Thriving Communities – How Will You Support Them?

Community and Neighbourhood Centres … the heart of our community

Pre-Election 2014 Survey Results

3 key things which ensure communities thrive:

 Equal and respectful partnerships

 Sustainable resourcing for -

o community capacity building activities

o sector development

 Better community outcomes through a well

resourced Together SA

Gill McFadyen, CEO 1/25 Naldera Street, Glandore, SA 5037 T: 08 8371 4622 E: [email protected] W: www.communitycentressa.asn.au

Contents

Executive Summary ...... 3

Political Party: Australian Greens (SA) ...... 4

Political Party: Australian Labor Party (SA) ...... 9

Political Party: Dignity for the Disabled ...... 13

Political Party: Family First (SA) ...... 15

Political Party: Liberal Party of Australia (SA Division) ...... 18

Political Party: Powerful Communities ...... 19

Other responses ...... 22

The economic contribution of the network of community centres is significant. It includes … enabling people to engage in further learning and work through volunteering, foundation skills courses and breaking down barriers to participation such as through literacy and numeracy and the provision of childcare that enables engagement and participation.

South Australian Centre for Economic Studies: Economic and Social Impact Study: Community and Neighbourhood Centres Sector November 2013

Executive Summary

Community and neighbourhood centres work with and for people and local communities to bring about positive social change through community development, good health and wellbeing, social inclusion, education and life skills activities and programmes. Centres do this important work in complex and challenging environments. They are skilled and cost effective in supporting and empowering people with multi-faceted needs and building their capacity as well as the capacity of the community in which they are situated.

Frequently community centres rely on short-term project based funding, with a small number of paid staff, supported by community volunteers. Centres are a critical part of the community sector in South Australia, with a unique contribution to make through their local, ‘place-based’ approach. They work within a strength-based, community development model and are open to all.

Community development is sometimes seen as “soft” leaving our sector and the communities we work within vulnerable. To be effective advocates for our communities we must be politically aware and politically active.

As we approach a State election, community and neighbourhood centres and their communities want to know if what is important to them is also important to candidates standing to represent them, and whether and how candidates will support community and neighbourhood centres into the future.

To help us get informed and understand this, we invited all candidates in the upcoming state election to respond to key questions and share their views and intentions about our community and neighbourhood centres sector. We distributed a survey ‘Thriving Communities – How will you support them?’ asking about 3 key things which enable communities to thrive:  Equal and respectful partnerships  Sustainable resourcing for community capacity building activities and sector development  Better community outcomes through a well resourced Together SA

We received responses from (in alphabetical order), Australian Greens (SA), Australian Labor Party (SA), Dignity for the Disabled, Family First, Liberal Party of Australia (SA Division), Powerful Communities and several individual responses. These were returned in varied formats including hard copy, online survey, email and letter, all of which are included in this report.

Responses have been encouraging, recognising the value of our sector in prevention and early intervention and the importance of collaborative work that is measureable and outcomes focussed. This report will now be distributed to all community centres, their participants and stakeholders for reference as they meet with candidates.

We thank all candidates who responded to the survey and who wished us well as we also wish them well, and look forward to the opportunity of meeting with them in coming weeks and months.

Rille Walshe OAM Chairperson 3

Survey: Thriving Communities – How Will You Support Them?

Response from Mark Parnell Greens Parliamentary Leader and Candidate for Legislative Council for 2014 State Election

Political Party: Australian Greens (SA)

Equal and respectful partnerships

The Human Services Partnerships Forum is progressing priority areas for the sector through three working groups: Sustainability and Innovation, Government – Non Government Partnerships and Workforce Development including volunteers.

Questions

Will you support the work currently underway to improve the effectiveness of working relationships, reduce red tape and improve the sustainability of the sector?

The Greens support the work of the Human Services partnership forum currently underway to improve the effectiveness of working relationships, reduce red tape and improve the sustainability of the sector at large. We recognise the value and worth of the contribution the sector makes across the community at large.

How do and how can equal and respectful partnerships between the government and community centres enhance community and sector capacity?

The Greens believe for change to be real, meaningful and sustainable in the long term it needs to reflect community values and aspirations. It is only by actively understanding and reflecting the needs of a local community that any policy can really be effective at a government level and it is only through genuine community consultation and engagement processes that the community can have their needs heard. Government in turn needs to respect the will of local communities and not run roughshod over it, as has happened so often in the past.

