On Wednesday 1^st February 2012 the Equal Pay Decision was handed down by Fair Work Australia. You can view the decision document by clicking here Equal Rem Decision Feb 2012.

It is important to realise that the decision represents significant increases; however the phase in period recommended by ASU & Fed Government of 6 years has been extended to 8 years, meaning the pay increases won’t be fully implemented until December 2020.

Following discussions with both TasCOSS and Jobs Australia the following summary has been prepared.  Thanks to both organisations for their work on this in a short time frame.

The Decisions approves wage increases of between 19% – 41% depending on Classification Level

• Phase in period of 8 years (in recognition of employer capacity to pay)
• Paid in 9 equal instalments over that period – first on 1 December 2012
• An additional cumulative 4% payable over the same period for “cumulative loading” to compensate for impediments to bargaining
• If granted, annual wage rises (“National Wage”) will be in addition to these increases, however Jobs Australia expressed that this is not an absolute yet.

Table representing effective increases on levels of Modern Award:

HOWEVER the state government have not committed to funding the increases to funding required as yet.

MEDIA RELEASE FROM TasCOSS

TasCOSS welcomes today’s landmark Equal Pay Case decision

TasCOSS has welcomed today’s decision by Fair Work Australia in the landmark equal pay case for community sector workers.

“This is a milestone for equal pay and a crucial step towards ensuring viable, effective social services by ensuring appropriate levels of pay for the dedicated workers we depend upon to deliver those services,” TasCOSS CEO Tony Reidy said today.

“This decision is the first step in addressing the historical undervaluing of community sector workers. However, the nation-wide Councils of Social Service are looking at the longer implementation phase to ensure that it doesn’t undermine service effectiveness over time.

“Importantly, to give effect to the decision, community organisations need to be funded for higher wages. The wages decision is fairly moderate in the context of projected salary rises over time, particularly in the public service. This makes it all the more vital that the funding required to cover higher wages is made available as soon as possible.

“We note that the Commonwealth & ACT governments have already committed to full implementation of the decision, and call on the Tasmanian Government, as well as non-government funders, to engage directly and immediately with the community sector over implementation of higher wage costs based on full funding for community services,” Tony Reidy said.

The decision handed down today by Fair Work Australia on the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 has granted higher wage rates as agreed by the Australian Services Union and the Commonwealth Government (in November 2011 agreement) and is in the order of the wage increases previously determined in the Queensland precedent pay case.

Fair Work Australia also ordered that the rates be implemented over a longer period of time than proposed in the application, being nine equal instalments starting on 1 December 2012 over an eight year period.

“Through the implementation of this decision community sector organisations in Tasmania will over time be in a strengthened position in the recruitment and retention of workers needed to deliver essential community services,” he said.

 Tony Reidy

Chief Executive

Tasmanian Council of Social Services

For more information view the following links:

http://www.asu.asn.au/media/sacs/20120201_equalpayday.html

http://www.smh.com.au/national/equal-pay-bolstered-by-breakthrough-for-community-sector-20120201-1qtgz.html

http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/02/02/297461_tasmania-news.html

The massive advertising and media campaign against the previous proposed reforms, funded by the corporate gaming sector behind Clubs Australia, does not speak for our communities.  We do not have the advertising budget of Clubs Australia but we are working at the local grass-roots level, with our Member organisations in the lowest socio-economic communities in Australia witnessing these machines reaping a horrible impact on our communities. 

TACH represents the 34 Tasmanian Neighbourhood Houses who are part of the network of 1000 Neighbourhood Houses across Australia.  Each week around 320,000 people participate at the Neighbourhood Centres & Houses across Australia.  TACH and the national peak body, ANHCA, will be urging our Member Houses and participants at the Houses to contact their local Members about this issue.

The initial proposed reforms would have enabled people to set limits on their losses before they start gambling and would have helped vulnerable people who are currently destroying their lives, and their families’ lives, through their addictions.  

These new watered-down reforms provide only for a trial in the ACT, and a change to poker machines over time to allow for a future government to introduce pre-commitment and bet limits.  So even if the trial is successful the government hasn’t committed to implement any reforms.

TACH is asking the Government to act, not just for the individuals addicted to these machines, but for their children and partners.  Research shows that between five and 10 people are affected by each problem gambler.

