultation mechanisms

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between our sector and various parts of both the state and federal governments. Ongoing work in the Agency Sector Forum includes working parties looking at Governance and Financial Management, Review and Evaluation and Workforce Development issues. Representatives of the sector are actively participating in this important work.

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of the likely changes to the Disability Support Pension post �st July. The Joint Statement of Action can be downloaded from our website or by contacting the office.

We have been active also in the implementation of the new money announced in Mental Health Services. I am continuing to chair the Community Sector Reference Group, and sitting on the Steering Committee which oversees this important project.

We have also been working with the sector on the negotiations currently underway in relation to funding of SAAP services. The Commonwealth have made what we see as an unacceptable offer in the new SAAP agreement, and we are supporting the Deputy Premier’s calls for the Commonwealth – at the very least – to continue its existing funding commitment into the new agreement. Wrapped up in this is the argument the Commonwealth is now running about the states being flush with GST receipts. While we can’t predict the outcome of these negotiations, two statements have to be made: it is important that states like Tasmania are not penalised for having already made improvements to the SAAP system; and the Commonwealth must continue to be held jointly responsible for housing and homelessness across the country.

Likely developments at the Commonwealth level look like making 2005 a very challenging year for us in the community sector. With control of the Senate passing to the Government on � July, it looks likely that people with disabilities and sole parents will be required to increase their participation in the workforce. And there will be

opportunities for you to make your views known on these and other issues

By the time you get this newsletter, you should have also received an invitation to the consultations that ACOSS is running across the country. I would urge you to participate in these consultations as a way of contributing to this national policy agenda, which will have major implications for us in the states and territories. State and territory Councils of Social Service will be taking a strong interest in this agenda during coming months, and will be relying on your participation to ensure that the needs of the clients we work with are not overlooked in any policy or legislative reforms. Andrew Johnson, the ACOSS Director will be personally involved in the consultations in Tasmania, and this will provide a good opportunity for sector members to meet Andrew, who has a strong vision for taking ACOSS forward into the new political environment we face in the coming year.

2005 is shaping up to be another busy year for the community sector and for TasCOSS. As always, if there is anything I or the TasCOSS team can assist you with in relation to community sector issues, industry policy or social policy, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

RegardsMat RowellCEO

We still haven’t dropped the notion of developing a full blown Industry Plan for the non-government community services industry. We see that, with increasing growth in our sector in Tasmania, a planned and coordinated approach to this growth - in partnership with the State Government - is vital to ensure that organisations are not left struggling to keep up with the changes and growth required of them. We have pitched the concept of an Industry Plan, Partnership Agreement or Compact to the Department of Premier and Cabinet, who have referred us back to DHHS. It is one of the issues the Agency Sector Forum will be looking at in coming months. The Peaks Council, whose meetings we facilitate each quarter, is the sector body that is driving this process.

Social Policy

It has also been a busy time in the social policy arena, at both a state and commonwealth level. Lobbying to support our Budget Priorities Statement has been high on the list, including meetings with the Premier, Deputy Premier and members of parliament from all parties.

As part of this process, TasCOSS coordinated the formation of a Coalition of Disability Advocacy Organisations on Unmet Need, who released a Joint Statement of Action during February. After a promising meeting with Deputy Premier David Llewellyn, we are now seeking a meeting with the Premier - in his capacity as Treasurer - to talk him through the five point plan for wiping out waiting lists for disability services. The Coalition is likely to remain active beyond what we expect to be a good outcome in the May budget, particularly in light

The Coalition of Disability Advocacy Organisations is likely to remain active beyond what we expect to be a good outcome in the May Budget, particularly in light of the likely changes to the Disability Support Pension post 1st July.

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TasCOSS investigates demand for community services training

TasCOSS has been contracted by the Office for Post-Compulsory Education and Training (OPCET) to provide advice on the education and training needs of our sector and how these needs translate into actual demand for training courses.

Workforce development issues have recently become a national priority, but we have been expressing concerns about our non-government community services workforce for some time. Sector representatives met with OPCET and Department of Health and Human Services staff in December to discuss possible collaborative approaches to these concerns. DHHS and our sector share a common challenge: creating a workforce able to deal with a rapidly changing, increasingly complex human services environment. We are finding it harder to attract – and keep – the staff we need if we are to provide high-quality services.

