ACTCOSS would like to hear your thoughts on our performance over 2011 to help us evaluate and improve our services.
2011 Annual Stakeholder Survey
Please return your completed survey by 10 February 2012.
News
2011 ACTCOSS Stakeholder Survey - We'd like to hear your feedback!
New Industrial Relations Advisory Service for the ACT Community Sector
ACTCOSS and Jobs Australia have been successful in obtaining seed funding from the ACT Government to provide a dedicated industrial relations service for the ACT community sector.
This service was launched by Minister for Community Services, Joy Burch MLA on Wednesday 23 November 2011. Read the media release:
New IR service for the community sector, Joy Burch, MLA, media release, 23 November 2011.
While the project is still being developed, interested organisations are invited to subscribe to Jobs Australia to access information and advice:
Jobs Australia Application Form (PDF 428KB)
The inaugural Jobs Australia/ACTCOSS workshop was held on 23 November 2011. Notes from that workshop, touching on issues such as the modern award, pay equity case and other IR issues are available here:
The Community Sector IR Landscape: Key Issues (PowerPoint 231KB), presentation by Michael Pegg and Jen Forward of Jobs Australia.
This service was launched by Minister for Community Services, Joy Burch MLA on Wednesday 23 November 2011. Read the media release:
New IR service for the community sector, Joy Burch, MLA, media release, 23 November 2011.
While the project is still being developed, interested organisations are invited to subscribe to Jobs Australia to access information and advice:
Jobs Australia Application Form (PDF 428KB)
The inaugural Jobs Australia/ACTCOSS workshop was held on 23 November 2011. Notes from that workshop, touching on issues such as the modern award, pay equity case and other IR issues are available here:
The Community Sector IR Landscape: Key Issues (PowerPoint 231KB), presentation by Michael Pegg and Jen Forward of Jobs Australia.
Pay Equity for the Community Sector
Equal Pay agreement an historic next step towards fair pay for community sector
ACOSS media release: 10 November 2011.
Australia's peak community and social services body has welcomed the agreement between the ASU and the Australian Government in the Equal Pay Case as an historic moment for people who work with some of the most vulnerable members in the community.
The Australian Council of Social Service has hailed the announcement that the Federal Government and unions have agreed to make a joint submission in the case which would see community sector workers get pay rises of between 19 and 42 per cent, a key part of ensuring the long-term sustainability of this historically underpaid sector.
Read the entire media release at the ACOSS website.
Read the Prime Minister's media release, Gillard Government to deliver historic payrise for social and community workers.
Read the Prime Minister's speech announcing the agreement, Address to social and community sector workers, Sydney.
Pay Equity and Sector Commitment Survey
As part of Doctorate Research Jody Tunnicliffe (La Trobe University) is keen to investigate whether the awarding of higher wages through an Equal Remuneration Order, via the current pay equity case before Fair Work Australia, will have an impact on attraction and retention of workers to the community services sector.
Please complete this very quick survey so that we can collect data to investigate the above question and inform our workforce approach and planning.
Pay Equity and Sector Commitment Survey
ACOSS media release: 10 November 2011.
Australia's peak community and social services body has welcomed the agreement between the ASU and the Australian Government in the Equal Pay Case as an historic moment for people who work with some of the most vulnerable members in the community.
The Australian Council of Social Service has hailed the announcement that the Federal Government and unions have agreed to make a joint submission in the case which would see community sector workers get pay rises of between 19 and 42 per cent, a key part of ensuring the long-term sustainability of this historically underpaid sector.
Read the entire media release at the ACOSS website.
Read the Prime Minister's media release, Gillard Government to deliver historic payrise for social and community workers.
Read the Prime Minister's speech announcing the agreement, Address to social and community sector workers, Sydney.
Pay Equity and Sector Commitment Survey
As part of Doctorate Research Jody Tunnicliffe (La Trobe University) is keen to investigate whether the awarding of higher wages through an Equal Remuneration Order, via the current pay equity case before Fair Work Australia, will have an impact on attraction and retention of workers to the community services sector.
Please complete this very quick survey so that we can collect data to investigate the above question and inform our workforce approach and planning.
Pay Equity and Sector Commitment Survey
Australian Community Sector Survey - ACT Report
The Australian Community Sector Survey, released Monday 15 August by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), shows that ACT community organisations increased their workload by ten per cent, but it was not enough to match the rising demand for services, as turn-away rates rose by 17 per cent.
Community services are in demand, providing much need support to Canberra's most vulnerable. However, increasing pressures are causing more to be turned away without accessing the support they are seeking.
The survey reveals the biggest shortfall was in helping those looking to access mental health services, with 86 per cent of organisations identifying this as an area of high or medium need. The level of unmet need was also particularly acute in the areas of homelessness and housing, general health, legal services and supports for families and relationships.
The Australian Community Sector Survey is the only national data collection about the non-government, non-profit community services and welfare sector. 70 local agencies completed the survey, providing data on service delivery and organisational operations over 2009-10.
Read the Australian Community Sector Survey - ACT Report (PDF 2.5MB).
Read the ACTCOSS media release More community services, but even more seek support (PDF 54KB) - 15 August 2011.