Poker machine problem gamblers lose almost $5 billion each year, a staggering figure pointing to the scale of the tragedy associated with poker machines.

Problem gamblers routinely lose everything including their jobs, family and friends, homes, minds and sometimes even their lives.

There have been many reforms discussed over the last 12 months, and we are urging three key actions.  These are in line with the recommendations from the Productivity Commission and the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform:

• That a mandatory pre-commitment scheme apply to all players of high intensity electronic gaming machines,
• That low intensity machines, configured to reliably limit player losses to an average loss of around $120 per hour do not need to be part of the mandatory pre-commitment system.
• The venues have the choice to either run high intensity EGMs with mandatory pre-commitment or low intensity EGMs without pre-commitment enabled, or a combination of both.

For more information please visit www.stoptheloss.org.au

Good Afternoon,

As you may be aware, in May 2011 the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) engaged Riley and Riley Strategy Advisers to undertake an evaluation of the Quality and Safety Standards Framework for Tasmania’s Agency Funded Community Sector.  I am pleased to advise that Evaluation Report has been received by the DHHS and that the 18 recommendations contained within the Report have been accepted by the Departmental Executive and will be progressed over the coming months.   

The Report consists of two volumes; both volumes are available on the communityExpress website, but have also been attached to this email for your convenience:

•             Volume 1 is the Executive Summary; and

•             Volume 2 is the Detailed Report

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those people who provided feedback during the evaluation process; your contribution was invaluable and will assist in further developing and guiding the Standards Framework post June 2012. Feedback from the review was generally very positive and highlighted some major achievements. There were also a number of areas identified where we as a Department can continue to refine and streamline our processes as we move forward with a second phase of implementation.

Consistent with the commitment to partnership and transparency, the DHHS will continue the conversation with you as the recommendations of the Report are progressed.  As such, we will be holding information sessions across the State during February/March 2012; details of these sessions will be forwarded in the new year. 

Along with the release of the report I would like to take the opportunity to share with you an organisational change within DHHS which directly relates to the Community Sector. One of the issues discussed within the Riley and Riley report is where the Quality and Safety Team for the community sector should be located. To coincide with some internal changes, the Department has decided to establish a Community Sector Relations Unit, to ensure that there is continued focus on our commitment to partnering with the Community Sector. The Unit will bring together the Quality and Safety Team, Community Sector Procurement (the Grants Unit) as well as accountabilities for the strategic relationship with the Community Sector, including the recently established Peaks Network and Government Strategic Forum and progressing a Government / Sector Partnership Agreement.

The Community Sector Relations Unit will sit underneath me as the Deputy Secretary, Disability, Housing and Community Services. I am very excited about having the opportunity to work more closely with the sector to progress our common interests, including the progression of the Riley and Riley recommendations.

Should you have any difficulties in accessing the Report please contact the Community Sector Quality and Safety Team via email quality.pic@dhhs.tas.gov.au or telephone 6336 4173.

Can I take this opportunity to wish you all a great Christmas with family and friends and a very safe and happy New Year.

Regards,

Mercia

Mercia Bresnehan
Deputy Secretary Disability, Housing and Community Services

Liz has been working for the last four and a half years at the Tailem Bend Community Centre, a rural area an hour and a half south of Adelaide.  She has also served on the board of Community Centres SA, TACH’s sister organisation in Adelaide.  It will be great for Liz to bring her perspective as a recent coordinator to TACH and the learnings from the work of Community Centres SA and how the Neighbourhood House peak body in SA relates & supports its Member Houses.

Liz comes highly recommended by our colleagues in South Australia.   She will start working with us the week of the 23^rd January and I’m hoping that she can meet Houses and stakeholders early in the New Year.

From Liz…

Hi Everyone,

My name is Liz Crane and I am Mum to 3 year old Lewis and wife to Matt. My family and I are very excited to return to our home in Tasmania after 7 years living and working in South Australia.

For 4 ½ of those years I have been the Coordinator of the Tailem Bend Community Centre and from this position I have gained an immense

passion and respect for Community Centres and all that they stand for.

I am extremely excited to be joining the TACH team, and look forward to continuing my dedication to this sector. I can’t wait to get stuck in and check out all the Community Houses in TAS and working with you all.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Amendments reforming the Long Service Leave system passed the Legislative Council late yesterday, and will become law on July 1^st, 2012.