OPCET is the agency responsible for ensuring that the Vocational Education and Training (VET) industry in Tasmania understands the requirements of each industry sector so that training providers can plan their activities. The work to be completed by TasCOSS will ensure that OPCET has an up-to-date picture of our issues and our needs. TasCOSS’ strategic plan specifically refers to the surveying of community service organisations on a regular basis, so that we can analyse and develop systemic responses. The OPCET project will be an important contribution to that role.

What exactly will happen? First, TasCOSS will be consulting with the range of specialist peak

organisations in the community services sector. We will be looking to those peaks for advice and assistance in our project. The peak bodies are already acutely aware of specific workforce issues in their member organisations, and will be able to offer important information about changing demand patterns for education and training.

Second, we will be consulting directly with a substantial sample of community service organisations, seeking their views on emerging training needs and the likelihood that such needs will be reflected in demand for training. These consultations will specifically target the barriers that exist at present – the factors that inhibit access to formal training opportunities.

Third, TasCOSS will be distributing a survey form to all Tasmanian community service organisations. This questionnaire will seek basic information on the current skills/qualifications of staff, the training opportunities already being accessed by staff, and the likely demand for formal courses.

TasCOSS will be preparing a report to OPCET by the end of June, so things will move quickly between now and then. Information from that report will be used by OPCET to update their Industry Training Demand Profile for the Health and Community Services industry, a document that would be available to our sector.

It’s very likely that someone from TasCOSS will be contacting your organisation soon to get your views on these issues. In the meantime, feel free to contact David Owen (62��-0755 or david@tascoss.org.au), who will be coordinating the project for TasCOSS, if you would like more information.

TasCOSS’ strategic plan specifically refers to the surveying of community service organisations on a regular basis, so that we can analyse and develop systemic responses. The OPCET project will be an important contribution to that role.

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Home and Community Care (HACC) Project

Well, what a difference four months makes! Since I commenced as HACC Project Officer in December 200� I have been involved in re-focusing the Project to the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrants and the people who care for them. TasCOSS will report outcomes from the Project to DHHS later in the year.

I have been asking migrants and their carers about which HACC services they need - and which services they need more of - in order to continue to live at home as comfortably and independently as possible.

My work to date has involved numerous discussions with individual migrants and representative groups from particular migrant communities. The project will cover all migrants, and during the past month alone I have met with people from Poland, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Hungary and Estonia. Soon I’ll also be discussing HACC services with people from China and India.

Some interesting issues are coming to light. Desk research and the interviews to date both point to an

under-representation of migrants in accessing HACC services, and there are several possible explanations. Generally, migrants can be said to be strong and resilient, and many are fortunate to have stronger family networks where a son or daughter takes care of the parents in older age. There is a strong disinclination amongst many migrants to seek help from outside the family.

Many migrants also report that they begin to revert to their original language as they grow older, no matter how otherwise fit and well they may be. It would appear that this is a natural process of ageing and may not necessarily be related to either memory problems or diagnosed psychological problems.

The HACC Project will draw attention to this aspect of migrant ageing to ensure that carers and

support staff are prepared for language differences.

The project has been promoted through numerous newsletters across the State and on Community Radio. Ann Collins has also recently joined the project, and will be assisting me with interviews.

Val KitchenerHACC Project Officer

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Desk research and the interviews to date both point to an under-representation of migrants in accessing HACC services…There is a strong disinclination amongst many migrants to seek help from outside the family.

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Sustainable Organisations Project

As Mat has mentioned in his report, the Project has hit high gear since Christmas. The Seminar Series kicked off on 28 February with the Better Funding Submissions Forum, which was held at the Corus Hotel. The Forum attracted 20 participants from across the sector and around the State. Presenters included representatives of the Tasmanian Community Fund, Gambling Support Bureau (who manage the Community Support Levy), Colony �7 and Bethlehem House. Feedback received so far has been very positive, and we will be following up by developing a funding applications resource kit. We also plan to offer this seminar in the North and North West of the State, with dates in May or June to coincide with the next funding rounds for the TCF and CSL.

