Govt urged to act as COVID-19 pushes community services to the brink

SACOSS is warning that the community services sector will be unable to support vulnerable South Australians through the COVID-19 crisis unless the Federal Government steps-up to provide an urgent rescue package.
Community services were already struggling to keep up with demand in aged care, homelessness and support for people escaping domestic violence, as well as providing disability, mental health, and drug and alcohol services, and will soon reach a crisis point due to COVID-19.
Today SACOSS, together with ACOSS and state Councils of Social Service, are releasing the results of a survey of 1454 community sector workers.
The Australian Community Sector Survey Report, prepared by UNSW, reveals that even prior to the catastrophic bushfires and the growing COVID-19 disaster, that government support for the not-for-profit community service sector was failing to keep up with demand for services. The COVID-19 crisis will create new challenges for staff and community sector organisations while demand for key support services is likely to rise.
SACOSS CEO Ross Womersley says, “Most Australians will, at some point in our lives rely on the community services sector to provide important services whether this is as we grow up or as we age. The community services sector provides frontline responses for individuals, families and communities at times of critical need. For example, when someone’s escaping domestic violence, facing homelessness, struggling with their mental health or an addiction, leaving the criminal justice system or while trying to house and feed families in poverty or after a disaster.”
“This sector supports people who are amongst those most likely to be affected by both the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, including older people, people on low incomes, people living with disability and First Nations communities.”
“This survey tells us that the system is already under severe pressure. Add-in the recent bushfires and the escalating COVID-19 emergency and who knows how long it will be before the entire system is headed for crisis.”
“That’s why today we are calling on our Federal Government to put in place an urgent rescue package of financial and other supports, including stimulus for the NFP sector itself as well as urgently raising the rate of Newstart and other allowances to assist the people our sector is supporting.”
Key findings of the survey included:
• Two thirds reported that poverty and disadvantage increased among the people accessing their services last year
• 23% of services reported either never or rarely being able to meet demand, with a further 41% only able to “somewhat” meet demand for their services
• In South Australia, 82% of respondents had seen a rise in demand for their services over the last year, but around half had seen their funding decrease
• 57% of South Australian respondents were worried about the future of their jobs – higher than the national rate of 47%
• 60% observed increased competition for funding, with less than 1% reporting that it decreased.
ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie, says: “So that the community sector can do its important work throughout the current crisis, we’re calling on the Federal Government to urgently deliver a rescue package. The rescue package needs to firstly extend all business related stimulus measures to the community sector and other not for profit organisations, and also establish a dedicated fund so that community services can prevent jobs losses and extend services to respond to this crisis.
“In the face of severe downturn, the Government must also urgently lift Newstart, and remove barriers to accessing our social security safety net. Newstart has not been increased in real terms in 26 years and we know that $40 a day is simply not enough for anyone to get by at any time, but especially in the current crisis and as the economy rebuilds.
“We’re also calling on the Government to introduce a range of measures to secure housing for everyone, in light of growing risks of large scale evictions. For example, it is critical that the Federal Government provide funding to housing and homelessness services so that they can guarantee access to at least provide temporary accommodation immediately for people sleeping rough or in overcrowded housing.”
Community Sector Banking, Andrew Cairns, Chief Executive Officer at Community Sector Banking, said:
“The key findings confirm what we already know: the sector is facing enormous challenges with both funding support and service delivery. So many not-for-profit and community-based organisations are being asked to do more for less whilst government support continues to dwindle even while demand for critical services continues to rise. It would be unwise for the government to ignore the findings of this report.”
 
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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.

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