The changes passed the House of Assembly last month, under the guidance of the Minister for Workplace Relations, David O’Byrne.

“Today, Tasmanian workers have won the right to fairness and equality, when it comes to work-life balance,” Mr O’Byrne said.

“These reforms bring Tasmania into line with other Australian jurisdictions – ensuring Tasmanian workers are treated consistently with their interstate counterparts.

“All workers deserve a healthy work-life balance – including leave time to enjoy with family. Wherever possible, those entitlements should be consistent across industries and workplaces.

“I want to thank all the workers unions and businesses who’ve worked closely with the Government to make these changes happen.

“It’s a proud and important achievement. Driving this sort of reform is what being a Labor Minister is all about,” he said.

The reforms give workers access to Long Service Leave five years earlier than under existing laws.

Currently, most private sector workers have to accrue 15 years of service, before they can take Long Service Leave. Under the changes, they’ll be able to access the leave after 10 years of service.

While the rate of accrual for Long Service Leave won’t change, workers will be able to take their Long Service Leave up to five years earlier.

The General Secretary of the Tasmanian Branch of the Shop Distributive Allied Employees’ Association, Paul Griffin, welcomed the passing of the Long Service Leave reforms by both Houses of Tasmanian Parliament.

“All of our members will rejoice at this news,” Mr Griffin said.

“These reforms deliver something special and much-needed for a wide range of hard-working Tasmanians.

“A decade of loyal service will now give workers earlier access to leave, to enjoy with their families.

“That includes retail workers, cleaners, clerks, pharmacy assistants, hairdressers, hospitality workers and many other professions.

“Long Service Leave is a really important way for bosses to reward a worker’s service.

“It also strengthens loyalty and reduces staff turnover – making it a win-win for workers and employers alike,” he said.

For more information about Long Service Leave entitlements, contact the Workplace Standards Tasmania Helpline on 1300 366322.

Women and girls play many important roles in the Tasmanian community. The Tasmanian Women’s Plan 2012-17 will provide a guiding framework to help ensure that Government actions are responsive to the needs of women and girls and are representative of their views.

To help inform the Plan, the Community Development Division in the Department of Premier and Cabinet is undertaking a survey of Tasmanian women and girls. The survey covers a number of areas including economic security, financial independence, education and training, health and wellbeing, housing, leadership, safety and justice.

In addition to the survey, you are invited to submit further comments by filling in a written submission.

Your responses will help us identify what Tasmanian women and girls see as the most important issues and where the Government may need to expand its efforts. You will help shape the Government's response to issues for Tasmanian women and girls for the next five years and into the future.

Both the survey and written submission are anonymous. You can choose to go into a draw for your choice of a $50 Coles Myer or iTunes voucher by providing your email address. This will not be linked to your survey or submission response.

To take the survey – click on the following link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/taswomensplan

Both the survey and the written submission template can also be accessed on the Community Development Division website at the following address:

http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/cdd/policy/our_policies/tasmanian_womens_plan_2012-17

If you would like to talk to someone further about the Tasmanian Women’s Plan 2012-17 please contact Purcelle Fox-Hughes on 6232 7099 or Georgina Newton on 6232 7166.

The Telstra Connected Seniors® Grant Round 9 is now open, click here to apply.  Applications will close on Friday 2 December 2011 (4pm AEDST).

The program allows organisations to run training courses for their members, introducing them to new technology in ways which are fun, hands on and solve everyday problems. In practical terms, this could be as simple as arranging a bridge game via SMS messaging, or emailing family photos.

Grants are comprised of cash to assist with purchasing equipment and covering running costs. Training materials will be provided to assist organisers and trainers to run successful courses. As part of the grant application, club members running courses can elect to be paid for their time or donate that money to their organisation.

For further information please go to https://www.telstra.com.au/telstra-seniors/what-is-it/how-grants-work/index.htm

With thanks to Grant Alert coordinated through the Community Development Division, Department of Premier and Cabinet.

What could your organisation do to help your community work together to find and implement local solutions to the challenges of climate change?

Two community grants programs are now being offered by the Tasmanian Government.