Read the national report at the ACOSS website.
Community services are in demand, providing much need support to Canberra's most vulnerable. However, increasing pressures are causing more to be turned away without accessing the support they are seeking.
The survey reveals the biggest shortfall was in helping those looking to access mental health services, with 86 per cent of organisations identifying this as an area of high or medium need. The level of unmet need was also particularly acute in the areas of homelessness and housing, general health, legal services and supports for families and relationships.
The Australian Community Sector Survey is the only national data collection about the non-government, non-profit community services and welfare sector. 70 local agencies completed the survey, providing data on service delivery and organisational operations over 2009-10.
Read the Australian Community Sector Survey - ACT Report (PDF 2.5MB).
Read the ACTCOSS media release More community services, but even more seek support (PDF 54KB) - 15 August 2011.
Read the national report at the ACOSS website.
ACT 2011-2012 Budget
Budget Snapshot
Every year ACTCOSS provides a summary paper outlining selected Budget initiatives for the community sector.
Download the ACT 2011-2012 Budget Snapshot - PDF (150KB) or Word document (533KB).
Media Releases
Modest or Shy? - 3 May 2011
The ACT Government's Budget for 2011-12 has been described as modest, however the community sector is concerned that the Government has been too shy with its support for the community sector and Canberra's most vulnerable.
The correcting of Corrections…? - 4 May 2011
The ACT Government’s Budget for 2011-12 goes some way to addressing the concerns around the delivery of correctional services at the Alexander Maconochie Centre, but questions remain about early intervention and community support.
Every year ACTCOSS provides a summary paper outlining selected Budget initiatives for the community sector.
Download the ACT 2011-2012 Budget Snapshot - PDF (150KB) or Word document (533KB).
Media Releases
Modest or Shy? - 3 May 2011
The ACT Government's Budget for 2011-12 has been described as modest, however the community sector is concerned that the Government has been too shy with its support for the community sector and Canberra's most vulnerable.
The correcting of Corrections…? - 4 May 2011
The ACT Government’s Budget for 2011-12 goes some way to addressing the concerns around the delivery of correctional services at the Alexander Maconochie Centre, but questions remain about early intervention and community support.
ACTCOSS has moved office
The ACT Council of Social Service office is now located at:
Weston Community Hub
1/6 Gritten Street
Weston ACT 2611
All the rest of our contact details remain the same:
Post: PO Box 849, Mawson ACT 2607.
Ph: 02 6202 7200
Fax: 02 6281 4192
Email: actcoss@actcoss.org.au
Weston Community Hub
1/6 Gritten Street
Weston ACT 2611
All the rest of our contact details remain the same:
Post: PO Box 849, Mawson ACT 2607.
Ph: 02 6202 7200
Fax: 02 6281 4192
Email: actcoss@actcoss.org.au
Award Modernisation
As of 1 January 2010 there will be a new Award in place for Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services. This replaces the current ACT SACS Award. Download the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (PDF 253KB).
The final Award has changed from the draft version previously available. If you are currently operating on the SACS Award you will need to transition to the Modern Award from 1 January 2010. Changes to penalty rates and loadings commence transition from 1 July 2010. Classifications and wages are delayed in their implementation until 1 July 2011.
Read the factsheet Award Modernisation: What will it mean for COSS Members? Dec 2009 (PDF 49KB).
View the Australian Industrial Relations Commission Decision.
The final Award has changed from the draft version previously available. If you are currently operating on the SACS Award you will need to transition to the Modern Award from 1 January 2010. Changes to penalty rates and loadings commence transition from 1 July 2010. Classifications and wages are delayed in their implementation until 1 July 2011.
Read the factsheet Award Modernisation: What will it mean for COSS Members? Dec 2009 (PDF 49KB).
View the Australian Industrial Relations Commission Decision.
ACTCOSS Budget Submission 2011-12
The range of recommendations contained within this submission are wide-ranging, touching on the diversity of issues the community sector is currently facing. Recommendations are put forward to engage with government decision making, not just around the 2011-12 Budget, but also in future policy development.
Download the ACTCOSS Budget Submission 2011-12 (PDF 549KB).
Download the ACTCOSS Budget Submission 2011-12 (PDF 549KB).
The Social Compact
The Joint Community Government Reference Group (JCGRG) is reviewing the ACT Social Compact.
The Social Compact is a statement of understanding about the relationship between the ACT Government and the community sector. It provides a framework for relations between the community sector and the ACT Government by articulating the principles of good communication and partnership.
Please complete a very short survey on awareness and use of the Social Compact:
ACT Social Compact Community Sector Survey
ACT Government staff can complete the survey here.
Download a copy of The ACT Social Compact (PDF 538 KB).
The Social Compact is a statement of understanding about the relationship between the ACT Government and the community sector. It provides a framework for relations between the community sector and the ACT Government by articulating the principles of good communication and partnership.
Please complete a very short survey on awareness and use of the Social Compact:
ACT Social Compact Community Sector Survey
ACT Government staff can complete the survey here.
Download a copy of The ACT Social Compact (PDF 538 KB).
