Better Place Australia welcomes the announcements made by the Federal Government to continue vital baseline funding for social and community services (SACS) workers.
The community sector slated to be impacted by the loss of critical supplementary funding which would affect staffing and service delivery capacity.
The additional funding (ERO supplementation) will ensure that community sector organisations can continue to provide essential services to thousands of vulnerable Australians and pay fair wages.
In 2012, the Commonwealth Government began covering the increase in wage costs faced by service providers through additional grants following the 2011 Equal Remuneration Order from Fair Work Australia decision to increase wage awards for SACS workers.
The Federal Government provided additional funding through the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) to fund the increased wage costs so that community service providers could pay fair wages and maintain essential services to our communities The ERO supplementation funding was due to end in June 2021.
This decision means organisations no longer face an effective funding cut during a time of great need.
Families are still reeling from the impact of COVID-19 and the bushfires and the community sector has been working overtime to provide counselling and psychological services, family support and financial counselling.
The ongoing impact of COVID-19 on Victorians has been overwhelming. Many are still struggling with financial hardship, job insecurity, relationship and family conflict and for many, experiencing family violence.
Looming social support cuts to the Jobkeeper and Jobseeker payments further increase the stress, anxiety and uncertainty that many Victorians are going through. For many, having well-timed access to support and help is the difference to being able to rebuild their lives or being trapped in a cycle of debt and family conflict.
At a time where many Victorians are doing it tough, this decision by Government recognises the importance essential support services are to the social, financial and mental well-being of people.
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Media Contact – Graeme Westaway 0438 318 311. Graeme.westaway@betterplace.com.au
Media release - Better Place Australia welcomes new funding announcementsGet Support
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