Thanks to those of you who responded to my invitation for free graphic design services

through the University of Tasmania. The project will commence on � April and the organisations to be involved this time will be YNOT, Working It Out and TasMEN. Later in the year we will also be offering some free website design services as part of this new collaboration with the University of Tasmania, and you can check the e-news for more information on that opportunity.

We have also developed a concept proposal for a TasCOSS Consultants Register, which we expect will make it easier for those organisations that use consultants to find the right consultant for a particular project. There are several issues still to be resolved, such as which consultancy services should be listed, and your views on these would be appreciated. You’ll find the Consultants Register proposal on the Sustainable Organisations Project section of the TasCOSS website, and please contact me if you’d like to discuss any aspect of the proposal.

The TasCOSS Clearinghouse is also coming along nicely and we expect it will have a new home on

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the website by the middle of the year. As Mat mentioned we have a massive range of different resources available in the Clearinghouse, many of which we can loan out for a two week period. I can also send out photocopies, but these will be limited to fair use as copyright laws apply.

Please contact me on 62��-0755 or at mark@tascoss.org.au if you would like more information about the supports and resources available through the Project.

Mark PeggSustainable Organisations Project Officer

Feedback received so far has been very positive, and we will be following up by developing a funding applications resource kit.

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Tasmanian Social Policy Council Report

Since our last Newsletter, the TSPC has met on six occasions, with members contributing substantially to TasCOSS policy development on a range of issues.

We have been blessed with a continuation of informative and entertaining guest speakers who have assisted members to grapple with some fundamentally important public policy issues. These speakers included Michael Raper (Director Welfare Rights Centre, NSW and former ACOSS President), Glenn Shaw (now Manager of the Aboriginal Housing Program within Housing Tasmania), David Fanning (Commissioner for Children), Jo Flanagan (outlining Anglicare Social Action Research Centre’s research program) and David Bartlett MHA on Commonwealth-State financial relations.

TSPC members have contributed to TasCOSS submissions in a range of areas. Most important of all, of course, was our annual Budget Priority Statement focusing on bids for the 2005 State Budget. This document has been significantly strengthened by the involvement of the Policy Council.

Members also contributed to our preparation of a response to the Productivity Commission report on National Competition Policy, and our response to the Department of Premier & Cabinet Disability Framework for Action paper.

The membership of the TSPC will shortly undergo a renewal process, with new Expressions of Interest being sought. There will also be a renewed focus on ensuring that the TSPC sub-committees are

focused on developing formal policy statements. A significant achievement for 200� was the adoption of the policy framework on gambling, developed by a hard-working TSPC sub-committee. Other sub-committees currently operating are Disability, Families/Relationships, Consumer Issues and Employment.

For more information on the Policy Council, please contact David Owen at david@tascoss.org.au .

The membership of the TSPC will shortly undergo a renewal process, with new Expressions of Interest being sought. There will also be a renewed focus on ensuring that the TSPC sub-committees are focused on developing formal policy statements.

Anglicare’s Social Survey

Anglicare Tasmania has dispatched thousands of survey forms as part of the biggest social survey of Tasmanian households since the last census.

as employment, health care, education and social services,” she said.

“Its important for us to get a good understanding of how people are faring so that we can work for better services to meet the needs of Tasmanians.”

Ms Madden said Anglicare had randomly selected �800 people from the electoral roll and each of

these people would be receiving information and a copy of the survey in the mail. Ms Madden asked people who had been selected for the survey to return the completed booklet by Easter. Completed surveys will be compiled and Anglicare expects that by having a more detailed understanding of what is happening in people’s lives the organisation will be able to make a difference for them.

On �6 March Anglicare staff sent out the Tasmanian Community Survey to �800 Tasmanians. The survey will seek out the views and experiences of Tasmanians on issues ranging from access to health care to the cost of living.

Project coordinator Kelly Madden said the survey was a very important piece of research for Tasmania.

“Anglicare wants to know about people’s experiences in areas such

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Communications between the sector and Centrelink

In May 200� TasCOSS staff commenced a series of discussions with Centrelink about ways for the sector to communicate with Centrelink and input into Centrelink operational policy.

