NSW Labor Government's promise to increase funding terms for a minimum of five years if elected is a welcome commitment to stabilise the state's social services sector according to leading non-profit Settlement Services International (SSI).
"Social service providers often shoulder the burden during times of crisis and vulnerability, providing essential care and support to more than one million people throughout NSW each year," says SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis.
"To maintain the ability to support a growing number of people, enhance service delivery, and simply stay afloat, organisations need continuity and security afforded by the transition to five-year funding arrangements.
"I welcome the NSW Opposition Leader, Chris Minns' commitment to provide greater assurance to the sector's organisations and workers, many of whom are employed on short-term contracts. Such a policy shifts the focus away from the administration required in chasing tenders and provides the stability needed to get on with the job of supporting those in need" continued SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis.
Opposition Leader, Chris Minn announced the election policy on Thursday. Such an increase to the length of funding arrangements has been welcomed by the sector given it lessens the impact of the non-profit starvation cycle and helps ensure NSW citizens have access to vital supports and services. The longer-term stability of five-year contracts will help improve workplace satisfaction for many of the over 230,000 people employed in the social services in NSW.
"The social sector does critical work every day to support thousands of people to live fulfilled, productive lives. Such a policy will help to strengthen the social sector and build a workforce focused on the future—organisations need longer-term contracts and funding that meet the real costs of service provision," says CEO Violet Roumeliotis.
"I call on the NSW government to equally commit to such a policy."
About us:
About SSI:
Settlement Services International is a community organisation and social business that supports newcomers and other Australians to achieve their full potential. We work with all people who have experienced vulnerability, including refugees, people seeking asylum and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, to build capacity and enable them to overcome inequality.
