Critical industry provides a safeguard in times of crisis, providing much-needed heath and wellbeing outcomes, writes Adrienne Picone.
WHEN crises hit, it is community services that hold Tasmania steady.
As families grapple with the rising cost of living, fuel price shocks and growing uncertainty, demand for community services surges. In these moments, people lean hardest on essential supports — emergency relief, mental health services, disability supports, housing and homelessness programs, alcohol and other drugs services, childcare, aged care, carer support, youth and family services.
These services are not optional. They are critical to the health and wellbeing of our entire community and the systems that underpin our state and economy.
The Tasmanian Coalition of Community Service Peaks is united, strong and unwavering in its commitment to ensure our industry is heard, recognised and valued. Together, we represent a workforce of more than 28,000 Tasmanians, supported by more than 46,000 (formal) volunteers.
Our reach extends into every corner of the state, from our cities to our most remote communities. Our work touches every Tasmanian, either directly or indirectly, especially in times like these.
Community services are a major economic contributor, adding $1.9 billion to Tasmania’s economy every year. For every million dollars invested in our industry, 17 new jobs are created.
But the impact goes far beyond headline figures. Every job in community services delivers a double return — employing skilled workers while enabling economic participation for countless others by providing the care, stability and support they need to work, learn and contribute.
Our workforce delivers an extraordinary diversity of essential services. It is the backbone of Tasmania’s social infrastructure.
Yet, despite its importance, the community services industry is being pushed to breaking point.
Our ability to deliver critical support continues to be eroded by inadequate funding and long-term investment, rising operational costs and relentless uncertainty. Workforce burnout is escalating, staff shortages are deepening and services are increasingly forced to ration care.
Chronic underfunding is no longer an abstract policy issue it is a direct risk to community safety.
When services cannot cope, everyone pays the price. People in crisis face closed doors when they need help most. Older Tasmanians wait anxiously for aged-care beds or the supports they need to remain safely at home. Parents cannot find care for their children.
These pressures do not fall on ‘others’ — they hit our own families, colleagues, neighbours and communities.
Community services do not just support people in need — they safeguard every Tasmanian. They prevent crises before they escalate, reducing pressure on emergency departments, police, courts and hospitals.
Investing in prevention and community-based services is not a cost — it is a proven economic strategy that delivers long-term savings and better outcomes.
Despite this, the Tasmanian Government is failing to meet its obligation to prioritise all Tasmanians. Continued short-term funding, stop-start programs and election-cycle decision making represent a broken promise to the community and a betrayal of the state’s most vulnerable.
This approach also undermines the Government’s own assurances of long-term budget repair. Underinvestment today creates a false economy and one that will cost Tasmania far more tomorrow in avoidable crises across health, justice and welfare systems.
The Coalition’s strength lies in the influence of the people we represent and our collective action. By working together, community services collaborate, share expertise, drive efficiencies and deliver better outcomes for Tasmanians and better value for the public dollar. But even the most efficient system cannot function without stable, sustained investment.
All decisions have consequences. Choices made in May’s Budget will determine whether Tasmanians receive the support they need or fall into preventable crisis. Election-driven, short-term thinking is myopic and irresponsible. It will only accelerate the deterioration of community wellbeing and fuel demand in already overwhelmed crisis systems.
At a time of growing uncertainty, Tasmania needs a secure, stable and well‑resourced community services industry more than ever.
The #PrioritiseallTasmanians campaign shines a light on the real value of community services, through the stories of people whose lives have been changed by them, the workers who deliver care every day, and the communities that depend on them.
We look forward to the Government delivering on our pre-budget investment proposals and demonstrating, through action, that every Tasmanian matters. A strong community services industry is not just good social policy — it is sound economic management and a safeguard for Tasmania’s future.
Our call to action is clear and compelling. Real lives. Real Impact. Real funding needed now.
Tasmanians can show their support by signing our open letter to the Premier and Treasurer.
Adrienne Picone is the chief executive of TasCOSS and spokesperson for the Tasmanian Coalition of Community Service Peaks, which represents 20 not-for-profit Tasmanian organisations.