What do you think are the elements of an equal and respectful partnership between the government and the community and neighbourhood centres sector?

The Greens recognise that an equal and respectful partnership between the government and the community and neighbourhood centres sector will rely on open and transparent communication, participatory decision making and a clear recognition of the value the sector plays in the development of strong, vibrant and resilient communities.

The Greens policy on community participation reflects this. See http://greens.org.au/policies/community-participation. This acknowledges the inherently valuable 4 contribution that a diverse range of groups and perspectives provides to the political process and the role of ongoing community participation in the making of laws and policy.

NGOs and the community sector in particular provide a vital democratic role as advocates and as providers of services and often are at the coalface of dealing with marginalised, disenfranchised and otherwise disadvantaged sectors of the community.

The Greens believe community participation in planning and decision making that affects communities should be legally enshrined and be an ongoing process, supported by the provision of sufficient information in plain language to enable meaningful participation in all levels of government.

It is essential that government agencies consider the time and money required by community groups to participate in consultation and deliberation processes and for there to be strong Freedom of Information (FoI) Laws in place that exempt community groups from fees for material gained under FOI, alongside effective whistleblower protection legislation to enhance transparency and accountability.

How will you approach and develop these partnerships?

The Greens have detailed policies on community participation that will redress that imbalance that currently exists between government and the community sector and wish to see community participation developed and strengthened and protected. See http://greens.org.au/policies/community-participation

Sustainable resourcing for community capacity building activities

Opportunities for people to re-engage in community and improve overall health and wellbeing through social participation and community learning are vitally important and provide significant social and economic benefits for South Australia. People are often in need of a ‘hand up’ rather than a ‘hand out’

Questions

What is your response to: People need meaningful opportunities to contribute to their community?

The Greens agree that all people need meaningful opportunities to contribute to their community. We believe in a caring society, one in which people can connect meaningfully with others in their communities. We recognise and support the role of grassroots organisations and volunteers who make such a meaningful contribution to the ongoing development, capacity building and enrichment of their local communities.

Social participation increases opportunities and leads to better health outcomes for people?

The Greens agree that social participation increases opportunities and leads to better health outcomes for people. The Greens policy for community sports funding (http://greens.org.au/community-sports ) provides an investment in community sport, including sporting equipment libraries for low-income Australians. It reflects the fact that while participation in community sport is one of the simplest ways to help tackle obesity often costs are a direct barrier to participation.

Our policy would see: $10 million to go direct to financial support to families for costs associated with kids’ participation in sport such as membership fees; $9.5 million to fund grants to help set up local sports libraries where kids and local sports programs can borrow equipment and $500,000 will assist volunteers and sports clubs to navigate the legal and organisational barriers to volunteering, including a hotline and assistance with the cost of qualifications such as first aid certificates.

Improving foundation skills is fundamental to improving economic independence?

The Greens agree that improving foundation skills is fundamental to improving economic independence. The Greens have a comprehensive Education Policy http://greens.org.au/policies/education that acknowledges that universal access to high quality education is fundamental to Australia's economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, well-being and social fulfilment.

We have championed the call for increased support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and for increased support for students from non-English speaking backgrounds as well as increased resource allocations for the teaching of community languages in public primary and secondary schools, and well-resourced centres for the study of community languages and trade- specific English language courses.

Increasing investment in prevention and early intervention?

The Greens’ A Better Way for A Healthier SA: Prevention is better (and cheaper) than a cure initiative is predicated on the assumption that increasing investment in prevention is good public policy and a more cost effective and common sense approach to the rapidly ballooning State health budget.

The Greens believe that spending on good health is as important as treating ill health. The key is to focus on prevention. Keeping people of all ages healthy, out of hospital and active in the community for as long as possible makes clear sense.

What commitment will you make to support current funding levels and improved funding levels (for both core and grant funding) into the future to support community centres in their role in strengthening local communities in South Australia?

The Greens recognise that support for community centres at or above current funding levels into the future is essential to support in their role in strengthening local communities in South Australia.