The fourth funding round is now open for the Tasmanian Government’s highly successful ClimateConnect community grants. Applications are sought from industry groups and local government for projects that will help Tasmanian communities and industries adapt to the impacts of climate change. This will include programs that assist communities and industries to identify the opportunities and risks from climate change and adopt strategies to moderate, cope with or take advantage of the impacts. Grants of up to $20 000 are available through this year’s ClimateConnect.

The third round of the Earn Your Stars Microgrants Program is also now open. Smaller grants of up to $5 000 can be sought through this program, which will continue to focus on mitigation by supporting communities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy. Not-for-profit community groups and local government are encouraged to apply.

Applications for both grants programs are now being accepted.

The Earn Your Stars Micro-grants program funding round closes on 2 December 2011 and the ClimateConnect grants program on 16 December 2011.

More details on both programs, including their guidelines and application forms, can be found at:

http://www.climatechange.tas.gov.au/grants/climateconnect_grants

http://www.climatechange.tas.gov.au/grants/earn_your_stars_micro-grants

If you have any questions related to the Earn Your Stars Microgrants please contact Erin Buttermore at the Tasmanian Climate Change Office on (03) 6232 7453 or via email erin.buttermore@dpac.tas.gov.au.

For any questions related to the ClimateConnect adaptation grants please contact Libby Doughty at the Tasmanian Climate Change Office on (03) 6232 7092 or via email libby.doughty@dpac.tas.gov.au

Taming the pokies monster

Every week Neighbourhood Houses and Centres across Australia see hundreds of people whose lives are being ruined by gambling prompting the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA) to get behind the proposed new gaming laws and to urge every day Australians to show their support.

“With over 1,000 Neighbourhood Centres across Australia we see the real impacts of gambling every day, particularly on vulnerable families who already struggling with many different issues,” said Merial Clark, Executive Officer, ANHCA.

It’s estimated 95,000 Australians are poker machine problem gamblers while a similar number are currently at risk of becoming so. Between five and 10 people are affected by each problem gambler.

“It is distressing to have someone come to you, full of shame, to ask for help to get food for their family because they have gambled every cent they were paid within hours of receiving it,” said Ms Clark.

“Problem gamblers routinely lose everything including their jobs, family and friends, homes, health and sometimes even their lives. Neighbourhood Houses and Centres deal with this suffering every day and ANHCA supports reforms that respect individuals while assisting them not to end up in this situation.

“Each week around 320,000 people participate at a Neighbourhood Centre and we would like to urge as many people as possible to add their voice to the campaign for poker machine reform,” Ms Clark said.

The proposed reforms will let people set limits on their losses before they start gambling and will help vulnerable people to stop gambling before they lose everything.

Poker machine problem gamblers lose almost $5 billion each year, a staggering figure pointing to the scale of the tragedy associated with poker machines. The 88% of Australians who currently gamble $1 or less per spin will have the option of playing the $1 maximum bet machines not needing a card.

The federal parliament is set to pass the necessary laws by May 2012 and poker machine venues will be given until the end of 2014 to comply. Small venues with 15 machines or less will be given until 2018.

– ENDS –

Contacts: Merial Clark, ANHCA Executive Officer 0414 351 352

John Hooper, ANHCA Treasurer 0408 320 826

Click here for more information about ANHCA

Grants

Community organisations and local government are invited to apply for grants of up to $2,000 for standard events or up to $5,000 for regional grants.

Timeframes

The 2012 NYW Grants Program is now open and will close on Monday 14 November 2011. Late applications will not be accepted.

Assessment Criteria

Applicants must address all of the assessment criteria, including how the project or event/s addresses the aims of NYW, the aims and outcomes that project or event and how young people are involved in developing the project or event/s.

Funding for NYW in Tasmania is provided by the Tasmanian Government, the Australian Government and through a partnership agreement with beyondblue: the national depression initiative.

beyondblue funding opportunities may be available for NYW projects and events that promote and integrate the Youthbeyondblue messages of Look, Listen, Talk and Seek Help together.

Please contact Amy Murphy at the Community Development Division on 6232 7052 or at Amy.Murphy@dpac.tas.gov.au for more information about beyondblue funding opportunities for NYW in Tasmania.

National Youth Week 2012 Community Grants Program guidelines and application form – Word version   (MS Word, 1.3MB)

National Youth Week 2012 Community Grants Program guidelines and application form – PDF  (PDF, 214KB)