Thursday 1 September 2022

Dear Colleagues,

Latest research from NCOSS and sector peaks

Last week we released the first report in our new series 'Aftershock: addressing the economic and social costs of the pandemic and natural disasters'. It looks at the impact of the events of the past two and a half years on the mental health of people in NSW; and not surprisingly finds that they have taken a heavy toll.

Modelling for the research conservatively estimates that an additional 171,615 people in NSW will have experienced depression and anxiety as a result of the 2021 lockdowns alone; and that for the working population this translates into $2.8b for that year in absenteeism and lost time while at work. For some, these impacts will be ongoing, particularly if they have trouble accessing the right treatment and support.

All up, the fallout for people's mental health from just the lockdown months of 2021 is estimated to cost the NSW economy $7.4 billion over 2021-2025.

Other evidence in the report of worsening mental health includes a 46% rise across NSW in the number of 12 – 17-year-old girls presenting at emergency departments for self-harm or suicidal thoughts (worse in regional areas) from 2019-2021; and prescriptions for anxiety and depression growing at more than twice the rate than prescriptions for other medications.

And it's the groups who already face significant barriers and challenges – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, people with disability and those on the lowest incomes – who are most at risk of poor mental health.

Unfortunately, going into the pandemic, NSW spent an average of $53 less per person on community mental health services compared to other states and territories, which could explain why it's the emergency department where young people are ending up. This is not the best environment when you are in a desperate state, and certainly not providing the right support at the right time so that you can stay well, manage your mental health and get on with life.

The reports highlights that an additional $430 million per annum, invested in early intervention, psychosocial support, continuity of care and rehabilitation programs, would place NSW on par with Victoria when it comes to per capita spending on community mental health services.

As well as the need for a comprehensive step-up step-down program and more HASI-type services to keep people out of acute care and supported in the community, the report highlights the powerful role of neighbourhood centres, ACCOs/ACCHOs and other place-based organisations in promoting connection and wellbeing via social support in a non-clinical environment.

So please, read the report, talk to your local MP and use it in your advocacy efforts as we head towards the state election. You can also read media coverage of the report here.

Flood Inquiry update

Last week NCOSS met with the head bureaucrat in the Department of Premier and Cabinet supporting the Independent Flood Inquiry. We acknowledged the comprehensive work done by the Inquiry in a short timeframe and its excellent efforts capturing the experience of those whose lives were at risk and the brave individuals who risked theirs to save them.

However, we pointed out that the report fails to recognise the role of the non-government sector in stepping up, when help was clearly not coming, to meet the immediate needs of their communities; the sector's expertise when it comes to supporting and working with the people most impacted by disasters; and it's essential, ongoing role in the long road to recovery.

We’ve followed this up with a letter and copies of our submission to the Inquiry and relevant NCOSS research – in support of our ongoing advocacy for better recognition, resourcing and coordination of our sector as part of the emergency management system. A final report comes out in December so let's see what it has to say.

Follow the Dollar consultation

Along with other peaks, NCOSS participated in a consultation with NSW Treasury concerning proposed Follow the Dollar reforms which would expand the powers of the NSW Auditor General to carry out performance audits of the use of public resources (including public monies) given to non-public sector entities to provide goods and services to the public on behalf of government. This would capture NGOs contracted by government to deliver essential social services.

The main concerns raised were that the timeframe for the consultation is too short (with submissions due by 7 September), meaning that peak bodies have not had time to consult their members, and organisations on the ground have not been given the opportunity to engage on the proposed reforms. We highlighted that the sector is ‘under the pump’ from staff shortages and rising demand in the face of the pandemic, rolling natural disasters and the current cost of living crisis so is not well-placed to discuss proposals that are not the immediate priority.

As our ‘High Cost of doing Business’ report highlighted, social service NGOs are already subject to a raft of different contractual, regulatory and reporting requirements which can overlap. As well, there are the discontinuity costs associated with short term contracts and the failure of funding bodies to adequately fund administrative and overhead costs in an increasingly complex operating environment.

So, if additional accountability requirements are under consideration, so too should other common-sense initiatives that would streamline existing, duplicative arrangements and reduce administrative burden.

Our submission to NSW Treasury will be short, making these points, and suggesting that important reforms need to be subject to respectful and adequate consultation that gives affected parties sufficient time to understand and consider the proposals.