Both Centrelink and the sector are interested in providing clear communication channels in relation to policy and management issues, as well as at the local level in keeping abreast of staff changes, service delivery issues and local activities in Centrelink offices.

Centrelink has also indicated that input on the following issues would be of particular interest: Mutual obligation; Child support; Shared care; Job Network issues; Sole parents; Domestic violence; Emergency relief and accommodation; and the Rights of young people.

On this basis, TasCOSS has proposed a communications structure that is focused on two tiers of collaboration between the sector in Tasmania and Centrelink: �. Service delivery policy and strategic management consultations; and2. Area based collaboration and cooperation between regional staff and community organisations.

It is proposed these consultative arrangements would work in the following way:

Tier 1Managers from TasCOSS, the broader community services sector and Centrelink would meet up to twice each year. This would provide an information sharing

forum for the sector, via which the sector could raise issues of concern and feed into Centrelink policy. The meeting would coincide with the Centrelink Customer and Community Tactical Response Group (CCTRG) meetings, and would involve Centrelink staff at manager level.

In the case of both Tier � and Tier 2 meetings, Centrelink would pass on any policy issues raised to the appropriate policy department, both locally and nationally.

Tier 2Centrelink’s Southern Customer and Community Partnership meetings occur every six weeks. The community services sector would be invited to attend every second one of these meetings.

The meetings would be an opportunity for community sector and Centrelink staff to discuss mutual issues of concern, provide productive feedback, and identify opportunities for more effective collaboration. Discussions would likely focus on issues that Tasmanian Centrelink staff are able to influence (either directly or via representations within Centrelink more generally) and on issues where community sector organisations can have an impact on desired outcomes.

The proposal is that TasCOSS would facilitate the participation of community sector organisations who were appropriate to the issues being discussed. This would include information support to assist these organisations to fully participate in discussions. Participating organisations would be likely to include: • Peak bodies representing community service organisations engaged in service provision relating to SAAP, Family Support, Young people, etc; and

• Individual service providing organisations where staff have regular contact with Centrelink clients and Centrelink issues.

Agenda items would be advised by Centrelink and TasCOSS in advance of each meeting. Community sector ideas for agenda discussion would be forwarded to the convenor of this group at least one week prior to the scheduled meeting, to allow preparation of a response. In this second tier, it is important to identify whether issues are southern based or statewide in nature. Where issues are statewide, they would be passed onto the CCTRG or other appropriate avenue as required.

Broader collaborationFrom time to time TasCOSS will also assist Centrelink to develop mechanisms for consulting with the community services sector on priority issues likely to affect the community services sector and their clients.

TasCOSS will also provide some assistance to Centrelink in disseminating information to the sector, and will also assist sector organisations to liaise with Centrelink by providing information such as current details contacts and entry points on specific issues.

If you have any feedback on these proposals, please call 62��-0755 or email mat@tascoss.org.au

The proposal is that TasCOSS would facilitate the participation of community sector organisations who were appropriate to the issues being discussed.

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TasCOSS Telecommunications Project

The TasCOSS Telecommunications Consumers Project (reported in the last newsletter) has been completed and a report detailing the research and findings has been written and distributed. The project, carried out in the Huon Valley region in late 200�, was made possible by a grant from the Australian Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.

Helen Fielder-Gill was employed to take a telecommunications (telco) ‘roadshow’ to a number of centres in the Huon Valley and to provide consumer information about telco products and services, as well as to consult consumers about their telecommunication experiences in the Huon. Helen ran information sessions in Huonville, Geeveston and Dover, interviewed individual consumers, held a number of focus groups with different consumer groups and distributed a survey. In the course of her consultations (and with the permission of those involved), Helen recorded the voices of consumers speaking about their telecommunication experiences. These recordings were transferred to audio CD (with the very able assistance of EDGE Radio) and make up part of the project’s final report.

The report identifies a number of problems experienced by consumers in the region and makes recommendations about action to address those problems. It highlights in particular the deficiencies of mobile phone network coverage in the area. Maps supplied by service providers detailing mobile network coverage were found to be inaccurate by a number of consumers who had purchased

phones believing that their homes and other areas of activity were within network coverage areas. They later found they were unable to use their phones in those areas. Many had bought more expensive CDMA network phones in order to maximise their coverage, only to find that their homes were out of CDMA range.

This problem is obviously most serious for those who rely solely on mobile phones for their telecommunication needs. We found that a number of people on low incomes, some young people and people who were not in stable accommodation did not have fixed line telephone services and relied on mobile phones exclusively. Poor and absent coverage in many areas of the region meant these people had no access to a telephone service, in spite of owning a mobile phone

and paying for network access. This had dire consequences for several consumers we spoke with, including the loss of much-needed job opportunities.

Another common problem was with internet service provision, and internet speed in particular. Broadband is not yet available in most of the Huon Valley and many consumers reported using very slow and unreliable dial-up connections. Students consulted found the

limitations of their internet services had an adverse effect on their ability to carry out the research necessary for their studies. Some consumers reported that they were only able to get internet speeds of �� kilobytes per second, well below both the industry minimum of ��.2 kilobytes per second and what can be expected from a 56k modem, that is, between �0-50 kilobytes per second.

We found that many consumers were unaware of the full range of services and discounts offered by Telstra for fixed line services. For instance, a number of pensioners believed that the pensioner discount they received from Telstra precluded their taking advantage of other discounts and offers, such as Telstra’s Wide Area Call Plan. This Plan is especially beneficial to those living in regional areas and few consumers we spoke to were aware of it. Most

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consumers consulted did not know about Telstra’s Access for Everyone programs and we recommended that telecommunications service providers better promote their full range of services and discounts in regional areas.

The consultations underlined the fact that regional consumers are acutely aware of the security and other advantages that telecommunication services can provide. Many feel short-changed by the services available to them by virtue of their location. We

hope that this project not only provided consumers in the Huon with information about services, products and avenues of redress for their problems, but also, by bringing consumer experiences to light, will contribute to improvements in service provision in the area.

Copies of the project report are available from the TasCOSS office – contact Kath McLean on 62�� 0755 or by e-mail: kath@tascoss.org.au

Kath McLeanPolicy Officer, Consumer Issues

Community Sector Industrial Relations (CSIR) Service

It’s a constant dilemma for employers in the community sector – the need to juggle the demands of clients, funding bodies, and community stakeholders– and still be a good employer assisting employees to deliver good outcomes for the organisation.

Our expert Industrial Relations Advisers can help you to meet your obligations as an employer, and work with you to find timely and effective solutions to any employment, industrial relations or human resource problems that might arise. Our Advisers are familiar with both the Federal and Tasmanian industrial relations systems, as well as understanding the workplace culture in the community sector.

We specialise in the community sector, and Jobs Australia Limited is a not for profit community organisation. We understand the issues of limited funding, the challenges faced by volunteer committees of management, and we understand community sector values. CSIR is provided by Jobs Australia to more than 950 community organisations throughout Australia. We aim to help member organisations to be good employers with harmonious and effective workforces.

Standard services to CSIR subscribers include:• Advice - a toll free 1800 telephone service for prompt free

advice on any industrial relations or human resource issue, including hiring staff and formulating contracts, rates of pay, termination of employment, and any other employment conditions

• Representation of your organisation in negotiations on employment matters, such as performance management, unfair dismissal claims, and disputes (additional fees apply)

• Awards - a free copy of each award used by your organisation and associated pay tables and award updates when any award is varied

• Updates - regular industrial relations bulletins to keep you informed of developments in the areas of industrial relations, and human resource management

• On line access to our various industrial relations publications including the Disciplinary Action and Termination of Employment Guide and the Guide to Redundancy

Eligibility To be eligible to become a CSIR subscriber, you need to be a not for profit organisation in the non-government community services industry. Members of TasCOSS can subscribe at a discounted rate. For further information: Contact Keith Godfrey on (03) 6343 1999, kagey@ja.com.au or go to our website www.ja.com.au or write to PO Box 349, Newstead, Tas. 7250

The consultations underlined the fact that . . . Many feel short-changed by the services available to them by virtue of their location.