The Greens are proud to have been active and vocal in the debate over the Parks Community Centre and were outraged when the Government proposed the closure of the Parks Community Centre, home to more than 80 community groups and thousands of people locally who use the Parks’ sporting and cultural facilities each year. We raised the issue in Parliament, supported a Select Committee Inquiry into the Parks and spoke at rallies in support of keeping the Parks available to the people of the west.

Sustainable resourcing to develop sector capacity Community Centres SA supports and develops the capacity of community centres.

Questions Do you believe that community centres should be supported by their peak body to develop their capacity for: Authentic community engagement? Community leadership? Outcomes focused community development work including foundation

The Greens agree that community centres should be supported, resourced and auspiced by their peak body to develop their capacity for authentic community engagement, community leadership and community development work that is outcomes focused. The Greens recognise the importance of foundation skills, preventative health programs, social interaction and participation and the invaluable role of volunteering in building a better, more caring and healthy society.

Better community outcomes through support for Together SA To further the work of Together SA we need a commitment from government to support a new way of working.

Questions Do you believe that bringing about social change requires: Government, community and business working collaboratively with community? The facilitation of people and organisations within communities to work together towards a result that the community wants to achieve? Building on existing community strengths? Funding and resources for change to be unlocked? Authentically engaging community and developing community leadership? Providing effective mechanisms to collect, collate and produce data in a way which promotes evidence based decision making and provides accountability around results? The strengthening of local collectives in a sustainable way?

The Greens acknowledge that bringing about lasting and sustainable social change does require collaboration between all sectors of society – from the community and government sectors to businesses. It is vital to build upon existing community strengths and for there to be adequate funding and resources to facilitate change. Clearly providing effective mechanisms to collect, collate and produce data in a way which promotes evidence based decision making and provides accountability is an important component of this process.

Sustainability is a key pillar of Greens philosophy and this is as pertinent to local collectives and community organisations as it is across society as a whole.

How will your party support and what resources will it provide to Together SA as the backbone organisation to drive collective impact approaches to difficult social issues in South Australian communities?

The Greens acknowledge the role of Together SA as a collaborative organisation supported and funded by contributions from state government and partners in community organisations, unions, business and philanthropic bodies.

We recognise the collective impact approach utilised by Together SA offers a unique opportunity to progress and work towards the resolution of difficult social issues in a way that brings people and communities together, builds on existing community networks and capabilities and works to genuinely engage and involve members of the community at all levels. The Greens will support Together SA and will lobby for the organisation to receive appropriate funding and resources to assist it in its important role.

Kind regards, Mark Parnell MLC 8

Survey: Thriving Communities – How Will You Support Them?

Response from the South Australian Labor Party

Equal and respectful partnerships

Questions

Will you support the work currently underway to improve the effectiveness of working relationships, reduce red tape and improve the sustainability of the sector?

The Labor Government is committed to working in partnership with the non-government and community sector to reduce red tape and avoid unnecessary burdens of bureaucracy whilst promoting growth and innovation in the sector. And unlike the Liberals, we believe the work of South Australian Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion is of sufficient importance to our State for them to hold a Cabinet position.

As Minister, Hon Tony Piccolo MP has been co-chair of the Human Services Partnerships Forum which ensures that there is consideration of the community sector at the Cabinet table and has helped to drive initiatives to improve relationships and reduce red tape for the sector.

In February 2014, the Government released A Modern Public Service, a policy designed to ensure a strengthened partnership between the community sector, State Government and the business sector.

A key part of this policy is about providing greater certainty for the community service sector by implementing a default 3+3+3 year agreements, unless otherwise agreed and also implements a minimum six month notice rule to provide more certainty for staff providing these invaluable services.

The Weatherill government, through this policy is committed to ensuring that the highest level of assistance is provided to community service sector, through the reduction of red-tape, a training program for non-government organisations to assist in preparing for tenders and reward payments for organisations that demonstrate excellence and innovation.

The Weatherill Government has also committed to provide for a new streamlined, single portal for all government grants programs that will also provide grant guidelines and key departmental contacts for each. The Weatherill Government values the independence of the Community Service Sector and that is why the Weatherill Government passed the Not-for-Profit Sector Freedom to Advocate Act, which prevents State Government from gagging community organisations that seek to speak out against Government decisions.

How do and how can equal and respectful partnerships between the government and community centres enhance community and sector capacity?

