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WACOSS MEDIA RELEASE: WACOSS calls for ‘one stop shop’ for concessions. 6th February
February 06, 2012
The Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) today renewed its call for better coordination of concessions policy.
“There is very clearly a need to put in place better systems and strategies for assessing entitlement to state concessions, benefits and rebates to ensure that resources intended to provide assistance and support are reaching those who need it most.” said WACOSS CEO, Ms Irina Cattalini.
There is currently a range of existing state payments (such as the Energy Rebate Scheme, Hardship Utility Grants, Senior’s Cost of Living Payment, Senior’s 50% concession on drivers licence) however these are not well coordinated across all government agencies. The implication of this is a lack of availability of easily accessible information about what supports families and individuals are entitled to, leaving many disadvantaged or low income households unaware of the supports and concessions available to them.
“It is simply not good enough to propose that the state doesn’t means test support provided to households or parents because it is too administratively difficult, when there would be great value in establishing a coordinated system capable of coordinating and targeting supports and simplifying access to them,” said Ms Cattalini.
“Better targeting of benefits and concessions means that the limited tax-payer funds allocated to address disadvantage can be directed to maximise the benefit they deliver to the community,” said Ms Cattalini.
With the cost of living continuing to rise in Western Australia and the gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ continuing to grow it is essential that the State Government takes a coordinated approach to concessions and entitlements.
“The Council is calling for a central unit to coordinate state concessions policy and a single portal providing information on all state concessions and entitlements that can act as a ‘one stop shop’ for information and support,” said Ms Cattalini.
Click here to download this media release.
Media Contact
Ms Irina Cattalini, WACOSS CEO
0422 422 438 or 9420 7222