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Agency-Sector Forum Update

The Agency-Sector Forum (ASF) is the consultative structure that links the Department of Health and Human Services with representatives of community service organisations funded by that Department. The ASF focuses on agency-wide issues of interest to the sector, with a particular emphasis on sector-development issues.

The ASF is chaired by DHHS Secretary John Ramsay and is attended by Divisional Directors and other DHHS senior managers. Community sector representation was determined by a meeting of peak bodies convened by TasCOSS during 200�, and currently comprises: • TasCOSS (President Sue Ham, CEO Mat Rowell and Policy Officer David Owen);• three peak bodies covering

organisations funded by the Community, Population and Rural Health Division (currently Geraldine Harwood from ACROD, Daryl Lamb from the Mental Health Council of Tasmania, and David Clements from the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council of Tasmania);

• two peak bodies covering organisations funded by the Children & Families Division (currently Dave Willans from YNOT and Glynis Flower from the Tasmanian Association of Community Houses);

• one peak body representing organisations funded by Housing Tasmania Division (currently Pattie Chugg from Shelter); and

• a representative of large, statewide, multi-service organisations (currently Chris Jones from Anglicare).

At the last ASF meeting in December, DHHS and TasCOSS representatives discussed their respective Budget priorities for 2005-06, with a substantial level of agreement on these key priorities.

An important initiative from earlier ASF deliberations – the need to

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these are broad, cross-sectoral, cross-agency collaborations (like the working groups on governance and financial management and on evaluation/quality assurance processes), while others are specific to a particular Departmental division or issue (like the Affordable Housing Strategy Reference Group). The ASF provides an opportunity for representatives to report on how well these various

focus on workforce development concerns that are common to DHHS and our sector – was further discussed. One important outcome of these deliberations, TasCOSS’s work with OPCET, is discussed elsewhere in this newsletter.

One important role for the ASF is to monitor and review the functioning of the various forums (fora if you insist!) and working groups that bring agency and sector representatives together. Some of

collaborations are working so that adjustments can be made as required.

If you have issues you think should be raised at ASF level, please don’t hesitate in contacting any of the sector representatives listed above. If your own specialist peak body is not currently represented, feel free to contact us here at TasCOSS.

David OwenPolicy Officer

One important role for the ASF is to monitor and review the functioning of the various forums and working groups that bring agency and sector representatives together.

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Window on Economics

Three TasCOSS staff attended a training program titled Window on Economics held recently in Melbourne. The program is designed for people working in the community services sector in policy and advocacy roles who do not have a background in economics. Its intention is to provide participants with an understanding of economic language, practice and theory in order to better equip them to undertake policy and advocacy work.

Generous subsidies for registration fees, travel and accommodation enabled about 50 community sector workers from around the country to attend the three day program. It was jointly sponsored by OzProspect and VCOSS.

The volunteer presenters represented economic consultancy ACIL Tasman, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute for Economic and Social Research, ANU, UTS and Monash University. They presented workshops on broad economic matters such as government budgets and budget submissions, privatisation, competition policy and markets, cost-benefit analysis, interest rates and macroeconomics, as well as on issue specific areas such as banking, labour markets, housing, education, gambling, the environment and health. The program finished with a panel featuring representatives from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Productivity Commission and the Victorian Treasury who discussed their various consultative methods and advised on how best the community sector can participate in these.

It was a demanding program with much animated discussion. It soon became obvious that there were value differences and an ‘understanding gap’ between some of the economists and participants. While people were given ample opportunity to ask questions and to engage in debate with presenters, better chairing of the sessions might have prevented, or at least cut short some of the more non-productive interchanges.

For the most part, the sessions were interesting and the program was valuable since it did provide a basic understanding of some fundamental economic theories that inform government decision-making and regulation and, by so doing, equipped participants to engage with those theories and, where necessary, to counter them and/or provide alternative models and concepts. It also provided an understanding of the way economists think and, since that way of thinking is so influential, this too was valuable.

I would recommend Window on Economics to community sector workers who are involved in broad policy and advocacy work. This was the second year it was held and it may be offered again next year in some form. If we hear about it, TasCOSS will provide details for members and others in the sector.