The Weatherill Government recognises that community centres connect and engage citizens at a local level and acknowledges that by working closely with Community Centres and other frontline community services there is improved policy development and implementation which in turn assists in building more vibrant and resilient communities

What do you think are the elements of an equal and respectful partnership between the government and the community and neighbourhood centres sector?

The Weatherill Government believes the cornerstone of its partnership with community and neighbourhood centres is mutual trust and respect which has been borne out of a close collaboration over a number of years. This is demonstrated by the regular and consistent sharing of information and dialogue between the government and key organisations like Community Centres SA.

How will you approach and develop these partnerships?

The Weatherill Government will continue to leverage of the skills and expertise of local people and organisations in working towards common and shared goals in building our communities.

Sustainable resourcing for community capacity building activities

Opportunities for people to re-engage in community and improve overall health and wellbeing social and economic benefits for South Australia. People are often in need of a ‘hand up’ rather than a ‘hand out’.

Questions What is your response to: People need meaningful opportunities to contribute to their community?

People need opportunities to connect with others and become part of their community. For some, this is simply by meeting others, for others it is about sharing activities with like-minded people, while for a third group, supporting others provides this connection. Community Centres are one of the few accessible services that provide these avenues for connection.

Social participation increases opportunities and leads to better health outcomes for people?

Social participation can assist in improving health outcomes for people by increasing health literacy and improving social supports and quality of life. The Weatherill Government provides funding to the non-government and the community sector aimed at providing programs and services which help improve community participation, life management skills, well-being and quality of life of disadvantaged individuals, families and communities.

Improving foundation skills is fundamental to improving economic independence?

The State Labor Government values the important contribution that the Adult Community Education sector plays in improving to improving literacy and numeracy, basic information 10 technology and communications skills and in our community. Community Centres collectively are the majority providers of adult community education in South Australia.

This is why the Weatherill Government has already committed to investing an extra $6.4 million over 6 years to 2016, boosting our investment in the ACE sector to nearly $20 million in this time. A re-elected Labor Government will provide even further supports to Community Centres to encourage even more people to access Adult Community Education and transition into further study, employment or volunteer opportunities.

Sustainable resourcing to develop sector capacity Community Centres SA supports and develops the capacity of community centres.

Questions Do you believe that community centres should be supported by their peak body to develop their capacity for: Authentic community engagement? Yes Community leadership? Yes Outcomes focused community development work including foundation skills, preventative health, social participation and volunteering? Yes

What commitment will you make to support current funding levels and improved funding levels (for both core and grant funding) into the future for Community Centres SA to support and develop the capacity of community centres to fulfil their role?

The Weatherill Government will continue to support community centres through the Family and Community Development Fund and other grant funding streams. We will also work closely with organisations, which have limited capacity to apply for grants which and are often not successful in competitive tender processes, providing practical advice to assist them to improve their capacity to tender successfully for grants.

Better community outcomes through support for Together SA To further the work of Together SA we need a commitment from government to support a new way of working.

Questions Do you believe that bringing about social change requires: Government, community and business working collaboratively with community? Yes

The facilitation of people and organisations within communities to work together towards a result that the community wants to achieve? Yes

Building on existing community strengths? Yes

Funding and resources for change to be unlocked? Yes

Authentically engaging community and developing community leadership? Yes

Providing effective mechanisms to collect collate and produce data in a way which promotes evidence based decision making and provides accountability around results? Yes

The strengthening of local collectives in a sustainable way? Yes. Where appropriate and in the community’s interest.

Ensuring all South Australians receive a fair go is a key commitment of the Weatherill government. Our efforts are directed at working collaboratively with key organisations including Together SA and the community in creating a South Australia where everyone’s basic needs are met and they are able to participate in all aspects of our community. This includes an increased level of community involvement in decision making and greater local accountability for the functioning of services and programs.

Online Survey responses Anna Tree, Dignity for Disability

Will you support the work currently underway to improve the effectiveness of working relationships, reduce red tape and improve the sustainability of the sector? Yes.

How do and how can equal and respectful partnerships between the government and community centres enhance community and sector capacity?

Recognition of shared goals. Agreed and realistic expectations of each other. Recognition of the contributions of each partner. Recognition of the differing capacities and limitations of each partner. Commitment to open and respectful dialogue amongst the leadership of all partners. Long term commitment to the partnership.

How will you approach and develop these partnerships?

Dignity for Disability supports the work of the Human Services Partnerships Forum (and any other forums) which bring community and neighbourhood centres together with government and other non-government organisations to identify ways to improve how they work together.

What is your response to 'people need meaningful opportunities to contribute to their community'?

Dignity for Disability agrees wholeheartedly with this statement. This is the basis of our work!

What is your response to 'Social participation increases opportunities and improves health outcomes for people'?

Dignity for Disability agrees wholeheartedly with this statement. This is the basis of our work!

What is your response to 'Improving Foundation Skills is fundamental to improving people's economic independence'?

Dignity for Disability agrees wholeheartedly with this statement. This is the basis of our work!

What is your response to 'increasing investment in prevention and early intervention'?

Dignity for Disability agrees wholeheartedly with this statement. Prevention and early intervention are 'no brainer' concepts which need the proper investment long promised by governments, but rarely delivered.

Dignity for Disability acknowledges that the community and neighbourhood development programs have been grossly under-resourced by the state government for 20 years. We support realistic core funding which allows for the proper support and development of both paid staff volunteers (without which the centres could not operate) and a realistic and stable grants program so that local needs can be properly addressed.

Do you believe that community centres should be supported by their peak body to develop their capacity for:

Outcomes focused community development work including foundation skills, preventative health, social participation and volunteering? Yes

We want to see *improved core and grant funding* - the current inadequate levels of funding do not provide sufficient resources to enable centres to nurture the capacity within their community.

Do you believe that bringing about positive social change requires:

The facilitation of people and organisations within communities to work together towards a result that the community wants to achieve; Yes

Building on existing community strengths; Yes

Funding and resources for change to be unlocked Yes

Authentically engaging community and developing community leadership’ Yes

Providing effective mechanisms to collect, collate and produce data in a way which promotes evidence based decision making and provides accountability around results; and Yes

The strengthening of local collectives in a sustainable way? Yes

Dignity for Disability supports the work of Together SA and will continue to support state government agencies contributing to its goals. Again, realistic provision of resources to achieve this work is necessary and will be supported by Dignity for Disability. 14

Dennis Hood MLC FAMILY FIRST PARTY (SA)

Will you support the work currently underway to improve the effectiveness of working relationships, reduce red tape and improve the sustainability of the sector?

Yes - community and neighbourhood centres are core to Family First's values to develop and enhance families and communities.

How do and how can equal and respectful partnerships between the government and community centres enhance community and sector capacity?

Community and neighbourhood centres do valuable work in social inclusion, social development, personal enrichment, networking and providing programs. Community Centres provide the perfect delivery mechanism for these initiatives which can at times be resourced by government.

What do you think are the elements of an equal and respectful partnership between the government and the community and neighbourhood centres sector?

Government needs to identify more opportunities where it can integrate with and deliver services using community and neighbourhood centres.

How will you approach and develop these partnerships?

We will take the approach we have to, first of all, ensure we do not have a repeat of the Parks Community Centre debacle, where Labor moved to demolish the facility and Family First led a community protest campaign, partnering with Messenger News and other media identities and outlets, to Save the Parks. That is the model we will take across the state to defending and retaining the centres that communities value dearly.

What is your response to 'people need meaningful opportunities to contribute to their community'?

Family First agrees. People may have recently arrived in the state, be from a culturally or linguisitcally diverse background, be recovering from illness or reintegrating into society after a period of incarceration. They need an accepting, welcoming environment to develop social and career skills to integrate and be included in society

What is your response to 'Social participation increases opportunities and improves health outcomes for people'?

Society is beginning to understand better the interconnection with mental health and physical wellbeing. A person with a sense of belonging and purpose is a healthier and better contributor to society

What is your response to 'Improving Foundation Skills is fundamental to improving people's economic independence'?

We agree, and have promoted a Life Skills curriculum for schools and communities to assist those who have not had the benefit of learning how to engage with business and social services and manage their own personal finances.

What is your response to 'increasing investment in prevention and early intervention'?

This is critical in physical and mental health but generally also on questions of anti-social behaviour issues, by encouraging positive health and social choices before they become toxic for individuals and communities.

Family First is committed to meeting further with and working with the sector to promote specific funding needs - as we did with the campaign to Save the Parks Community Centre.

Do you believe that community centres should be supported by their peak body to develop their capacity for:

Outcomes focused community development work including foundation skills, preventative health, social participation and volunteering?

Yes

Family First supports current funding levels as a minimum and wants to work with community and neighbourhood centres to improve funding on a case by case basis.

Do you believe that bringing about positive social change requires: Yes

The facilitation of people and organisations within communities to work together towards a result that the community wants to achieve; Yes

Building on existing community strengths Yes

Funding and resources for change to be unlocked; Yes Authentically engaging community and developing community leadership’ Yes 16

Providing effective mechanisms to collect, collate and produce data in a way which promotes evidence based decision making and provides accountability around results; and Yes

The strengthening of local collectives in a sustainable way? Yes

As a party with independent crossbench Members of the Legislative Council, we are not in a position to form Government, but will meet with Together SA to use our experience and contacts in politics to promote their agenda to draw appropriate support from the major parties.

Survey Response via Letter Response from Dr Duncan McFetridge. State Member for Morphett, Shadow Minister for Communities

South Australian Liberal Party Response

Dear Rille,

Thank you for your letter regarding the Liberal Party’s policies in the upcoming State Election with reference to Community Centres SA.

I met with both CEO, Gill McFadyen and Deputy CEO, Alison Harker in my electorate office on 24th January and discussed the issues raised in the candidate survey that has been circulated by Community Centres SA.

I have given assurances that the Liberal Party will be doing everything we possibly can to show our support for the Community Centres SA, both from a financial and organisational viewpoint.

I explained to Gill and Alison the difficulties we face with managing the State’s finances, however, I have emphasised the fact that we do recognise the clear benefits that have been demonstrated by community centres in South Australia.

The need to have discussions after the Election as to what we can specifically do to continue the good work that has been carried out for many years now by community centres in South Australia is something that will have to wait until then. However, I can assure you, as I did Gill and Alison that you have the Liberal Party’s complete support in the work that you do and we do value highly the work of all of your volunteers in the community centres across the State.

Yours Sincerely

Dr Duncan McFetridge BSc (Vet) BVMS BSc (Ag) Dip T MP JP

Member for Morphett

Shadow Minister for Communities & Social Inclusion

Shadow Minister for Volunteers

Mark Henley and Nicola Trenorden Powerful Communities Candidates for Legislative Council for 2014 State Election

Will you support the work currently underway to improve the effectiveness of working relationships, reduce red tape and improve the sustainability of the sector?

Yes, this is central to our platform. Strong Economies need strong communities. strong communities need support with Community infrastructure, eg Community Centres, access to project funds and genuine ongoing engagement on policy, programs and implementation

How do and how can equal and respectful partnerships between the government and community centres enhance community and sector capacity?

This will take time to change from current poor relationships between government (departments and parliamentarians). There needs to be a commitment to engage with communities and to act on what they say from parliamentarians and senior departmental staff - leadership from the 'top', demonstrating respect. The formal process for engagement with communities need to be specified and commitments made to act on clear community input. Then adequate resourcing is needed to support community effort

What do you think are the elements of an equal and respectful partnership between the government and the community and neighbourhood centres sector?

Shared goals, shared commitment to the power of communities, celebration of success action that follows from engagement and all strong relationships are ongoing and recognise the needs of all partners. Rolling, short term and ad hoc funding for community centres, for example, demonstrates a lack of respect

How will you approach and develop these partnerships?

We will insist that proposals and policies brought to the Parliament include clear evidence of community engagement with advice about how community input has been taken into account. We will host regional consultative forums on key policy issues, instigate participatory budgeting, encourage Kitchen Table meetings, provide active E-democracy for on-line participation of citizens and advocate tirelessly for Community Benefit fund to be increased to $10m with Family and Community development funding increased and moved to 4 year funding cycles - the same as for Parliamentarians.

What is your response to 'people need meaningful opportunities to contribute to their community'?

Agreed. There is overwhelming evidence that people want to be an active part of their communities, particularly Indigenous people who have an over 90% participation rate in Community activities

What is your response to 'Social participation increases opportunities and improves health outcomes for people'?

The evidence is overwhelming in identifying that people who are disconnected from community participation have poorer health and lower rates of mental well-being compared with people who do participate in community

What is your response to 'Improving Foundation Skills is fundamental to improving people's economic independence'?

Agree strongly. Indeed, skilling the population is, we suggest, the most important function that (State) Governments can support. It increases social cohesion and economic productivity (Sopth Kores's heavy investment in Education, as a poor, emerging economy is a late 20th Century example of the merit of an 'education and skills first' approach).

What is your response to 'increasing investment in prevention and early intervention'?

Nobel Prize winner, economist Heckman, has quantified this. If a government has a dollar to spend, what is the best way to spend it? "Invest in the very young" he concluded. Thinker in residence on this same topic has identified strategies for SA to achieve this. The long term benefits, in particular are startling, lower crime rates, improved population health and higher economic participation and productivity. It's a 'no brainer' and must be a priority for the next State Government, irrespective of the short term budget position.

We commit to seeking to increase Community Benefit SA from $2.3m to $10m - the main source of project funds and community innovation support in SA. We commit to increasing the funding levels for effective community infrastructure eg Community Centres. We commit to ongoing community engagement on key state issues, including with Community Centres who we would want as key partners in community engagement, project and policy monitoring and program implementation

Do you believe that community centres should be supported by their peak body to develop their capacity for: Yes Community leadership - Yes/No Yes

Outcomes focused community development work including foundation skills, preventative health, social participation and volunteering? - Yes/No Yes

Other (please specify) Peak bodies are crucial in supporting effective and efficient 'community infrastructure'

Committed to increasing funding so every community centre has a minimum level of coordinator time, and basic physical and operational infrastructure

Do you believe that bringing about positive social change requires:

The facilitation of people and organisations within communities to work together towards a result that the community wants to achieve; Yes

Building on existing community strengths; Yes

Funding and resources for change to be unlocked; Yes

Authentically engaging community and developing community leadership’ Yes

Providing effective mechanisms to collect, collate and produce data in a way which promotes evidence based decision making and provides accountability around results; and Yes

Other (please specify) Positive social change is also fundamental to supporting economic growth and development

We would actively encourage the State Government to be meeting with Together SA, negotiating appropriate resourcing as, as equals. Note that funding for communities, e.g. Community Benefit SA and Family and Community Development program is the only direct spending proposal that we are making in a constrained state budget - it is that important

Other Survey Responses

Response from Dr Bob Such. State Member for Fisher, Independent.

I am, and always have been, a very strong supporter of Community Centres. I will be supporting more funding and other resourcing for these Centres and the great work they do.

Response from Frances Bedford. State Member for Florey, Labor Party.

Dear Gill,

Thank you for your Email and Survey. As an endorsed Labor Candidate, I do not need to forward it to Party Office for a response, which I am sure will be forthcoming.

In the meantime, it may be useful for you to know I have had a longstanding association with The Wandana Centre and Rille Walshe. We have worked together on many community projects over the years, at both sites, and I am sure she will confirm my commitment.

During the past year I have also successfully campaigned to save the log cabin adjacent to The Heights Shopping Centre on Brunel Drive at Modbury Heights. This facility was under threat of sale but the city of Tea Tree Gully and working with the various groups who use it, halted the sale and now have an agreement for long term security of use in place.

My commitment to the community is echoed by my “community counts!!” slogan, used since my election in 1997, and I look forward to working with you and Rille to serve the community sector well into the future. Yours Sincerely

Frances Bedford

We also had Apology Letters wishing us well for the Launch from:

Premier Jay Weatherill - being represented by Susan Close MP Member for Pt. Adelaide Hon Tony Piccolo MP - being represented by Susan Close MP Member for Pt. Adelaide Hon Grace Portolesi MP Hon Steph Key MP Hon Jack Snelling MP Ms Isobel Redmond MP Mr David Pisoni MP Hon Tom Kenyon MP Hon Ian Hunter MLC Hon Tim Wheatstone MP Hon Michelle Lensink MLC Ms Bernadette Abraham Liberal Candidate for Giles Mr Damien Pilkington Liberal Candidate for Little Para Ms Lara Golding Labor Candidate for Unley Mr Marcus Connelly Labor Candidate for Frome