Coalition warns essential community services are at breaking point ahead of Tasmanian budget

Tasmania’s Coalition of Community Service Peaks came together in an unprecedented show of unity today, launching a coordinated campaign urging the Government to deliver the increased funding and long-term investment needed to protect the wellbeing of all Tasmanians.

The Coalition of 20 organisations — representing more than 28,000 employees and more than 46,000 volunteers — warned chronic underfunding, growing demand, rising costs and workforce burnout were undermining the industry’s ability to safeguard the community.

TasCOSS CEO, Ms Adrienne Picone, said in a time of growing uncertainty, Tasmanians needed a secure, well-resourced community services industry more than ever.

“The decisions made in this year’s Tasmanian budget will literally determine whether people get the help they need or fall into preventable crises,” Ms Picone said.

“Our industry adds $1.9 billion to the Tasmanian economy each year, and every million dollars invested generates 17 new jobs, delivering critical support into communities in every corner of the state.

“Every job in our industry delivers a double impact, employing people in community services, as well as unlocking economic participation for countless others through the support those workers deliver.

“Despite this, the industry is being pushed beyond safe limits, leaving both service providers and the Tasmanians who rely on them increasingly vulnerable and at serious risk.”

Ms Picone said the industry covered a wide range of essential services, including mental health, housing and homelessness services, youth wellbeing, child safety and family support, emergency relief, disability support, aged care and hospice.

“When these services can’t cope, Tasmanians waiting for essential support feel it first. We don’t just help people in need right at this moment ,we safeguard every Tasmanian. Right now, that safety net is under severe strain,” she said.

Ms Picone warned that short-term budget decisions and election-cycle thinking were myopic and created a false economy that would cost Tasmanians significantly more in the long run, driving greater demand into systems already under pressure.

“We know investing in preventive, community-based services is not a cost, it is a proven economic strategy that reduces demand on crisis, health and justice systems and saves the state money over the long-term,” she said.

“The Government has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to all Tasmanians, particularly those most in need, while rebuilding community trust through a clear and consistent focus on long-term budget sustainability.”

The Prioritise all Tasmanians campaign launched today will run across social and traditional media in the coming months, sharing the lived experiences of real Tasmanians to demonstrate what is at stake if we don’t invest in these services now.

“This campaign will show Tasmanians the power and value of community services through the stories of those whose lives have been transformed by our collective industry,” Ms Picone said.

“The Coalition stands ready to work with the Government to ensure it prioritises all Tasmanians by committing to the stable, long-term funding the industry urgently needs.

“Our industry shows up for Tasmanians every single day. Now we need the Government to show up too, with funding that reflects the true value of these essential services and the people who rely on them.”

The Tasmanian Coalition of Community Service Peaks represents the following 20 organisations: