WACOSS’ 2022-2023 State Budget Submission focuses on the need for Western Australia to develop long-term sustainable strategies and measures that go beyond recovery and even resilience, towards building fair and strong communities where we all have the freedom to live well.
By strengthening the capability of the community services sector, and developing frameworks for long-term change, it is possible to overcome the immediate and ongoing challenges of the pandemic, and plan for the longer-term challenges of more frequent and severe natural disasters – a ‘new normal’ of escalating and compounding crises.
WACOSS CEO Louise Giolitto said the aim was to move the pandemic recovery conversation beyond just the economy towards a person-centred recovery that focuses on outcomes and wellbeing.
“We now have a unique opportunity to reflect on how well these policies have served us, and be ambitious about what we plan for our future,” Ms Giolitto said.
“At the start of the pandemic, both Federal and State Governments responded swiftly with support for individuals, families, and businesses facing the immediate impacts of lockdowns and job losses, but many of these supports have now come to an end.
“As a sector we know that compounding crises expose the vulnerability of those already struggling in our communities, as well as tipping others into hardship and ongoing disadvantage for the first time as happened to many Western Australians who lost work and income over the last 18 months.
“Following wide consultation with community members, workers and leaders right across the state, this year’s State Budget Submission provides the WA Government with analysis and key recommendations across eight key focus areas: secure and affordable housing, health and wellbeing, income security and financial resilience, climate justice and disaster resilience, closing the gap, gender equity, the care industry and human rights and community wealth.
“The 2021-2022 State Budget marked an important shift in State Government planning and investment by delivering record investments in social housing, climate action, health and mental health, while ensuring household fees and charges remain low – a shift that has been warmly and widely welcomed by the community services sector.
“The Premier’s unprecedented popularity and Western Australia’s strong economic position give us an opportunity to think bigger and create a legacy that will benefit our whole community into the future.
“As the peak body for the community services sector, we look forward to continuing to work with the WA Government, and the communities we represent, to achieve this vision of a fairer, stronger Western Australia for all.”
Read WACOSS’ 2022-2023 State Budget Submission.
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