You can access a copy of the NSW Treasury Consultation Paper here and provide us your views (if you have time) at info@ncoss.org.au

Stay well everyone.

The latest report by Impact Economics and Policy on the Child Care Subsidy activity test finds it is contributing to 126,000 children from the poorest households missing out on critical early childhood education and should be abolished.

The current activity test undermines the Federal Government's $5.4b reform package to lift access for children and workforce participation for parents. Removing it would pave the way for universal early childhood education for every Australian child.

Read the report here

The Albanese Federal Government has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by reinstating funding in the October Budget for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family centres.

The Abbott Government cut funding in 2014 to 38 Aboriginal Child and Family Centres (ACFCs).

SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle said the ACFCs represented a considerable investment from COAG and the sector was still feeling the impacts of the cuts.

Read Media Release here.

The Ombudsman has found that some Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS) providers are imposing conditions of access to their services that can act as barriers for homeless people with high or complex needs.

At the same time, SHS providers are grappling with the difficulties associated with meeting the needs of their clients.

It was found that an underlying problem is that the NSW Government has provided inadequate rules, guidance, and support to SHS.

The report includes recommendations to the Department of Communities and Justice to improve access to SHS for homeless people with complex needs.

Read the report

Data released by NSW police to Redfern Legal Centre shows that fines related to breaches of public health orders have been disproportionately issued to vulnerable communities, including to 2,844 children between the ages of 10-17. Plus a large majority of fines were issued to residents of western Sydney, and regional and rural areas with significant Indigenous populations.

Redfern Legal Centre encourages anyone who has been issued a COVID19-related fine that remains unpaid to seek review from Revenue NSW. Or contact your local community legal centre.

Fams Roadshow

Sept - Nov 2022 fams is undertaking a series of regional visits. Find out how fams can support you and your service - READ MORE

Shelter NSW Survey

Shelter NSW is conducting their Annual Survey. The survey is anonymous, and only takes around 5 minutes to complete. The insights of members and supporters are invaluable, and they will use the results of this survey to guide their work over the next year. Take the survey - HERE

Opportunity for NSW Volunteering Sector to Have a Say

The NSW Volunteering Taskforce is consulting with NSW volunteers and organisations to identify emerging trends, issues, and opportunities across the Volunteering Sector. Consultation process opens 2 September and closes 30 September 2022 - READ MORE

NCOSS Conference - VISION, VOICE, VALUE: Charting a new course for the social service sector

17-18 October 2022 / Sydney / FREE / Regional Watch Parties.
After a tumultuous few years we are excited to bring you this conference to recognise the vital role of our sector. What have we learned? Where to next? With MC Dee Madigan. Keynote Speakers include Cathy McGowan and economist, Dr Richard Denniss - READ MORE

Planning and Preparing for Community-led Disaster Recovery

FREE Webinar Thursday 22 September 12:30-2:30pm - READ MORE

Social Enterprise World Forum

Join the largest gathering of purpose-driven Australian and international changemakers in Brisbane at the Social Enterprise World Forum, 28-29 September - READ MORE

FHA Experts in Conversation Series

14 September / Sydney and online. Hear Michele Adair, Chair of CHIA NSW and CEO of Housing Trust Wollongong speak on transformative advocacy as a building block for change - READ MORE

Listen! Older Women's Voices Matter in a Civil Society

6 October / Older Women's network Annual Conference and AGM - READ MORE

Stronger Country Communities Fund, The NSW Government has announced Round 5 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund with up to $160 million available to support regional communities big and small - FIND OUT MORE

Strengthening Early Years National Open grant, Paul Ramsay Foundation. This grant aims to support families and children to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive upon school entry. In particular, we recognise the critical importance of the developmental period between conception and age two - FIND OUT MORE

NCOSS gives its members the opportunity to share their stories, research, resources, events and more through NCOSS eNews. If you have something to share with the sector, send through a short blurb (50-70 words), image (250 x 250px) and relevant links or PDF to info@ncoss.org.au.

We will endeavour to add to the next edition of NCOSS e-News (goes out every fortnight on Thursday). Deadline for content is 12pm Monday, week of publication. Next deadline is 12pm Monday, 12 September 2022.