The Tasmanian Community Services Industry Peaks Network has today launched a Joint Statement of 2024 Tasmanian State Election Priorities, which calls on all political aspirants to place the wellbeing of Tasmanians first by ensuring community services are adequately resourced to meet surging demand.
Peaks network member and TasCOSS CEO, Ms Adrienne Picone, said to-date in the campaign there has been little acknowledgement of the vital role of Tasmania’s essential community services industry.
“The community services industry is critical to Tasmania’s society, delivering essential services either instead of, or on behalf of, the Tasmanian Government, as well as contributing approximately $2.7 billion each year to the Tasmanian economy,” Ms Picone said.
“Many, if not all, Tasmanians will engage with our industry at some point during their lives, accessing services such as early education and care (childcare), alcohol and other drug counselling, mental health support, housing and homelessness services, food relief, aged and disability services, palliative care, and many more.
“In 2024, we are seeking commitments from all political leaders to resource Tasmania’s community services system so it can support Tasmanians with the basics, as well as their participation in work, education and training, and social and caring activities across the course of their lives.”
Tasmanian Community Services Industry Peaks Network election priorities:
- Introduce an indexation formula of 70% WPI:30% CPI, plus the superannuation guarantee, on all government-contracted projects commencing in 2024/25 Financial Year.
- Commit to and implement five year contracts for community service organisations by 2025.
- Support the strategic priorities of the Community Services Industry Plan (2021-31) over the Forward Estimates.
The full Joint Statement of 2024 Tasmanian State Election Priorities (PDF, 240KB) is available to download.