SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE 70 years fighting for fairness

70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 Contents OUR VISION Justice, opportunity and shared wealth for all South Australians. JOINT CHAIRS’ REPORT...... 02 CEO’S REPORT...... 04 OUR MISSION 2016-17 IN NUMBERS...... 06 SACOSS does not accept poverty, inequity or injustice. 70 YEARS OF SACOSS ...... 08 We will be a powerful and representative voice that leads and supports our community FULFILLING OUR ROLE AS A PEAK BODY...... 14 to take actions that achieve our vision. RESEARCH, POLICY DEVELOPMENT, ADVOCACY...... 15 We will hold to account governments, Research ...... 17 business and communities for actions that Policy Development and Advocacy ...... 18 disadvantage vulnerable South Australians. INFORMATION DISSEMINATION TO THE SECTOR ...... 32

SACOSS News...... 33 OUR GOALS eBulletin ...... 34 Member Advisories ...... 34 All social and economic policy in SA ensures Post-Budget Breakfasts ...... 34 all South Australians have their basic human needs met. INFORMATION DISSEMINATION TO THE COMMUNITY ...... 35

South Australia has strong, cohesive Media ...... 36 community services and health sectors Social Media ...... 37 driving social change. SACOSS Radio ...... 38 SACOSS is a sustainable, independent Fact Sheets ...... 40 organisation equipped to support the community services and health sectors to SECTOR DEVELOPMENT...... 41 achieve our vision. Helping To Develop Our Sector ...... 42 Sector Development Events ...... 42 Public Health MOU ...... 43 Advocacy on Student Placements ...... 44 SANFRAG ...... 44 CARF Consultation ...... 45 Essential Services ...... 45 South Australian Council of Social Service 69th Annual Report 2016-17 Published by the South Australian Council of Social Service, November 2017 Australian Service Excellent Standards ...... 45

Marjorie Black House REPRESENTATION ...... 46

47 King William Road Membership ...... 46 Unley, SA 5061 Australia COSS Network Collaboration ...... 48 p (08) 8305 4222 External Committees ...... 49 f (08) 8272 9500 e [email protected] SECRETARIAT ...... 50 FINANCIAL SUMMARY ...... 52 www.sacoss.org.au Treasurer’s Report ...... 53 Income & Expenditure Statement ...... 54 © South Australian Council of Social Service, 2017 Assets & Liabilities Statement ...... 55

This publication is copyright. Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to the Communications Officer, South Australian Council of Social Service. SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 01 during the renovations and we are confident that the resulting improvements provide much more pleasant SACOSS congratulates outgoing Chair Helen JOINT CHAIRS’ REPORT and functional workspaces and are likely to remain so Connolly who was appointed SA’s first for many years to come. Commissioner for Children and Young People in March 2017. As you will see in this Annual Report our work has been as diverse and challenging as ever. This year we’ve had a major focus on issues such as: child protection reform arising from the outcomes of the needed to be reviewed through this lens. Nyland Royal Commission; the continuing absence With the ever present challenge of ensuring SACOSS of investments in prevention and primary health remained relevant, representative and impactful, despite the State Government’s “Transforming Health” the Board decided that SACOSS should embark (aka hospitals) process; the impact on affordability on a significant renewal of our Strategic Plan. The resulting from reliability and security issues as our process included the Chair and CEO hosting a energy system transitions to a zero emissions future; series of conversations/provocations with members, the over-representation of Aboriginal people in stakeholders and thought leaders. our health, corrections, child protection and youth detention systems; arguing the state-based energy These sessions were intended to deliver the Board concession be reformed from a fixed amount to a and sector some up to date understandings of percentage of the bill; proposing realistic reform By incoming Chair David Panter and the political, economic, social, technological, of the tax system to improve fairness at both state outgoing Chair Helen Connolly environmental and legal landscape impacting on and federal levels; prosecuting the case for an large SACOSS as an organisation, on our members in increase to basic income support payments such as their roles as civil society and most importantly on The 2016/17 year was one of renewal and Newstart and Youth Allowance; contemplating the low income earners. Alongside these conversations impacts of climate change for vulnerable community change for SACOSS. There were significant we undertook traditional stakeholder surveys and members; understanding the consequences for changes at the Board level with the election of interviews with ‘critical friends’ from government, individuals and service organisations as consumer- a new Chair in David Panter. As outgoing Chair, politics and the sector. At the culmination of this directed care emerges across the aged care and can be no doubt one of the most important things Helen Connolly had served for six years and process SACOSS had a rich and vast pool of data at disability sectors; fighting for better contracting SACOSS will be doing is to ensure the needs of people believed that new leadership at the Board level its disposal for the new chair and Board to utilise in its arrangements across the entire not-for-profit who experience poverty, inequality and injustice in our strategic planning. state, along with the interests of sector organisations would be an asset in driving a renewed Strategic sector; joining ACOSS and the whole COSS network who support many of these people on a daily basis, The Board was supported in the process by Penny in representations to our federal politicians on a Plan for new times. Helen and David jointly are widely understood and actively reflected in the Lynn from Ignis Consulting. Together we waded wide range of issues such as improving housing prepared the following report attempting to policies all parties bring to the electorate. through the development of a sharper Statement of affordability, addressing homelessness, detailing the capture a good sense of the year in which they Purpose to better identify the ways we will achieve impacts of the Robo-debt fiasco and the roll-out of SACOSS needs access to resources and the shared this responsibility. our longstanding vision of justice, opportunity and the cashless welfare card, and responding to calls for continuing support of all our members and supporters shared wealth. This vision is underpinned by a series increased competition in human services; exploring in order to be able to mount a credible campaign on During the first half of the year the Board, Policy of principles and values that underpin our work and and understanding the consequences of digital these issues, and we hope you can find space, time Council, and sector and community more broadly enacted through three strategic goals: Developing disadvantage across the state; and so on it goes. and resources to support us. Last election we saw were focused on the implications for inequality arising a fair and just community for South Australians; some significant policies adopted because of the work from the disruption occurring in our technological, Cultivating a thriving community sector assisting During the year we also spent time reviewing we did in the lead-up period. This election will be political and social worlds. The pace of this change people to address poverty and disadvantage; and refreshing the way we communicate, hotly contested and thus offers us a real opportunity is having a disproportionately negative impact on and Building a healthy, resilient and sustainable to drive policies that advantage people who might disadvantaged and low income South Australians. recognising that this remains a key element organisation in SACOSS. currently be experiencing a very hard time. Our traditional advocacy and campaigning strategies in ensuring the issues we are most concerned The new plan is enclosed as a lift-out in the Annual about can be taken up by more than In closing can we just say that like most high-impact Report (if you are reading this online or if your copy stakeholders already connected to our work. organisations, we couldn’t do this without the people BOARD MEMBERS 2016-17 is missing, please see the Strategic Plan on our who devote time to the work through our Board, our website www.sacoss.org.au), and under the We are deeply aware of the critical importance of Policy Council and the talented group of people who Helen Connolly Chair, to October 2016 stewardship of the new Chair, Board and Policy ensuring the materials we send are always relevant, form the secretariat. We want to make particular David Panter Chair, elected at AGM 2016 Council teams there is a strong foundation for and easy to distribute and stand above the crowd mention of Libby Connell, who recently retired SACOSS’ continued growth and development. given the huge amount of information distributed from her extended stay as our Finance and Office Emma Louise Crosby Treasurer to most people these days. Over the coming year Coordinator and we extend our thanks for her support Another key action taken to refresh SACOSS’ image we are moving from our tradition of publishing and and our very best wishes in retirement. Nicole Chaplin and capacity this year was to undertake a major distributing SACOSS News on a quarterly basis to renovation of our offices and community rooms Matthew Woodward producing an electronic update of our work on a monthly David Panter Helen Connolly at Marjorie Black House. This was a significant basis, called SACOSS Snapshot. This will have a mix of Paul Scully to June 2017 undertaking and accomplished with the minimum content reflecting our most recent work, and be easy disruption to our outward-facing research, advocacy Mel Ottaway elected AGM 2016 to forward on to others who might share an interest. and representation. Indeed our staff are to be Rosemary Warmington elected AGM 2016 congratulated for embracing some discomfort As we head towards another election cycle there

02 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 03 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT Ross Womersley

Like all years at SACOSS high percentage of unemployed people who And while the state government is yet to move delight has been appointed as the new Commissioner this was another big already undertake part-time or casual work, or the from having a fixed-rate energy concession to a for Children and Young People). It’s my view that one. We had too many chronic misery that quickly emerges with repeated percentage-based one fit for purpose, we should this transition has gone extremely well although I am things to worry about rejection and missed opportunities. Nor is there any celebrate the fact they did move to index all confident David wasn’t quite sure what he was getting and nowhere near the acknowledgement that a member of almost every concessions on an annual basis in future. himself into. I thank them both for their support to me time and resources to do Australian household relies on access to the welfare in my role, and indeed record my appreciation for all Similarly, while we can’t celebrate the end of massive justice to most of them. system at some point in their lives, that the welfare bill members of our Board and Policy Council. energy price increases, we definitely should celebrate But we continue to work is actually dominated by and expanding because of the ground-breaking work SACOSS led in contesting This year also saw significant transitions in our staff at frantic pace, determined to ensure we get the best payments for the aged pension or that in real terms SAPN’s regulatory asset base proposal which did team. We farewelled Vivian Clark, Victoria Morton, outcomes for people struggling against the forces of the Newstart and Youth Allowance have not increased result in real savings to all consumers. Eliza Schioldann, and Phil Saunders who left to poverty and disadvantage in SA. for more than a decade and that realistic analyses of pursue other opportunities, while at the same time we the cost of living conclude that they are effectively You’ll see reference to some of the highlights in both We should also celebrate the work we did in welcomed Gabrielle Bond, Georgina Morris, Rebecca unliveable. the Joint Chairs’ and Treasurer’s reports so I’ll try not analysing and challenging SA Water’s regulatory Law and Lucyna Goodall to our team. to be repetitive. Instead this year we saw the introduction of the proposal as well as work done building a deeper I would like to record my great thanks to the terrific appalling “Robo-debt” regime – an automated data team who continue to deliver outstanding work in matching program which we understand the federal understanding of the cost of living implications 2016/17 was a year when we were outward support of our mission and to extend my best wishes government was advised from the outset was associated with the expanding digital divide. looking as well as reflecting on our practice – to everyone who for different reasons has left for new flawed – the extension of the cashless welfare card searching for the recipes that might help us Likewise while we cannot rejoice at having the best horizons, especially to Vivian for her terrific work as to new areas, and repeated attempts by the federal possible legislative base on which to ensure real our inaugural Events Coordinator. forge a stronger future. government to introduce a range of zombie measures reform of the child protection system, we should that would reduce the meagre entitlements and That said I also want to record my thanks here to We did this as we worked towards the review of welcome the strong alliance and influence we introduce drug testing of beneficiaries designed to the outstanding Libby Connell, who technically our Strategic Plan. In preparation, we read widely, brought to bear which ensured a much better piece make remaining a welfare recipient more difficult. retired in the 2017-18 financial year after more than hosted a series of conversations, and engaged with of legislation has been implemented than originally 13 years in her roles with SACOSS. Libby has been a wide range of our stakeholders – both familiar and So through the year across the whole COSS network envisaged and a new piece of legislation focused on an outstanding servant to and guardian of SACOSS some less so. And out of this we emerged with some and in support of ACOSS, it’s been work in this space prevention and early intervention is in the pipeline. finances and administration, and we will miss her consensus. Despite our best efforts, and indeed those that has attracted a lot of our attention. While we We should also celebrate the role we helped to play presence and living memory. We wish her the very of many others, inequality was growing and in a whole have successfully defended implementation of some which resulted in the appointment of a Mental Health best that retirement has to offer. lot of different arenas. There was still much work to of the most harsh measures and despite support Commissioner and work to develop a comprehensive be done. from a wide range of sectors including from business As the rest of this report clearly illustrates there have new plan for mental health across SA, as well as the groups, we cannot yet celebrate agreement to move been dozens of other issues that have arisen through You don’t have to look too far to find evidence of the government’s decision to finally move to appoint a on increasing the rates of these base allowances. the year, many of which relate to the lives of people fact that over the last few years the political discourse Commissioner for Children and Young People. we all worry about and others that relate to the around people experiencing hardship in Australia What we can celebrate though is the early work we These are just a few of the things we can lay claim sustaining and enabling of the work of our member has hardened. The most recent rounds have involved and others have done to help the voices of people to this year and despite being a bit disappointed organisations and the support they provide to people direct attacks on people who are unemployed and in who are living with and have direct experience of because we haven’t kicked as many goals as we across the state. I look forward to working with all of need of income support, and this comes after years poverty to shine forward and be amplified. With would have liked, I am extremely proud of the work you as we head towards another election continuously of serious nastiness directed at those asylum seekers this in mind this year we have formed a unique our secretariat, Board and Policy Council continue to trying to leverage the biggest advantages for those who have sought to arrive on our shores by boat. partnership with the Anti-Poverty Network SA to help do, helping make progress on these kinds of issues. people who currently are faced with injustice, better connect our work directly with the voices of Many of our political leaders have worked extremely unfairness and inequality. hard to prosecute the idea that our welfare system is people who can communicate the impacts of their One of the other things I am very proud of is the In solidarity, filled with “leaners” not “lifters”. That the unemployed circumstances first-hand. work we did through the year to lift the quality of our offices and community meeting spaces. I hope that are all there because they are simply lazy, don’t want We can also celebrate work we have done on state you enjoy what we’ve done with the place and that it to work, and get far too much in the form of income tax reform which resulted in the government taking adds positively to the image we convey – even if there support benefits which they choose to waste on up recommendations to implement a new point of are still some who lament the loss of the table tennis things like smokes, drugs and booze. placement sports betting tax, which while modest boardroom table. There’s no discussion about the systemic economic at present we expect will become more substantial issues that drive unemployment, the limited support as the growth of this type of betting continues Of course this year also saw us welcoming David Ross to build motivation, poor opportunities and high seemingly exponentially. Panter to the role of Chair (who’s day job is as CEO of costs involved to develop needed skills, the very ECH, one of SA’s leading aged care service providers) transitioning from Helen Connolly (who much to our

04 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 05 2016-17 IN NUMBERS

1 Major SACOSS conference: the Vulnerability and Affordability 5 1096 18 projects recommended to the People who receive our Conference 2016: Energy, Water Submissions produced Department of Communities and eBulletin and Snapshot and Telecommunications Social Inclusion for funding under the Attended by Customer Advocacy and Research Fund (CARF) 120 Delegates representing industry, government, and the community services sector 17 22.2K Reports produced, including Tweets from the @SACOSS 7 Energy and water reports 97 account since we joined Room bookings (since renovations Twitter in 2009 4 Cost of Living Updates finished in January 2017) 17 3 Major tax reports Sector development events 1 Telecommunications report 1 State Budget Submission 1 State Budget Snapshot 600 52 South Australian consumers SACOSS Small Change surveyed on their perception 19 1 hr radio shows with and experiences of water and Board & Policy Council meetings sewerage services 110 interviews and 100 podcasts produced

06 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 07 70 YEARS OF SACOSS SACOSS FAREWELLS DAPHNE GUM (1916-2017)

SACOSS lost a great friend and generous supporter in March 2017 with the death of Daphne Gum. Selected highlights in our history HISTORY Daphne was a teacher and leader, as well as a strong > Actively promoting “Multiculturalism” well before advocate for people with disability, for people SACOSS was formed in 1946 as a broadened, this term was used by promoting acceptance of with mental illness, and for everyone’s right to an restructured and renamed version of a Youth Welfare non-English speaking post war migrants, including education. Daphne Gum turned 100 on January Coordinating Council that had developed earlier in establishing the Good Neighbour Council in SA 24, 2016 and was honoured with the naming of the the decade. SACOSS was, and remains, an umbrella Daphne Gum Quiet Room at Marjorie Black House. organisation with a membership consisting of > Talking publicly about mental health issues and organisations active in the community and social encouraging help services that assisted people with She remains an inspiration to many and is deeply missed. services field, along with individual members. mental illness to be supported to remain actively involved in their local communities. SACOSS Through a range of committees and working parties enabled the establishment of the Mental Health SACOSS tackled many issues and played an integral Association, which then worked with Adelaide role in the development of organisations such as Central Mission and the RAH to establish the Lifeline Good Neighbour Council, Mental Health Association, telephone suicide prevention counselling service, Shelter, Community Information Strategies Australia, the second such service in the world which will Volunteering SA, Citizens Advice Bureau, Welfare celebrate 55 years of assistance in 2018 Rights Centre and Community Employees Association. SACOSS INITIATED ORGANISATIONS > Advocating for sex education in schools and (highlighted still in operation) Originally records were kept at the homes of services for single mothers committee members before an office was set up 1948 Marriage Guidance Council 1976 Cresco Self Help Centre (Combined Self-Help in Grenfell Street. After several moves, including > Helping to establish Service to Youth Council, (now Relationships Australia SA) Groups Committee) locations in Morphett Street and Waymouth Street, one of the world’s first organisations to actively SACOSS settled into the Torrens Building on Victoria develop and apply streetwork/detached youth work 1949 Good Neighbour Council 1977 Self Help Adult Unemployed Norwood Square in July 1997. In May 2007 SACOSS moved to approaches to engaging with marginalised and Early 1950s proposal for Civilian Maimed and Limbless 1977 assistance in the formation of the state organisation of Marjorie Black House in Unley. disaffected young people Association Regional Councils for Social Development > Writing and providing clear, easy to apply 1951 Coordinating Council for the Aged 1981 Community Information Support Service SA (now handbooks on a wide range of aspects of Connecting Up Australia: known as Community Information 1951 inaugurated April 1956 Australian Council of Social Strategies Australia 1996-2008) (joint project SACOSS, community sector management Service ACOSS (partners with other COSSs) Citizens Advice Bureau, Advisory Centres Association of SA) From the SACOSS Constitution > Helping the community services sector to 1956 South Australian Association for Mental Health 1982 Volunteer Centre (now Volunteering SA) understand and use information technology, Each co-operating organization shall pay 1958 Citizen’s Advice Bureau (in conjunction with SA specifically through the project that became CISSA 1982 Voice of the Elderly (VOTE) an annual fee of a half guinea plus 5/- per Association for Mental Health) (Community Information Support SA) 1985 SACOSS Whyalla (merged with SACOSS 1997) year for each representative (at least) 1958 Phoenix Society which amalgamated with Bedford > First raising the spectre of youth homelessness Industries to form Bedford 1989 Community Employers Association in 1978, and other emerging homeless issues, also 1962 SA Foundation on Alcoholism 1991 Northern Suburbs Family Resources Centre leading to the formation of Shelter SA 1963 preliminary steps to formation of a Multiple 1993 launch of Social Justice Research Foundation > Supporting innovative services to assist people Sclerosis Club (partners with United Trades and Labour Council, Centre for with a disability, including establishing the Phoenix Labour Studies Adelaide University) Society sheltered workshop. 1968 Combined Charity Card and Gift Shop 1993 participation in Coalition for Export and Enterprise: 1975 Darwin Disaster Welfare Centre changed name to Australian Care and Community International Alliance 1975 Combined Committee of Self Help Groups 2001/02 Justice for Refugees South Australia 1975 planning for Family and Child Welfare Council of Australia – SA Branch 2002 Health Consumers Alliance of SA

1975 Shelter SA 2003 Health Reform SA

1975 Inner City Youth Workers Network 2003/04 Mental Health Coalition of SA

1975 participated in preliminary discussions on the operation, membership and development of the Council to Homeless Persons

08 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 09 “For much of the 1980-85 period the COSS movement “One of the most significant changes in human service TO CELEBRATE 70 YEARS OF SACOSS WE sought to argue the case for strengthening social provision since 1990 has been the growth of for-profit welfare in economic terms. service management – in competition with the charity and community sector. ASKED PAST EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS TO Bob Hawke’s National Economic Summit in 1983 included ACOSS, then chaired by Bruce McKenzie, as Through the 1980s there had been a rapid expansion of SHARE SOME MEMORIES AND HIGHLIGHTS a delegate. Bruce drew together the COSSs to support funding to the charity and community sector to provide the position statement presented by ACOSS, and community-based childcare, disability services, aged through it won enough credibility for the social welfare residential care, and home and community care. For- FROM THEIR TIME AT THE HELM. sector to be given a place on the Economic Planning profit service provision was almost non-existent and Advisory Council. It was a significant win at the time, mainly limited to small operators in the nursing home which strengthened the sector for years to come in sector. Consumer protection was central to the funding national social and economic policy debate. contracts along with the assumption that charity and community management were best placed to prioritise Then there was the 1985 National Tax Summit- a key consumer needs and rights. issue after the Economic Summit. The sector found itself having to develop not only its own expertise However, since that time funding models have changed in this field, but also the skills of explaining to its to expand for-profit services in child care, aged care, membership and to the wider community why tax training and employment support. reform was so significant to the future health of For-profit retirement villages were one of the first Australia’s social welfare system. It was a significant private sector investments in service provision, and by challenge but one which brought several Councils the mid 1980s they began to emerge on the market. together in formulating a national position. We set up a retirement villages working party at The most tangible outcome was a publication, SACOSS in 1986 to look at ways to ensure consumer Understanding Tax Reform, which outlined to people rights could be protected. with no specialist economic knowledge some of the concepts being used in the tax reform debate. The A well-attended workshop showed that there was publication was written jointly by SACOSS, NCOSS and strong interest in the way retirement villages would ACOSS – I’ve forgotten in what proportion, but have develop in SA. The resulting consumer protections a vivid memory of an editorial meeting in Sydney in in the Retirement Villages Act 1987 are a credit to which we cheerfully, but passionately horse-traded bits SACOSS and to Margaret Hunter who saw the work of text and argued over words for a whole day. through to completion when she became director. SA has not had the same level of consumer problems that This was inter-COSS cooperation at its best, but we are consistently being reported about east coast major still had much to learn about making a more solid village chains. community impact with such publications. If we’d worried less about the text, and more about nuts-and- Another priority was to expand the role and repertoire bolts matter such as affordable print runs and maximising of the SACOSS training unit, in getting much needed distribution, we would probably have been more effective training into the sector especially in the areas of in meeting our original public education goals!” management, and promotion of consumer dignity and rights. Lange Powell, SACOSS Executive Director 1979-1985 With the breadth of scope that SACOSS has, there will always be missed opportunities. In hindsight, the 1986 missed opportunity was the inability to convert a research grant on fundraising options to help set up a statewide United Way.”

Helen Lindon, SACOSS Executive Director 1985-1987

10 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 11 “SACOSS was always at the forefront of leading the Despite the rise of economic rationalism, SACOSS sector to challenge and think about the importance kept talking truth with and for low income and of community services as a vital part of the economy, disadvantaged people, using the language of and as part of the investment in human services which economics as necessary. make a difference to the daily lives of many people One great idea from the time was to privatise the whose lives are impacted by economic and social Electricity Trust of South Australia – at least that way factors. electricity would be cheap in 20 years’ time. Whilst taxation and other big picture policies Still, at least the Crows won Premierships back then.” (employment, economic development etc) remain critical to most Australians, so do policies, programs Mark Henley, SACOSS Executive Director 1995-1998 and services aimed at supporting people and families who are dealing with ill health, disability, ageing, carer roles, unemployment and being a sole parent. “To state the obvious, SACOSS is invaluable for its independence from any one interest, its broad SACOSS led innovative work on third sector membership base and that it creates a safe space to strengthening long before the wider COSS movement seed and conduct public policy reform. It has spawned embraced it. From the mid 1980s right through the more than 70 coalitions focused on significant social 1990s it led the sector’s discussion on NGO training, issues, only some of which endure now but all of strong governance, and management support. From which conducted important policy reform of their very early it was a pioneer in mental health service time. The Mental Health Coalition of SA and the Health delivery and service reforms, and then on supporting Consumers Alliance commenced from SACOSS roots the mental health consumer movement. It pushed in the early years of this century. As did Justice for for partnership reforms to the funding relationships Refugees SA, which has recently been resurrected. between government and non-government services. It The courage and conviction of the elected members was way ahead of its time on those reforms. and staff of SACOSS gave these organisations the I find myself 22 years after SACOSS dealing with these foundation they needed to launch into valued activity same issues in an international context in PNG. But here and advocacy.” the demands for partnerships are coming from government Pam Simmons, SACOSS Executive Director 1998-2004 at all levels, as the people of PNG understand fully the role of civil society, the importance of communities, and the value of finding shared solutions.” “I was deeply honoured to have served the SACOSS community for 5 years. In that time the collective Elizabeth Morgan, SACOSS Executive Director 1991-1995 community that is SACOSS achieved many great things through a deep and abiding commitment to social “It was early on a very cold July day in the justice. We started the campaign for better wages and euphemistically named ‘Board Room’, level 2, 194 conditions for workers in the community sector, we Morphett St in the early 1980’s, at the SACOSS fought against unfair electricity pricing, for gambling Executive Meeting that I had that flash of realisation: reform, against prison overcrowding and fundamentally Economics is the dominant paradigm of society, and fought for justice and opportunity for those most to influence public policy, I had to better understand vulnerable in our community. economics.. A key highlight for me during my time was the I was ‘chuffed’ in 1997 when, after presenting the new development of the SACOSS Blueprint for the improved SACOSS Budget Submission to Shadow Eradication of Poverty, the concept of an anti- Treasurer Kevin Foley, he leaned back in his chair and poverty plan for SACOSS which had been secured asked who had “done your economic modelling?” I by my wonderful predecessor Pam Simmons. The wanted to say that it was undertaken by the extensive document involved reaching out to every member SACOSS Economics and Modelling Unit – the entire of the organisation in a detailed and comprehensive SACOSS staff team being a small group – but consultation over many, many months. Bob Hawke responded by saying that “it was a team effort”. presided over the launch of the consultation to speak Recognition of SACOSS work is rarely given directly. of his commitment to eradicating child poverty. It was the era of the banana republic, national I was never more honoured than presenting that report ‘competition policy,’ of ANTS (A New Tax System) and to lifelong stalwart of SACOSS Barbara Garrett, an making NGOs more efficient through funder-purchaser- amazing and talented women whose wise counsel I provider models and the rise of tendering in our sector miss to this day. SACOSS is a fantastic organisation and to replace grants. I am so proud to have been a part of it.”

Karen Grogan, SACOSS Executive Director 2004-2009

12 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 13 FULFILLING OUR ROLE RESEARCH, POLICY DEVELOPMENT, AS A PEAK BODY ADVOCACY

SACOSS is the peak body for the non-government health RESEARCH and community services sector in South Australia. As such, SACOSS undertakes the key peak body roles at the highest level and will focus on issues that affect POLICY vulnerable and disadvantaged people across the state, DEVELOPMENT or which impact on all health and community services AND ADVOCACY sector organisations.

SACOSS’ peak body roles: 15 RESEARCH, POLICY > Representation – speaking in all matters as the peak body on DEVELOPMENT, ADVOCACY behalf of the sector

> Research, Policy Development, Advice and Advocacy – giving 32 voice to the interests of vulnerable and disadvantaged people INFORMATION DISSEMINATION > Information Dissemination to the Sector – filtering and TO THE SECTOR prioritising government information and regulation to ensure the sector is informed about changes and policies relevant for them 35 > Information Dissemination to the Community – public INFORMATION DISSEMINATION education about poverty and disadvantage and/or the role TO THE COMMUNITY of the sector in community development and supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people 41 SECTOR DEVELOPMENT > Sector Development – primarily through improving the regulatory regime to allow the sector to operate with maximum efficiency in addressing the needs of vulnerable and other 46 disadvantaged people, and through supporting the spreading REPRESENTATION of innovative ideas and best practices across the sector.

14 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 15 RESEARCH, POLICY DEVELOPMENT, ADVOCACY RESEARCH

SACOSS undertakes research, policy development State Budget State Budget Snapshot REPORTS and advocacy to give a voice to the interests of Submission 2017-18 2017-18 vulnerable and disadvantaged people, and for the SACOSS publishes significant research reports on issues affecting the community and social services sector, or non-government community services sector that which impact on vulnerable and disadvantaged people. supports those people. Alongside the specific key xxx issues featured in this Annual Report, SACOSS also Unlike submissions, which can be a response to formal government processes, research reports usually arise undertook policy and advocacy on a number of one- xxx. from issues identified as important by the sector. In some cases the research might be specifically funded off issues, as well as the set-piece activities that go by government, while in other cases (eg Cost of Living reports and Anti-Poverty Week Statements) we have across a range of issues. Jobs and prosperity developed the research from our own resources. in our digital world The major set-pieces included the State Budget Submission and State Budget commentary, Anti- SACOSS 2017–18 June 2017 February 2017 Poverty Week awareness-raising, and our ongoing State Budget involvement in the Human Services Partnership Submission > No Option: Public Opinion and the Prospects of Tax > Looking Around the Corner: A discussion on Current Forum. Reform in South Australia South Australian Power System Risks > Annual SACOSS Briefing to the Minister for ANTI-POVERTY WEEK 1 SACOSS 2016–17 State Budget Submission Communities and Social Inclusion: Water Pricing January 2017 Issues Affecting South Australian Consumers > Better Solutions for Helping Customers with Each year SACOSS is involved in Anti-Poverty Week, Anti-Poverty Week > Regulatory Arrangements for Embedded Networks: Financial Difficulties: Energy and Water which is the week surrounding the United Nations’ Snapshot of stakeholder positions International Anti-Poverty Day (17 October). > SACOSS State Budget Snapshot 2017 Anti-Poverty Week aims to strengthen public December 2016 understanding of the causes and consequences of > The Retail and Exemption Framework: Emerging poverty in Australia and internationally. Individuals, May 2017 Issues for Consumers communities, organisations and governments are > Reality Check: Public Perceptions of South encouraged to take part in action to address poverty, Australian Government Expenditure and Waste and typically a burst of activity and events occur. November 2016 > Cost of Living Update No. 30, March Qtr 2017: In 2016, SACOSS was again part of the SA Anti-Poverty > Connectivity Costs: Telecommunications Energy Snapshot Week State Facilitation Group which meets on a Affordability for Low Income Australians regular basis throughout the year. Made up of individuals > Cost of Living Update No. 28, September Qtr 2016 from our sector and various levels of government April 2017 and industry, the group provides a coordinated effort, > Unfinished Business: Two Years On From South mirrored in other states, to encourage and support October 2016 Australia’s Tax Review others to engage with the week. > Demand Tariffs in South Australia: Report of > Review of the Australian Energy Regulator’s Consumer Consultations and Essential Services Commission of Victoria’s Frameworks for Customers Facing Payment Difficulties August 2016 > Cost of Living Update No. 27, June Qtr 2016: March 2017 Financial Pressures Survey > Cost of Living Update No.29, December Qtr 2016 > SACOSS State Budget Submission 2017-18

16 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 17 POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND ADVOCACY

POLICY COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP 2016-2017 FINANCIAL YEAR

The SACOSS Policy Council is drawn from the SACOSS membership and helps to plan and develop key areas of social policy development work. Policy Council members hold office for two-year terms and are elected in different categories set out in the SACOSS Constitution.

Category Description Person Elected / Organisation

Chair Helen Connolly (to December 16) David Panter (from December 16)

Board Rep Nicole Chaplin

Reps of Peak Orgs Rob Martin Child and Family Welfare Association of SA (from November 2016) Geoff Harris Mental Health Coalition of SA Gill McFadyen Community Centres SA (to October 2016) Alison Harker Community Centres SA (from November 2016) Anne Bainbridge Youth Affairs Council of SA Michael White South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services KEY POLICY ISSUES Yet this is threatened by a digital divide where some Carmel Rosier Community Housing Council people are not connected to the digital world and SACOSS has focused on several key issues in 2016-17, may get left behind. This digital divide often reflects Reps of Large NGOs Kathy Binks Uniting Communities with particular attention on digital inclusion and compounds other areas of disadvantage based Helen Lockwood Lutheran Community Care (to October 2016) on income, education, age, disability and regional Susan Errington Legal Services Commission of SA Digital inclusion disadvantage. Lee-Anne Gassner Baptist Care (SA) (to December 2016) The Australian Digital Inclusion Index measures this This year saw SACOSS’ concern with Sue Thomas Junction Australia (from April 2017) digital divide based on indicators of access to digital telecommunications affordability (see separate technologies, affordability and digital competence Jane Longbottom Individual Member to October 2016, Life Without Barriers rep. (to May 2017) section in this Annual Report) develop into a broader and literacy. While SACOSS’ starting point (and area Reps of Small NGOs Nicole Chaplin St John’s Youth Services concern around digital inclusion. of expertise) is affordability, access and competency Michael Cousins Health Consumers Alliance of SA (to October 2016) Digital inclusion is about ensuring that every Australian is are also vital if people are to fully release the benefits Louise Kelly OARS Community Transitions able to make full use of digital technologies – to access of a digital future. education, online businesses and services, contact Mark Waters Reconciliation SA The bad news however is that South Australia lags family and friends, and participate in the digital Michelle Adams Australian Association of Social Workers (from November 2016) behind all other mainland states in digital inclusion, economy. It is more than just telecommunications as and regional South Australia is more excluded than Reps of Aboriginal NGOs Lyn Jones Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement (to Feb 17) digital platforms are transforming many aspects of Adelaide so there is a lot of work to do to close the our communities and our interactions, and there is Reps of CALD NGOs Italia Mignone Multicultural Aged Care digital divide. little doubt that the jobs of the future will be digital. Kristin Johansson Multicultural Communities Council of SA SACOSS’ submission to the 2017-18 State Budget was Reps of non-metro NGOs Anthea Pavy UnitingCare Wesley Country SA built around digital inclusion both as an issue in its Rob Foggo ac.care own right, and as a building block for jobs. While we suggested some discreet policies, such as providing Individual Members Phillip Beddall un-metered (free) access to government websites, Paul Laris mostly our call was for the development of a whole Jane Mussared of government strategy to improve our state’s digital Pas Forgione (from February 2017) inclusion performance. The lead author of the Australian Digital Inclusion Proxies Index, Professor Julian Thomas, spoke at the launch Sarah Warren Uniting Communities; Helene Schulz Lutheran Community Care; Deb Potter Baptist Care; Andrew of our Budget Submission and SACOSS wrote to and/ Drummond Uniting Communities; Hee Young Lim Multicultural Communities Council of SA or met with representatives of all parties in the South Australian Parliament about our Budget Submission and our concerns around digital inclusion.

18 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 19 While our ideas were not taken up by the government State Taxes in the State Budget, SACOSS has continued to The most important outcome of this work was probably While the SACOSS work on tax issues in the last Because an adequate and sustainable tax base is vital develop policies to promote digital inclusion and the the adoption by the State Government and the smooth two years has been significant and productive, the to funding the health and community services that the issue will be a flagship of the policy platform we take passage through Parliament of the point-of-consumption revenue challenges remain for the state government community, and vulnerable and disadvantaged people to the 2018 South Australian election. We hope that wagering tax. This tax reform closes access for corporate and our sector continues to need to engage in this in particular need, SACOSS was pleased in 2015-16 to all parties will bring a suite of policies to the election bookies to virtual gambling tax havens, is fairer for area. The 2018 SA State Election is fast approaching receive government funding for two years to develop aimed at promoting digital inclusion in this state. local bookmakers and businesses, and will benefit the and there is always a temptation for parties and policies and build the understanding and capacity of state budget by around $10m a year over the forward candidates to offer tax cuts without a consideration SACOSS has also been active at the national level the sector to respond to issues around state taxation. estimates. And as a bonus, some of the corporate or announcement of the consequences of those cuts in relation to digital inclusion. Apart from launching 2016-17 was the second and final year of that funding, bookies say they are now not offering South on funding vital services. Our message – that without our Connectivity Costs report, we gave evidence and without it the tax debate would have been Australian clients some gambling incentives. Since the taxation vital services disappear – has not changed, to the Productivity Commission Inquiry on the dominated (even more) by vested interests – or at a gambling industry likes to talk about winning – we call but the work done throughout 2016-17 puts us in a telecommunications Universal Service Obligation, and minimum, those whose focus is not vulnerable and that a win (arguably even a quadrella!). much better position to argue the detail of what a fair we attended meetings and supported the launch of disadvantaged people. and adequate state tax system would look like. the Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance – an alliance of SACOSS has also continued to have input into Most of our tax work in 2016-17 revolved around community groups and corporations spearheaded by national debates via the COSS network and by organising and analysing the results of a survey InfoExchange, Google, Australia Post and Telstra. feeding into ACOSS tax policy – and of course those of 1000 South Australians we commissioned on debates continue. various issues around state taxes and government Employment expenditure, but over the two years of the project the South Australia in recent years has had either the outputs have included: highest or second-highest rate of unemployment >  A Cost of Living Update on the impact of taxes on TAX MEDIA in the nation, as well as stubbornly high long- the household budget term unemployment and underemployment levels. Furthermore, many South Australians maintain only > The Losing the Jackpot report on gambling taxes in a tenuous grip on the workforce through insecure South Australia and casual employment. >  Four Fact Sheets on gambling taxes in South Unemployment and insecure work can have a Australia – including one specifically on the merits devastating impact on people’s lives. Financial crisis, of the (then) proposed point-of-consumption isolation, homelessness, poor physical and mental wagering tax health and contact with the justice system are > Three reports based on a commissioned survey of sadly all too common outcomes. In this context our 1000 South Australians: community faces an ongoing challenge to create meaningful, secure and well paid employment and - Unfinished Business outlining the revenue problem provide every person the opportunity, irrespective of and looking at public attitudes to various tax their background, to develop the skills, knowledge and reform proposals abilities to access this employment. - Reality Check looking at public attitudes to government expenditure and challenging Throughout 2016/17 SACOSS continued to advocate perceptions of waste for the state government to adopt initiatives to grow secure employment in SA, and target the needs of - No Option looking at broader public attitudes to vulnerable and disadvantaged jobs seekers, such as state taxes and the challenges and possibilities young and older people, Aboriginal people, people for tax reform in regional communities and those from non- English > Two Fact Sheets based on the tax survey reports speaking backgrounds. > Two State Budget Submissions incorporating tax 24 Jun 2016 Adelaide Advertiser, Adelaide SACOSS was again disappointed that the 2017–18 reform proposals, and two Budget Snapshots Author: Daniel Wills • Section: General News • Article type : News Item Audience : 125,258 • Page: 10 • Printed Size: 131.00cm² • Market: SA State Budget did not adopt any of the employment containing substantive commentaries on the tax Country: Australia • Words: 324 • Item ID: 616173767 and training initiatives proposed by SACOSS in both aspects of the state budget Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence. Page 1 of 1 its 2016-17 & 2017-18 Budget Submissions. While > Four opinion pieces on tax issues published in The SACOSS was pleased that this year’s Budget was Advertiser and InDaily focused on jobs and economic development, SACOSS noted in its State Budget Snapshot 2017–18 that a > Two SACOSS News articles and two SACOSS Annual DANIEL WILLS that earn more than $150,000 It will also apply to other Independent Senator Nick STATE POLITICAL EDITOR per year and offer services to bets, such as elections and the Xenophon called for more SA. It comes into force from Academy Awards. money to be put into gambling number of initiatives were again focused on attracting Report articles to keep our sector informed about GAMBLING agencies that July 1, 2017. The Government expects to rehabilitation, but said Mr allow South Australians to bet It means all bets placed in raise $9.2 million each year. Of Koutsantonis deserved a “pat and supporting business and industry, without on sports, elections and horses SA with Australian-based bet- that, $500,000 will be contrib- on the back”. tax issues of concern will be all hit with a new tax ex- ting companies will be liable. uted annually to the state’s “I’ve been on for a long time pected to deliver $9.2 million Mr Koutsantonis said the gamblers rehabilitation fund. about getting multinationals to corresponding investment to ensure strategies are per year to the State Budget. move followed calls from the The Government says the pay their fair share of tax in Other media, social media and public commentary Treasurer Tom Koutsanto- SA Council of Social Services racing industry will be “no Australia, and this kind of tax > nis yesterday announced the for gambling tax reform and worse off” due to the tax. that targets activity at the in place which specifically redress the imbalance in move, which he said would be the implementation of a place Mr Koutsantonis said inter- source may be a way to do it,” associated with the above reports and other tax a national first and unlock of consumption charge on state-based agencies needed to Senator Xenophon said. job opportunities between geographic regions, age $500,000 a year to boost gam- companies. be licenced to offer bets in SA. A Thoroughbred Racing SA bling rehabilitation programs. The tax will apply to bets on “We believe that we have spokesman said they were en- proposals The move will apply a 15 per horse, harness and greyhound the constitutional authority couraged by assurances that cohorts and cultural backgrounds. cent tax on the net wagering racing, and sports such as AFL, and the legal authority to do the racing industry would be revenue of betting companies cricket and soccer. this,” he said. no worse off.

20 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 21 Utilities CONCESSIONS SACOSS has a program of work related to utilities including energy, water and telecommunications. The focus is on preventing financial hardship, achieving affordability, facilitating social and financial health and wellbeing, and SACOSS continues to call for changes to the current concession arrangement. A move to supporting government and businesses in dealing with their customers and communities. a percentage-based energy concession provides the opportunity to address the current inefficiencies in the administration of the concession in South Australia: the current design is ENERGY AND WATER administratively burdensome and contributes to many households not getting their entitlements and this is further exacerbated as these consumers participate in the energy market seeking lower prices (i.e. concession portability). WORLD’S LARGEST BATTERY SACOSS supports the retailer administration of the concession and believes that significant efficiencies experienced would be achieved through retailer administration as per other governments in the National SACOSS was delighted with the news that the world’s largest battery will be built in South Energy Market. SACOSS also believes that the issue with portability is the verification with Centrelink. Australia. In February, SACOSS had called on the South Australian Government to initiate a host Retailer communication with the customer at the point of transfer is anticipated to significantly address of reforms to improve system security in South Australia. SACOSS called for: the portability issue. >  Immediate investment in a 200 Mega Watt utility-scale battery storage facility combined with SACOSS does not support the concept of a bundled concession. A number of issues exist with the renewable generation; bundled concession concept, including that it blurs the line between state and federal responsibility in regards to income support and it increases the state’s exposure for being responsible for other price >  Recognition that gas is an essential transitional fuel; increases not directly related to their jurisdictional responsibilities. >  Imposing technical requirements on wind farms to deal with the related frequency issues; SACOSS has continued to advocate for the above concession reform throughout 2016/17. >  Urgently finalising the Australian Energy Market’s (AEMC’s) protected contingency events Rule Change. In March, the Government announced its State Energy Plan which included provision for a 100MW battery storage facility. PRESENTATION AT GRATTAN INSTITUTE ENERGY EVENT

The Grattan Institute hosted an event during October focused on the statewide blackout EMBEDDED NETWORKS which occurred in South Australia on September 28. Jo De Silva, SACOSS Senior Policy Officer, joined a panel of experts at this event. The event considered the range of solutions to Building on our 2015/16 research into the experience of residents in caravan and the system security issues in South Australia. residential parks, SACOSS has continued to advocate for improved consumer protections SACOSS proposed that a range of measures be considered, including technical requirements on wind for vulnerable consumers in embedded networks like these. We convened a group generators and the creation of a category of events called protected contingency events which would of consumer advocates across Australia to consider the best way to achieve improved consumer give the market operator more flexibility during a frequency event. The role of batteries was also protections, and provided advice to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) and the considered and SACOSS argued that the technology is rapidly developing and will soon emerge as a Australian Energy Regulator (AER) as part of their respective reviews into regulatory arrangements for game-changer in the sector. embedded networks and dispute resolution for embedded network customers. SACOSS will continue in 2017/18 to advocate for the implementation of improved consumer protections, particularly access to appropriate low cost dispute resolution for embedded network customers, and strengthened regulation to ensure that embedded networks are complying with their obligations, and that all customers are receiving safe, high quality and fair-priced electricity supply.

SYSTEM SECURITY WORK

South Australia’s energy market is in an accelerated transition. Addressing energy and system security in SA is an extremely challenging task and many levers will need to be pulled in order to comprehensively address the issues. There is no silver bullet that will fix the problems overnight, and the technology that we need is still very much under development. With all of this challenge, there comes tremendous opportunity. South Australia is positioned globally to be a flagship for technologies and power system arrangements which will lead the way in a low carbon future. SACOSS has been playing a lead role in developments in system security in South Australia, including as a member of the Australian Energy Market Commission’s System Security Technical Working Group. SACOSS played a lead role in ensuring tight controls around the introduction of relatively untested technology (fast frequency response), including close monitoring by the market operator. This will result in the technology being developed in a way that contributes to system security, and smooths the way for global uptake of this technology, which is crucial in the move to zero carbon.

22 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 23 27 May 2016 11 Feb 2016 Adelaide Advertiser, Adelaide Adelaide Advertiser, Adelaide Author: David Nankervis • Section: General News • Article type : News Item Author: Miles Kemp • Section: General News • Article type : News Item Audience : 136,404 • Page: 3 • Printed Size: 242.00cm² • Market: SA • Country: Australia Audience : 136,404 • Page: 8 • Printed Size: 226.00cm² • Market: SA • Country: Australia Words: 434 • Item ID: 600649415 Words: 430 • Item ID: 541001556 SACOSS Vulnerability & Affordability Conference 2016: Energy, Water & Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence. ENERGYCopyright Agency licensed AND copy (www.copyright.com.au) WATER MEDIA Page 1 of 1 Page 1 of 1 Telecommunications – 2 November 2016 $45 a year drop in Heat on bills causes ripples MILES KEMP cided to cut 1 per cent in drink- Treasurer Tom Koutsanto- ing water revenue and 9 per nis said the draft decision prices as WATER bills will drop by cent in sewerage service rev- showed the involvement of about $45 a year after a ruling enue in real annual average ESCOSA in setting revenue by the independent umpire but terms, resulting in a total rev- every four years was working. the cut is still only half what it enue reduction of 3 per cent. But Dr Walsh diverted dur- should be, welfare groups say. “SA Water’s customers will ing his media conference yes- However, consumers have pay $160 million less over the terday to highlight a State until March 24 to challenge coming four years compared to Government decision locking $144 gas the ruling by the Essential Ser- now, which equates to around in higher prices for consumers. vices Commission of South 3 per cent per annum average SA Water is allowed to re- Australia, which yesterday reduction in revenue,” he said. coup revenue in line with the shaved $160 million from SA The cut is similar to the rev- value put on its assets by the Water’s allowable16 Junrevenue 2016 for State Government, which wel- the next four years.Adelaide Advertiser, enueAdelaide decrease forced on SA fare groups have argued is too The monopoly government Water for the previous four high. Author: David Nankervis • Section: General News • Article type : News Item cut flows years and ESCOSA estimates company confirmedAudience this would : 125,258 • Page: 6 • Printed Size: 296.00cm² • Market:Dr Walsh SA said • Country: the Govern- Australia result in an average annual the average annual saving ment had set the value of SA Words: 561 • Item ID:would 611370096 be about $45. household bill cut of about $45, Water’s assets to make sure DAVID NANKERVIS good for electricity bills, how- said the reduction in network down from $1343 from July 1. SACOSS director Ross prices did not change too much ever, because SA Power Net- charges “will take the pressure But the cut is less than half Womersley “cautiously” wel- when ESCOSA took over the ENERGY giant AGL is the works has proposed a $1 off household and small busi- comed the bill cut but was still that recommended by an Adel- power to set revenue in 2013. first major retailer to commit increase for the typical house- ness gas bills.” Licensed by Copyright Agency.critical You ofmay ESCOSA only copy or decision communicate this work with a licence. Page 1 of 1 aide University study, which Public submissions on the CEO Andrew Staniford said making. to passing on annual house- holder. The cut to gas supply The Advertiser revealed in Oc- ESCOSA draft determination the price drop “will signifi- Uniting Communities util- hold savings of $144 to their charges is welcome news after tober last year, showing cus- can be made until March 24, customers after the national a series of price rises for gas cantly improve the affordabili- tomers were due an annual ity expert Mark Henley said via the ESCOSA website at the organisation had yet to energy regulator decided to cut consumption — including a 14 ty of natural gas and will be a reduction of $103. www.escosa.sa.gov.au supply charges. per cent surge in 2014. boon for South Australia’’. This That study found SA Water read the draft decision in full. In a letter sent to Treasurer The cut to gas supply char- week, SA Power Network’s had artificially inflated future “We are pleased at the coming Tom Koutsantonis, AGL chief ges will be enjoyed by 435,000 made a pricing proposal to the prices by over-estimating the reductions in bills for consum- executive Andy Vesey con- of the state’s gas-connected AER for network charges to cost of running expenses, new ers, but distribution of savings is firmed the company would householders, while savings of apply next financial year. Oprojectsuc and wages.h Yesterday,! Zappethe next question. Critical ford us by price rises While the state’s monopoly ESCOSA chair Patrick Walsh pass on the full reduction. $750 will flow through to small is that all households get the “I understand this is an im- businesses owners. The AER’s electricity supply company is said the commission had de- same dollar reduction,’’ he said. portant issue for South Austra- decision to reduce gas supply proposing an $18 average cut AGL and Origin electricity lian energy consumers and to network costs for business- appreciate your request for as- charges applies to each of the es, it is applying to the regu- charges to increase in July surances on behalf of the next five financial years, begin- lator for a $1 increase in state’s households and busi- ning on July 1 this year. network charges for a typical EXCLUSIVE with householders having just Mr Koutsantonis said the These supply charges ac- householder, to $829 a year. seen savings in network char- nesses,” Mr Vesey wrote. DAVID NANKERVIS state Liberals “chose not to ex- “I am pleased to confirm count for about half of the av- Welfare agencies believe ges of around $140 a year,’’ Mr erage residential bill. The AER there was still room for further ENERGY retailer Origin will Womersley said. plore greater interconnection that, as determined by the Aus- with eastern states when they tralian Energy Regulator has directed that gas supplier cuts to network charges. increase electricity bills by 6.5 Treasurer Tom Koutsanto- The SA Council of Social privatised our power assets in (AER) on 26 May 2016, AGL Australian Gas Network must per cent or $117 a year. nis, himself an AGL customer, Services said it “thinks there 1999 and we are seeing the will pass on the full reduction charge less for the distribution The decision comes on top also urged customers to shop are potentially more savings fruits of that decision today’’. in gas network costs.” of gas over the next five-year of AGL’s announcement yes- around and potentially save available’’. Uniting Communi- terday of a 12 per cent – or $228 Mr Henley called for a Households will save $144 regulatory period. hundreds of dollars on their ties spokesman Mark Henley a year – increase for electricity stakeholder energy summit to on their yearly gas bills from The State Government has electricity bills. agreed, and said “it seems as welfare agencies warned discuss how to reach the Gov- called on energy retailers to He said the unjustified price July after the AER decided to there’s still room for SAPN to more retailers were likely to rise “is a dramatic increase for ernment’s renewable energy pass on the full reduction. cut supply charges. reduce the charges customers hike their prices. Energy Aus- South Australian families’’. targets at the cheapest cost. Australian Gas Network The news may not be so are paying’’. pa ing’’ tralia refused to rule out price AGL said the price rise was AGL, which forecasts a $720 rises when contacted by The “mainly driven by the cost and million profit this financial Advertiserr yesterday. availability of coal and gas sup- year, said it supported “a sum- But AGL gas customers will ply for electricity generation as mit to discuss challenges fac- receive good news today when well as the changing mix of ing the SA energy market”, the retailer announces an aver- generation output’’. while Mr Koutsantonis said he age $100-a-year cut to gas bills. “The closure of the Port Au- would consider a “cost-of-liv- The price rises from the gusta power station has con- ing summit”. state’s two biggest energy re- tributed to the price changes.” AGL said the average week- The SACOSS Vulnerability & Affordability Essential Services Commission of South Australia, tailers take effect from next An Origin spokesman said ly electricity price increase month. “it’s important that we stay would vary “substantially de- St Vincent de Paul re- competitive while reflecting pending on a customer’s tariff Conference 2016: Energy, Water & the Australian Energy Regulator and SACOSS. searcher Gavin Dufty said “all the costs we face as a retailer’’. type, their usage, and their ex- the retailers will change their Opposition energy spokes- isting energy plan’’. prices’’. “You can guarantee man Dan van Holst Pellekaan The company also fore- the other companies will fol- Telecommunications was held in November against blamed the Government’s pro- shadowed new fees for over- low like pigs to a trough’’, he motion of renewable power the-counter payments and It was evident from the sessions that much has said. Uniting Communities generation for the price rise. paper bills in October. spokesman Mark Henley said “Minister Koutsantonis is the backdrop of the iconic Adelaide Oval, and he “had no doubt the other re- busy blaming everyone else for ANGRY ABOUT THIS? TELL AGL tailers will be increasing their been achieved by industry, government and high electricity prices, while WHAT YOU THINK AT prices’.’ Premier Weatherill continues ADVERTISER.COM.AU The price hikes have to rush towards wind power proved to be another successful and engaging prompted urgent calls from driving cheap baseload out of community stakeholders in recent years. However, welfare groups for household- the market,’’ Mr van Holst Pel- ers to shop around for cheaper lekaan said. major conference event. deals to save hundreds of dol- “Labor’s flawed electricity lars a year. policy led to the closure of the the fact that we are yet to achieve important SA Council of Social Servi- Port Augusta Power Station ces executive director Ross and now the Weatherill Gov- Womersley said he was sur- ernment is proposing to spend Coming at a time of significant regulatory and reforms like the introduction of a percentage- prised at the price hike and hundreds of millions of tax- “didn’t understand the ration- payers’ dollars upgrading an ale’’ behind the increases. interconnector so it can import “No doubt these decisions coal-generated electricity from policy reforms designed to assist vulnerable based energy concession and improved targeting Victoria.“ come at an extraordinary time customers, the conference provided opportunities of energy efficiency schemes indicates that there for open dialogue between leaders from the is still some way to go to provide adequately for energy, water and telecommunications industries, vulnerable customers. and 120 delegates representing industry, SACOSS delivered the 2016 conference with government, and the community services sector. support of the Department for Communities and Throughout the day delegates enjoyed multiple Social Inclusion, Energy Australia and SA Power plenary sessions including speakers from Yarra Networks as our Major Sponsors, and AGL as our ENERGY, WATER AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS EVENTS Valley Water, the University of South Australia, event partner for the conference. ORGANISED BY SACOSS Kildonan UnitingCare, SA Water, Telstra, EnergyAustralia, St Vincent de Paul Society,

Consumer Protection Frameworks Forum: Rights and Responsibilities – 12 August 2016

CONSUMER PROTECTION FRAMEWORKS: National Consumer Roundtable on Energy RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The National Consumer Roundtable on Energy (the >  Adelaide 22 – 23 June 2017 FRIDAY 12TH AUGUST 2016 Roundtable) is an informal coalition of national energy These meetings provided consumer advocates consumer advocates primarily focused on policy with the opportunity to consider, collaborate and dialogue and strategic collaboration. The Roundtable strategize about contemporary energy policy in In August 2016, SACOSS hosted a forum on >  Who has responsibility for facilitating access to considers that the supply of electricity should be the National Energy Market. Outside face-to- Consumer Protection Frameworks: Rights and an essential service? regarded as an essential service, on par with water face meetings, consumer advocates continued Responsibilities. The forum, with a mixture of panel supply and emergency services. Under a grant from >  What are the expectations of energy businesses the conversation via NEMchat, an online forum presentations and group discussion, explored the Energy Consumers Australia, SACOSS convened as providers of an essential service? moderated by SACOSS. evolution of consumer protection frameworks and coordinated three face-to-face meetings of in the National Energy Market. It covered the >  What rights need to be guaranteed to the the Roundtable in 2016/17: Planning is well underway for the next series of key strategic policy issues underlying these consumer in any transformation of the consumer meetings of the Roundtable in 2017/18. frameworks, specifically: protection framework? >  Brisbane 7 – 8 November 2016 >  Hobart 16 – 17 February 2017

24 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 25 TELECOMMUNICATIONS Cost of Living Cost of Living Area Adelaide CPI % June 2016 - June 2017 Connectivity Costs: Telecommunications Affordability SACOSS remained concerned and continued to for Low Income Australians advocate around cost of living issues throughout the Food 1.9 2016-17 year. At our AGM in November 2016 SACOSS launched a Fruit and Vegetables 9.6 major research report, Connectivity Costs, on the cost As the table here shows, electricity prices again Housing 1.4 of telecommunications for low income Australians. jumped markedly this year – but so too did fruit and Rent 0.6 The research was funded by the Australian vegetable prices, while health prices also continued Communications Consumers Action Network their long term above-the-inflation-rate climb. Utilities 3.3 (ACCAN) and was based on a survey of over 500 low Electricity 14.3 While these price rises impact on all households, they income households and a series of focus groups. Water -6.3 impact particularly on those on the lowest incomes Gas -9.9 The study found that telecommunications affordability who spend a greater proportion of their income on was a key issue for people on low incomes. In such essentials and who have less room to move in Health 4.4 particular, the survey (which was conducted by Mint their weekly budget. Transport 2.0 Research) found that: CPI All Groups 1.6 >  62% of low income consumers reported experiencing either difficulty paying, having to cut back, or having to stop using one or more telecommunications services for financial reasons in the last 12 months; >  those on Newstart, Youth Allowance and Parenting Payment were most likely to be struggling with SACOSS SACOSS SACOSS SACOSS affordability of telecommunications, while those on Cost of Living Update Cost of Living Update Cost of Living Update Cost of Living Update 2016 2016 2016 2017 the Age Pension had the fewest problems; and >  telecommunications affordability problems were No.27 No.28 No.29 No.30 June Quarter 2016 September Quarter 2016 December Quarter 2016 March Quarter 2017 greater for low income families with dependent children than those without children.

Given the essential nature of telecommunications, and The report concluded that unless both the Centrelink the financial stress that telecommunication costs are Telephone Allowance and these market barriers to placing on low income households, there is a clear role affordability are addressed, we will continue to see for government in assisting people to maintain access a digital divide where low income consumers are to this essential service. The report made a number missing out on telecommunications services, and of recommendations for upgrading the Centrelink subsequently, on life opportunities – at a cost to both Telephone Allowance to have a broader scope, wider them and the wider society. eligibility, higher rates and more regular payments, but COST OF LIVING UPDATES In addition to the Connectivity Costs report, the survey data also clearly showed the inadequacy of Throughout the year, SACOSS published a Cost of average wage had increased, as real wages had SACOSS made a submission and gave evidence base level of income support payments like Newstart Living Update each quarter, based as always on the increased more than the cost of living. However, to the Productivity Commission inquiry into the and Youth Allowance for ensuring access to essential ABS CPI and Selected Living Cost Index data. The for those on income support or with a less secure telecommunications Universal Service Obligation. The services like telecommunications. As such the report reports also had particular focuses on: connection to paid employment (eg casual workers) “obligation” (paid for by government) is on Telstra to also recommended that these allowances need to be the situation was harder. ensure basic access to phones, but is outdated and >  Financial pressures (June Quarter 2016). This was increased immediately. does not deal with the range of digital technologies based on the data from our telecommunications >  Energy prices (March Quarter 2017) which put The Connectivity Costs report also highlighted a which are increasingly essential. SACOSS welcomed research on the importance of key expenditures the increases in petrol prices in that quarter into range of market products and practices which were the Productivity Commission’s recognition of the need on household budgets and showed the sorts of perspective over the last ten years. Petrol prices are barriers to affordability. These included: to expand the service obligation to data services, but sacrifices made by low income households to make very volatile, but when viewed over the long term ends meet. it is clear that electricity and gas price rises are a >  lack of mobile data on affordable plans was critical that the Commission had largely ignored the affordability challenges for those on low incomes. much bigger problem. >  Cost of Living Changes since the State Labor >  lock-in contracts Over the course of the year, SACOSS also developed Government was elected in 2001 (December The SACOSS Cost of Living Updates were based >  disadvantageous payment methods and billing the telecommunications work into a broader concern Quarter 2016). This was partly developed in on ABS data – which is itself was getting stale cycles forced on consumers (eg. direct debiting on a around digital inclusion and incorporated this into response to media inquiries, but had some because much of the base-level data is built on the 28-day cycle), and our 2017-18 State Budget submission and subsequent interesting twists – including that while energy price 2009-10 Household Expenditure Survey. The 2015-16 >  a lack of transparency around costs. advocacy. increases in South Australia were huge and causing HES was released in the second half of 2017 and hardship, they were about the same as other states will provide a wealth of new data to analyse what in the national energy market, and that despite all is happening – particularly for the lowest income the hype, living standards for households on the households in our community.

26 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 27 CHILD AND FAMILY SACOSS was active in lobbying the government Despite our efforts we were not able to have this regarding the new legislation and joined with amended in the Bill. SA’S FIRST COMMISSIONER FOR WELLBEING other stakeholders in an alliance on issues of CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE A significant gap in the legislation is the lack of mutual concern. SACOSS and partners made It is widely accepted that the quality of a child’s provisions or a strategic focus on the prevention of joint submissions, and wrote to and met with environment and relationships is fundamentally child abuse or neglect, as well as a lack of targeted Parliamentarians seeking amendments to the Bills. The In March 2017 the Government announced the important in nurturing their healthy development. intervention, when risk is identified but before harm most active members of the alliance were the Law new role of SA Commissioner for Children and However despite recognition of this, and Government has occurred. There was also a lack of provisions Society, Australian Medical Association SA, Council Young People. SACOSS, together with other initiatives in the area, there has been a crisis building aimed at reducing the over-representation of for the Care of Children, Child and Family Welfare key child advocates, had for many years lobbied in child protection services. Unfortunately, this is not Aboriginal children and young people in need of Association, Youth Affairs Council of SA, and the Child for the creation of this position, and we applaud unique to South Australia. tertiary child protective services. Protection Reform Movement. SACOSS also consulted the Government on this important initiative. A number of high profile tragic failures of the child with Connecting Foster Carers and the Aboriginal The Report on Government Services Child Protection We also congratulate Helen Connolly, who at protection services led to the state government Legal Rights Movement. Overview (2016) showed a reduction in funding the same time was announced the inaugural establishing the Child Protection Systems Royal of intensive family support after 2014 and a Commissioner for Children and Young People. SACOSS and others had major reservations regarding Commission to investigate the adequacy of the corresponding increase in costly out of home services, the final draft Bill tabled, which later became the child protection system in the state. The Royal which is deeply concerning. Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017. The Commission’s final report,A life they Deserve had 260 We are hopeful that the Children and Young People joint advocacy was not successful on all counts The piloting of the Child and Family Assessment recommendations and was handed to the Governor (Wellbeing, Development and Early Intervention) but some significant amendments were achieved and Referral Networks (CFARNs) is one noteworthy on 5 August 2016. Bill 2017 can provide a strong base for family and new government initiative aimed at providing a including the insertion of specific Ministerial roles, community strengthening and a significant flow-on to response to children and families that do not meet The scope of the Royal Commission focused on functions and reporting, and the expansion of the improve the wellbeing of children and young people. the threshold for tertiary intervention. However, while identifying issues with our current system and so decisions reviewable by the SA Civil and Administrative SACOSS will continue to advocate that the Bill should mentioned in the Children and Young People (Safety) unfortunately did not explore how the wellbeing Tribunal (SACAT) under the Act. Our work also closed attempt to address the social issues that arise in our Act 2017, the CFARNs are established at the discretion of children could be enhanced within families a loophole in the Bill where the Department of Child families and communities that lead to a context where of the government with little further detail. and communities, preventing abuse and neglect, Protection could place children “temporarily” in abuse and neglect arise. We hope that addressing and therefore requiring fewer children and young situations that did not meet the Placement Principles Perhaps the most exciting outcome of SACOSS’ issues early will allow more children to grow up people to ever need the intervention of tertiary child with no specific timeframe for review. work was the acknowledgment from the government healthy and happy within nurturing families. protection services. An area of particular contention was the primacy in Parliament that there is no legislative base for The state government responded quickly to of safety in assessments and decisions about prevention and early intervention work in the area Commissioner Nyland’s report, committing to the children and young people which deviates from the of child and family wellbeing, and a commitment to majority of the recommendations. One important UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the drafting a new Bill with this objective. part of the early work has been to reform the approach taken in most other states. SACOSS and state’s legislation, and a suite of new legislation was partners argued that assessments should be made introduced to Parliament to replace the Children’s using a ‘best-interests’ framework, where safety is Protection Act 1993. important but considered alongside other needs.

CHILD AND FAMILY WELLBEING MEDIA

28 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 29 CLIMATE CHANGE SACOSS also played an active role in the Review by Dr Alan Finkel into system security, affordability and SACOSS was a member of the Project Control low emissions. SACOSS was pleased that the Review Group and Vulnerabilities Sub-Committee for the did not recommend integrating low emissions into the Strengthening Disaster Resilience for People with National Electricity Objective, a move which SACOSS Vulnerabilities Department of Communities and argued would have led to higher prices. Social Inclusion Project. The Project aimed to develop Dr Finkel proposed 50 recommendations in total. Of a framework to strengthen resilience of people at these, 24 relate to work which is already progressing. greater risk in the event of an emergency. A further nine are new recommendations but it is our The ‘South Australian framework to strengthen view that roll-out of these should be subject to the resilience of people at greater risk in the event of an developments already underway due to their cost SUBMISSIONS emergency’ will form part of the State Emergency implications. The remaining 17 recommendations Management Plan. It will provide guidance for state are decisions that needed to be made by One of SACOSS’ core roles is to provide input to government and other policy makers on issues that affect and local government, business, non-government governments and include the big ticket initiatives our sector or impact on vulnerable and disadvantaged people. This advice is often provided by making organisations, volunteers, communities and individuals related to a new governance model and generator submissions in response to public consultations run by government or statutory authorities, but SACOSS also across South Australia on strategies to assist people retirements. The key thing to notice about all of initiates submissions on issues of deep concern to our members and people experiencing hardship. SACOSS with vulnerabilities and those supporting them, to these recommendations is that affordability is not submissions range from broad statements of principle to detailed and technical policy advice, and are often prepare for and manage their safety and wellbeing in prioritised. The only significant affordability initiative used as platforms for further advocacy. emergencies. is adoption of the Clean Energy Target as opposed to a business as usual approach. The framework will support consideration of ways June 2017 March 2017 It is for this reason that SACOSS does not support the to enhance the capacities of people at greater risk > Submission to the Legislative Council Select > Submission to the Independent Review into the roll-out of all of the recommendations at once. It is in the event of an emergency. When completed, it Committee on the Statewide Electricity Blackout Future Security of the National Electricity Market necessary to have a managed rollout of initiatives, so will represent a commitment by state agencies to and Subsequent Power Outages integrate the needs of persons at greater risk into that time is given to development of priority initiatives relevant state government policy development, and their impact is assessed prior to adoption of > Submission to the Essential Services Commission on February 2017 the Draft Report for the Inquiry into the Licensing service planning and delivery. lower order priorities. > Submission to Essential Services Commission Arrangements for Generators in South Australia of South Australia Inquiry into Regulatory Arrangements for Small-scale Water, Sewerage and The Summer 2016-17 issue of SACOSS News had climate change as its main focus. May 2017 Energy Services > Submission to the Department of State > Submission: Draft Rule Determination - National

Climate Change Edition Climate Change Edition Development on the Energy Security Target Electricity Amendment (Emergency Frequency

