A MESSAGE FROM NCOSS CEO

Dear All,

Welcome back everyone and a happy New Year to you all. While I’m sure we were all hoping for a quieter, less eventful 2021 it feels anything but.

Not only have there been ongoing outbreaks of COVID, we have seen the JobSeeker supplement reduced to $150 a fortnight and face the very real prospect that it will be removed altogether from the end of March 2021.

Given that this is when JobKeeper ends, it will herald a sharp increase in disadvantage across NSW, and more stress and hardship for those already doing it tough. I know that our NGOs at the frontline are only too well aware of this - and what it will mean for communities and their own capacity to respond to rising demand. The challenge we face is convincing our political leaders that investing in adequate income support and a robust social services system is not only good for the wellbeing of individuals and families, it also makes economic sense.

Dramatic economic and social events as we have seen with the COVID pandemic, demand dramatic economic and social policy responses from government. We need to ensure we can provide a decent life for all NSW citizens and not increase the divide between those who are comfortable and those whose are less so.

This is where our focus will be for 2021. Working with our members, the sector, business and other peak organisations to advocate for solutions that will support those in need and those on the edge – from more social and affordable housing, to cost of living relief and investment in community based, easy-to-access support services so that people get assistance before they hit crisis point. And this has to be underpinned by an adequately resourced social services sector which has more than proven its worth during 2020.

Already we’ve taken the opportunity of a quiet news month to highlight the grim reality ahead if we fail to act now to stem rising disadvantage – you can see our media coverage here: NSW will be left to pick up the tab if Scott Morrison cuts JobSeeker; and New Child Protection Data Shows Need for More Investment in Addressing Disadvantage.

Along with ACOSS, the COSS network and our fellow peaks and other organisations in NSW we will be sharpening our advocacy efforts as the year gets into full swing. We will keep you posted on how you can get involved.

As we approach 26 January, you may like to view Reconciliation NSW’s website to learn about how to mark this day respectfully.

Always Was, Always Will Be.

- Joanna Quilty, NCOSS CEO

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