TASMANIA's peak social services body is urging state and federal governments to reconsider budget cuts and policy proposals that strip money from the sector, as providers struggle to keep up with demand. A national report released yesterday has revealed that demand for Tasmanian welfare services will not be met this Christmas, with some organisations faced with the possibility of having to close their doors early next year. The report found that 80 per cent of community service organisations are being forced to turn away vulnerable people experiencing personal, financial and accommodation crises. The largest service gaps are in the areas of most need, with affordable housing for sole parents, older unemployed people and those experiencing homelessness stretched beyond capacity. Community legal, employment and mental health services are also under the pump. Tasmanian Council of Social Service chief executive Tony Reidy fears that a $100 million cut to the Health and Human Services Department between now and 2017 will wreak havoc on the sector. Mr Reidy said federally funded not-for-profit organisations also faced an uncertain future, with Commonwealth cash beyond February next year not yet guaranteed. Human Services Minister Jacqui Petrusma said the state government would provide an extra $9 million in funding to community organisations over the forward estimates, while restoring indexation cuts meted out over the past three years. "We are committed to rebuilding essential services and supporting vulnerable Tasmanians," Ms Petrusma said. But Mr Reidy said the government's reforms fell far too short. "Under current funding arrangements with state and Commonwealth governments, and even with support from the community, the demand for services is not being met," he said. Mr Reidy said the two tiers of government must act fast to boost investment in housing and homelessness services, while acknowledging that the state government was preparing an affordable housing policy. "That must be followed by a significant government investment to address the gap between supply and demand," he said.
Tasmanian Council of Social Service chief executive Tony Reidy
TASMANIA's peak social services body is urging state and federal governments to reconsider budget cuts and policy proposals that strip money from the sector, as providers struggle to keep up with demand.
A national report released yesterday has revealed that demand for Tasmanian welfare services will not be met this Christmas, with some organisations faced with the possibility of having to close their doors early next year.
The report found that 80 per cent of community service organisations are being forced to turn away vulnerable people experiencing personal, financial and accommodation crises.
The largest service gaps are in the areas of most need, with affordable housing for sole parents, older unemployed people and those experiencing homelessness stretched beyond capacity.
Community legal, employment and mental health services are also under the pump.
Tasmanian Council of Social Service chief executive Tony Reidy fears that a $100 million cut to the Health and Human Services Department between now and 2017 will wreak havoc on the sector.
Mr Reidy said federally funded not-for-profit organisations also faced an uncertain future, with Commonwealth cash beyond February next year not yet guaranteed.
Human Services Minister Jacqui Petrusma said the state government would provide an extra $9 million in funding to community organisations over the forward estimates, while restoring indexation cuts meted out over the past three years.
"We are committed to rebuilding essential services and supporting vulnerable Tasmanians," Ms Petrusma said.
But Mr Reidy said the government's reforms fell far too short.
"Under current funding arrangements with state and Commonwealth governments, and even with support from the community, the demand for services is not being met," he said.
Mr Reidy said the two tiers of government must act fast to boost investment in housing and homelessness services, while acknowledging that the state government was preparing an affordable housing policy.
"That must be followed by a significant government investment to address the gap between supply and demand," he said.