Kath McLean

According to Plan - How one nation is ending poverty*

Anouk Ride, ACOSS Media & Publications Officer

The goal of ‘ending poverty’ is a bit like ’world peace’ - one that people support but often find it difficult to really believe.

But let’s leave ‘world peace’ for another time and look at the question of whether it is possible to ’end poverty’? Recently, around the world, several states and local councils have reduced and even ended the worst levels of poverty. And the Irish experience shows it is possible to end poverty on a national level.

Ireland was once known as the poor cousin of the European Union. The small nation of � million people has enjoyed substantial economic growth over the past �5 years. Between ���7 and 2000, Irish GDP grew by an average of 8.8% per year. But in the aftermath of the UN Summit on Social Development in ���5, there was increasing concern about whether Ireland’s economic growth would be enjoyed by all or whether it would widen the gap between the richest and poorest in Irish society.

The sessions were interesting and the program was valuable since it did provide a basic understanding of some fundamental economic theories that inform government decision-making and regulation.

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After a two year consultative and collaborative approach with the community, in April ���7 Ireland became the first EU country to set an antipoverty goal. It took a broad approach to poverty – defining “social exclusion” as: “cumulative marginalization: from production (unemployment) from consumption (income poverty), from social networks (community, family and neighbours), from decision making and from an adequate quality of life.

The Irish National Anti-Poverty Strategy (NAPS) had clear targets for poverty reduction in income, education, employment, health, and housing and for groups such as ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. Between ���7 and 2007, the overall poverty target was to reduce the number of consistently poor from �-�5% of the population (1994 figures) to 5-10% of the population, as measured by the Economic and Social Research Institute.

The Government also introduced in 1998 ‘Poverty Proofing’ – a requirement for all government departments to systematically examine all policies and programmes in order to assess their impact on poverty and inequality. Overlooking the NAPS were influential political and bureaucratic organisations. To monitor development and evaluation of public services, poverty proofing, strengthening capacity of the community development sector, and general promotion of anti-poverty issues a new agency was created called the Combat Poverty Agency.

These government changes made the NAPS unique in that it enjoyed wide political support as well as a high profile in the government and media. For the first time, a European nation had a very public

commitment to combating poverty and eyes were watching Ireland to see if they could live up to their commitments.

The first antipoverty target was to reduce the percentage of the population recognized as consistently poor from �-�5% of the population to 5-�0% of the population within the ten years (from ���7 to 2007). By ����, the 5-�0% consistently poor target was about to be achieved.

The bar was raised again and the target set for reducing the consistently poor percentage to less than 2% by 200� and to eventually eradicate consistent poverty. An Economic and Social Research Institute report recently stated this target was imminently achievable considering the rate of progress between ���� and ���8.

From the outset of NAPS to 200�, consistent poverty fell from �5% to 5% of the whole population, and from 25% to 5% among children. Of course, a proportion of this is attributable to strong economic growth in Ireland. Other direct reasons for this appear to be reductions in joblessness and increases in social welfare payments.

The Irish government took a two-pronged approach to reducing poverty – improving assistance for people looking for jobs and raising the level of social security payments so families and individuals had more to live on each week. By the time of the ���� budget, social welfare rates had met NAPS initial targets (minimum of €127.00 per week for the lowest social welfare payment). By 2002, the government reached the NAPS target of social welfare payments

equating to �0% of the gross average wage (minimum of €150.00 per week).

The NAPS set targets for reducing unemployment and long term unemployment - to decrease unemployment from ��.�% to 6% and long term unemployment from 7% to �.5% (from ���6-2007). In the period between ���7 and 200�, Irish unemployment hit a low of �% whilst long term unemployment dropped

For the first time, a European nation had a very public commitment to combating poverty and eyes were watching Ireland to see if they could live up to their commitments.

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to �.2%. By mid-way through the year 2000, the NAPS targets were met and the following year had been exceeded.

The key education targets of NAPS were to eliminate school-leaving by children prior to completion of the junior leaving certificate by 2007 and increase the rate of students continuing senior schooling to �0% in 2000 and �8% in 2007. So far, these goals are unmet with the �.5% rate of children not completing their junior certificate remaining unchanged.

Reasons for the lack of progress in education remain unclear but what

is certain is that strategic targets, better programs for jobseekers and poverty proofing have led to a greater sharing of the benefits of economic growth in Ireland. Consistent poverty is now negligible, joblessness is reduced and incomes of the poorest have increased. The Irish bet paid off and they have significant credibility when talking about “ending poverty”.

*This is a revised version of Anouk’s article, which appeared in the Summer edition of ACOSS’s Impact magazine. The full article is available at www.acoss.org.au/publications

The Super Woman Workout

On July 1, new Government laws will give millions of Australian employees 28 days to choose where their super is invested. However, research shows many people – particularly women - are unclear about what this means. A new national survey by HESTA, the specialists in super for health and community services, found 64% of women feel they do not know enough about superannuation to choose a fund, with that figure as high as 80% for women aged between 15-29.More than half the 800 respondents thought they would ask a financial planner or accountant for advice but it’s important to remember some of these people receive commissions for recruiting members to certain funds. Learning how to compare funds independently will help you make an active super choice, and avoid being placed in a default fund that doesn’t suit your needs.

Do your homework HESTA has put together a 7-step Super Woman Workout to help women compare funds and take charge of their super. • Step 1. Rollover If you have more than one super account, you’re probably paying unnecessary fees It’s time to consider rolling over your super accounts into one. •Step 2. Find missing super If you have changed names, jobs or addresses in the last decade you may be one of 2.7 million Australians with unclaimed super. Check at www.unclaimedsuper.com.au • Step 3. Get mobile When comparing funds, consider

whether you can stay in the fund if you change jobs.

• Step 4. Number crunch When you compare fees between funds, remember to check all the following: member fees, entry fees, exit fees, contributions fees, switching charges, establishment fees and ongoing management charges.

• Step 5. Check commissions Many super funds pay upfront or ongoing (trailing) commissions to people who find them new members. These funds generally charge higher fees to members to cover the cost of the commissions, so check the super fund’s practices.

• Step 6. The extra mile Some super funds offer members access to other products such as low cost loans, banking, credit cards, health insurance and commission free financial planning services.

• Step 7. The pay off Check what sort of returns the fund has achieved over the long and short terms, and whether you have a choice of investment options. Past performance does not guarantee similar future performance but it’s good to know the fund’s track record. Also check whether fees and charges are deducted before or after returns are applied to your account.

For a free copy of the HESTA Super Woman Workout, visit www.hesta.com.au/superworkoutH.E.S.T. Australia Limited ACN 006 818 695 AFSL No. 235249Information provided is of a general nature. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or specific needs so you should look at your own financial position and requirements before making a decision. You may wish to consult an adviser when doing this. For more information about HESTA, call 1800 813 327 for a copy of our Product Disclosure Statement which should be considered when making a decision about the Fund.

Consistent poverty is now negligible, joblessness is reduced and incomes of the poorest have increased. The Irish bet paid off and they have significant credibility when talking about “ending poverty”.

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PO Box ��26Sandy Bay

Tasmania 7006

P - 0� 62�� 0755F - 0� 622� 6��6

E – admin@tascoss.org.au

www.tascoss.org.auJessica PrinsAdministration Trainee

Val KitchenerHACC Project Officer

Kath McLeanPolicy Officer, Consumer Issues

Mat RowellChief Executive Officer

David OwenPolicy Officer

Mark PeggCommunications Officer/Sustainable Organisations Project Officer

Lynne BrowningAdministration Manager

The Tasmanian Council of Social Service Inc. provides a voice for Tasmanians affected by poverty and inequality and acts as a peak council for the community service organisations that serve, support and work for them.

For �� years TasCOSS has worked to eliminate poverty and create a more equitable society by tackling the causes of disadvantage, not just the symptoms.

TasCOSS regularly meets with political leaders and key decision makers, and participates in a number of important committees and other fora.

TasCOSS is also part of a national network, which comprises Councils of Social Service in all states and territories, and The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), which addresses social, economic and other reforms at the national level.

Help us give a voice to Tasmanians affected by poverty and inequality.

Edited by Mark Pegg, TasCOSS. Design/Layout by Clare Bradley @ Charlie Bravo Design. charliebravo@tpg.com.au