The McKell Institute report further underscores the underinvestment and neglect of our public transport system for many years, which has constantly fallen short of community expectations, and most importantly is falling short of its core function: getting Tasmanians where they need to go, when they need to be there.

TasCOSS welcomes a focus on energy affordability in this election campaign, in particular Tasmanian Labor’s announcements to cut and cap Tasmanian electricity prices and remove connection/disconnection charges.

In our conversations with Tasmanians about their daily challenges, accessible, timely and affordable transport ranks highly. It’s a particularly significant barrier to participation in the outer suburbs and regional and remote Tasmania. 

A Tasmanian photographic exhibition honouring the essential work of over 28,000 workers and 46,900 (formal) volunteers in the community services industry was launched at the Moonah Arts Centre today.

The worsening cost of living crisis means Christmas won’t be a time of frivolity for many Tasmanians, with a growing number finding themselves in a fight for survival, battling the effects of interest rate rises, increasing rental costs and higher bills for groceries, energy, fuel and health care.

TasCOSS welcomes the announcement from the Minister for Education, Children and Youth that the Government will convene a Community Consultative Committee, which will bring together Government and community service organisations to develop an innovative, therapeutic and nation-leading youth justice system.

TasCOSS is deeply disappointed at Labor’s decision to join the Government in walking away from meaningful political donations reform, turning their back on key amendments which would have strengthened the Electoral Disclosure and Funding Bill and improved transparency and accountability in politics.

TasCOSS, as part of a coalition of justice and social service organisations including Prisoners’ Legal Service Tasmania and 54 reasons, call on the Premier to demonstrate his stated commitment to the safety of our children by closing Ashley Youth Detention Centre as a matter of urgency and work with the community service industry around progressing alternative arrangements.