Embedding climate change Uniting Communities becomes Control Schemes) Rule 2017 into our everyday work 5 first SA organisation certified 7 > Submission to the Australian Energy Market as carbon neutral Commission Review of regulatory arrangements for Jai O’Toole, Emergency Services Manager, Suzanne Ridding, Beyond Carbon Neutral Program Manager, South Australian Red Cross Uniting Communities, and Sustainability and Carbon SACOSS NEWS Consultant, Sustainable Business Consultants. embedded networks January 2017 Justice, opportunity and shared wealth for all South Australians Climate Change is impacting on just about Uniting Communities is the first every aspect of our world, from altering WE ARE CARBON South Australian organisation the weather systems that support food NEUTRAL and the first registered charity production to changing the geography of in Australia to become certified natural disasters, all of which deepens existing under the National Carbon Offset vulnerabilities. > Submission: Productivity Commission Draft Report Standard as carbon neutral. > Submission to the Australian Energy Market The International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent The desire to become carbon neutral originated from Uniting Societies is committed to tackling climate change both by Communities’ strong moral compass. Research shows it will adaptation – reducing the vulnerabilities of communities In November Uniting Communities won the SA Premier’s be the elderly, socially disadvantaged and low-income people to modified environments; and by mitigation – action and Climate Leaders Award for Communities and Regions. who will be most affected by climate change — and these on Telecommunications Universal Service Obligation behaviours that reduce the extent and progression of The awards recognise the achievements of South Commission in response to the Five Minute same people are Uniting Communities’ clients. climate change. Australians who lead the way in adapting to the Carbon neutrality also made sense from a number of other This means that Red Cross and Red Crescent societies effects of climate change, reducing greenhouse perspectives including the potential for cost savings, meeting around the world are scaling up disaster risk reduction emissions, supporting South Australia’s transition to a funding commitments, enhancement to reputation, staff low carbon economy or raising awareness of climate measures and strengthening traditional methods of engagement and the ability to report on the organisation’s change. preparing for and coping with disasters. We are also Settlement Direction Paper environmental impact. contributing to mitigating the progression of climate More than 40 award entries were received and change through advocacy and social mobilisation. In 2010 the Uniting Communities Board committed to the winners were chosen from 11 finalists, who > Submission on draft Children and Young People Climate Change Edition becoming carbon neutral and agreed to allocate resources represented a wide cross-section of the community. Here in South Australia, we know that climate change will Over the next few months, we are piloting updated The awards are an initiative of the Premier’s Climate affect the sorts of emergencies that we help people prepare programs that include content about readiness for the to this goal. Towards Carbon Neutral, as the program was Change Council, the State Government’s advisory for and recover from. These include bushfire and floods as impacts of climate change, that is, so they are ‘climate named then, quickly became a popular initiative appealing to body on climate change. well as the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, ready’. This will see REDiPlan introduce a conversation all areas of the organisation. Uniting Communities achieved storms and other events such as utility disruptions and about the likely impacts of climate change on emergencies its goal late last year and received Carbon Neutral status SA Climate Change Minister Ian Hunter said, “Uniting (Safety) Bill 2016 from the Federal Government through its Carbon Neutral Communities are the first charity to achieve carbon > Submission to Department of the Environment and power outages. and how people can plan for this. For some communities Program. This is a minimum five year commitment during neutral status, and their influence will encourage the Red Cross in South Australia is currently reviewing our in South Australia, we expect there to be discussion about which the organisation will continue to measure, manage and broader community to reduce emissions and help programs to identify opportunities to incorporate climate preparing for more extreme heat events and intense rainfall offsets its carbon emissions. South Australia move to a low carbon economy.” change adaptation messaging into our existing activities. events, as well bushfires, and being ready all year round for This includes our support programs for migrants, isolated a wider range for possible emergencies. Uniting Communities Chief Executive Simon Schrapel Energy in response to the Climate Change Policies older people, food security activities and more. Similarly, we plan to educate and train all of our people Tips for Success receiving the Community and Regions category award from the Our emergency services REDiPlan program already takes about how to support people and communities to plan for Chair of the Premier’s Climate Change Council, Bruce Carter • Leadership commitment is crucial as is allocating adequate an ‘all emergencies’ approach to building capacity to emergencies and changes we will see in the future, so that financial and human resources. Programs like this cannot be prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. everything we do is ‘climate ready’. undertaken successfully with volunteers alone. Another program called Pillowcase designed for primary Embedding climate change adaptation into our emergency • Make low carbon an organisation objective and where Review 2017 Discussion Paper school children gets students thinking about the types of services programs is one of the first steps for Australian emergencies they might experience and what is important Red Cross in becoming a ‘Climate Smart’ organisation. In possible integrate it into policy, job roles as well as daily to them to protect during an event. time, we expect that climate change adaptation will be activities such as procurement. October 2016 Both of these programs encourage people to think about embedded into everything we do. • Seek advice from a carbon specialist to get you on the right how to prepare for likely or possible emergencies, which For more information about our all emergencies approach track. Consultant Suzanne Ridding was engaged early on to for most people is based on what they have experienced to preparedness, please visit www.redcross.org.au/prepare lead and manage the Uniting Communities program. historically, or have observed in similar places. To discuss our approach to embedding climate change, • Educate staff on climate change and carbon and help them Climate change adaptation, however, requires us to adjust please contact the author. to understand how they can be involved. Carbon reduction > Joint Submission to the Climate Change Authority our process to think about emergencies in the future that activities often spill-over into taking action at home and may be different from current or historical experiences Joint COSS Submission: ACNC 2017 Annual reducing the household budget. > because of the impacts of climate change. Power System Security, Electricity Prices and Information Statement Emission Reductions Climate Change Edition Climate Change Edition Climate change ACOSS online resilience > Linking Services for Mental Health and Wellbeing: September 2016 and extreme heat in 9 toolkit to help community Climate change adaptation an inequitable society organisations Submission to the SA Mental Health Strategic Plan Page and mitigation 5 Dr Scott Hanson-Easey, National Climate Emily Hamilton, Policy and Projects, ACOSS > Submission to Essential Services Commission Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) Emma Watson, ACOSS Social Work Intern 2017-2022 Vulnerable Communities Network Dr Alana Hansen, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide Did you know that up to a quarter of community organisations say they would close of South Australia Inquiry into Regulatory for good after an extreme weather event? > Response to Future Directions of the Financial Uniting Communities It is now increasingly recognised that people experiencing poverty and other forms of disadvantage are amongst Arrangements for Small-scale Water, Sewerage and Page those most vulnerable to direct climate change impacts, leading on climate such as increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather 7 events, reduced air and water quality, vector, food and water-borne diseases, and increasing costs for essential Wellbeing and Capability Activity Discussion Paper goods and services caused by impacts to food supplies, Energy Services utilities and infrastructure. Those most vulnerable include: • People out of paid work and living on low incomes • People living in poor quality housing or in the private Climate change, extreme rental market • Frail older people and people with chronic health conditions However, research undertaken by the Australian Council • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Social Service (ACOSS) shows that community Page • Single parents organisations have very little resilience to the impacts of heat and inequality climate change, particularly extreme weather events. After 9 • Newly arrived migrants and refugees, and a severe event such as a flood, cyclone or bushfire, up to April 2017 • People with a disability and the people who care for them 50 per cent of organisations would still be out of operation The heightened vulnerability of these groups arises from a after a fortnight, and up to 25 per cent might never provide number of factors including that they: services again. • Tend to live in areas more likely to be adversely affected The research reveals a similar lack of capacity amongst by climate change (eg areas exposed to heatwaves, floods, organisations to manage disruptions to essential services storms or bushfires) and have far less ability to move or make such as power, water supplies and telecommunications other necessary adjustments to their living circumstances; networks. Participants also reported high levels of under- > Submission to the Australian Energy Market • Are less likely to have the financial capacity to implement insurance for climate-related disruptions, including for energy efficiency measures, or to purchase disaster-related business continuity. All sections of the community are vulnerable lives than all other natural hazards combined. Heat-related adaptations such as insurance and preparedness kits; and Unsurprisingly, the consequences of major disruptions to the effects of climate change. However, illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and (at • Are more likely to live in public housing or the private rental to service delivery for people who access community although the rich and poor will experience worst) heat stroke, may occur when high environmental market and therefore lack the power or adequate incentives organisations for support, which can include the Commission’s System Security Market direct and indirect climate change impacts, temperatures overwhelm the body’s capacity to lose heat. to implement adaptation or resilience-building strategies. exacerbation of poverty and increased risk of homelessness, hunger and even death, can be devastating. how people adapt to, cope with, and recover What we know about how the poor will be affected by Community organisations support people experiencing from these impacts will not be equitable, climate change and, in particular, extreme heat, derives both short- and long-term disadvantage to manage With climate change set to increase the frequency and especially for people living with poverty and from what is already being experienced. Here are just a few everyday adversity, to respond in times of crisis and intensity of extreme weather events across Australia, it’s entrenched social disadvantage. impacts that are, and will be felt more seriously by people to develop both individual and structural solutions critical that community organisations take action to build Frameworks Review living with poverty: to entrenched disadvantage. Indeed, the critical and resilience and ensure their ability to provide essential services Extreme weather events such as heatwaves are projected increasingly recognised role community organisations before, during and in the aftermath of such events. However, • Electricity bills will rise as people attempt to keep cool to increase with climate change. In terms of the adverse play in helping communities respond to and recover from ACOSS’ research also identified a lack of sector-specific during heat events that are becoming longer, more impacts of weather hazards on human mortality, extreme extreme weather events suggests they are an important information and support as a key barrier to an organisation’s frequent, and more intense. To reduce these costs, people heat can be the most harmful, claiming more Australian part of the social infrastructure that communities will turn capacity to undertake resilience building activities. may ‘choose’ to go without cooling their house. Summer 2016-17 to for assistance to adapt to climate change. > Submission: Robo-Debt Inquiry

30 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 31 SACOSS NEWS

Each edition of SACOSS’ magazine SACOSS News focuses on a social justice theme which allows us to share perspectives, ideas and analyses from a broad range of contributors. INFORMATION Spring 2016 Summer 2016 Autumn 2017 DISSEMINATION TO Health Edition Climate Change Edition Disability and the NDIS Edition THE SECTOR SACOSS NEWS SACOSS NEWS SACOSS NEWS Justice, opportunity and shared wealth for all South Australians Justice, opportunity and shared wealth for all South Australians Justice, opportunity and shared wealth for all South Australians

Health Edition Climate Change Edition Disability & the NDIS SACOSS NEWS

New SACOSS Chair David Panter Page5 EBULLETIN The NDIS: criteria for success Page7

Social determinants Climate change adaptation SA’s first accessible of health Page5 and mitigation Page5 beach day Page10

MEMBER ADVISORIES The loss of community Uniting Communities health services Page7 leading on climate Page7

Systemic racism, Climate change, extreme health and inequity Page10 heat and inequality Page9 POST-BUDGET BREAKFAST Spring 2016 Summer 2016-17 Autumn 2017

Health Edition Disability and the NDIS Disability and the NDIS

The mental health of the community sector Connecting to nature Healthy Minds, Healthy The Healthy Minds, Healthy Workers project targeted an industry at high risk of psychological injury, 17 23 SA’s first Accessible Beach Day Towards the NDIS: 11 with the aim to improve mental health and resilience in all South Australian workplaces. This project also addressed South Australia’s Strategic Plan Target 21: a 50% reduction in workplace injury from Workers project 2012 to 2022. The HMHW project addresses the following action areas outlined in this plan: The Conservation Council of SA is developing a nature broker service to link Managing the tension social services and environmental organisations to create opportunities for • “Healthy and safe by design” by establishing organisation-wide policies and processes to support wellbeing; disadvantaged South Australians to engage in nature-based activities. In this Victoria Morton, SACOSS Senior Project Officer • “Leadership and culture” by encouraging a cultural shift towards providing an open conversation about mental article, Alex Gaut, Program Manager at CCSA, runs through some of the research Prue Gorman, Executive Officer, Community Living Project health disorders in the workplace; demonstrating the important links between spending time in nature and our • “Improved work health and safety capabilities” of all staff who participate in the pilot project. mental, physical and social health.

The community sector has an ageing workforce with a predominance of women workers. It faces ongoing challenges including uncertain funding, low remuneration and high turnover. Due to the high-stress nature of the work, with Success in achieving such positive outcomes requires clients usually reporting to services in crisis, sector leaders report high stress and mental health claims. Often the Nature benefits “If I advocate cautious optimism it is not The Healthy Minds, Healthy Workers project providers to be far more creative in the way in which we work can be isolated and workers have little supervision and have to cope on their own. because I do not have faith in the future followed on from SACOSS’ work as part of The physical health benefits of being outside in nature help people prepare, to foster opportunities for people to are well-documented and are linked to numerous but because I do not want to encourage the Commonwealth-funded Healthy Workers, Data from the Work-Related Mental Disorders Profile 2015 supports these observations and lists Welfare and think beyond the confines of traditional service paradigms, ‘active’ ingredients including: high air quality (reduced Healthy Futures initiative. Community Workers as one of the most at-risk occupations. blind faith.” and to have the courage to release our ingrained control air pollution); specific microorganisms that appear to HEALTHY MINDS, Aung San Suu Kyi mechanisms and handover (with the right support and HEALTHY MINDS, HEALTHYHEALTHYHEALTHY MINDS, WORKERS WORKERS There is also a strong business case for maintaining a healthy workforce. Work-related mental stress claims cost more boost immune function; negative air ions, which reduce This was a change management project to help information) decision making and authority to the person HEALTHYA L L / WORKERS organisations create policies and practices to support HEALTHY MINDS, S T A F F / T R A I N I N G due to increased periods of absence when compared to other claims. According to the national Heads Up campaign, depression; and natural sights and sounds, which have This year an Australian study showed that up to “7% of At Community Living Project, we strongly believe that every with disability, their family and their supporters. HEALTHY WORKERS A L L / S T A F F / T R A I N I N G support by Beyond Blue and Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance, at any given time one in five employees are likely important physiological impacts on the nervous system, Do you work with low-income or depression cases and 9% of blood pressure cases could be person, regardless of ability, is of inherent value and entitled healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases such as Unfortunately, with every story of success and positive to be suffering from a mental health condition. Furthermore, 50% of these people will not seek help. help to restore attention and promote healing after surgery. disadvantaged people who might benefit prevented if all city residents were to visit green spaces at to live a good life in the community. We are simultaneously diabetes and heart disease. change, we hear others where limited access to pre-planning from nature-based activity? least once a week for an average duration of 30 minutes or excited about new opportunities under the NDIS for people The high prevalence of people living with mental illness and the lack of help-seeking highlights the important role Forested areas are also high in phytoncides, chemicals support, and poor outcomes from the NDIA planning process The Healthy Workers, Healthy Futures project highlighted more” (Shanahan et al., 2016, p. 3). with disability to create a good life, and alarmed about the organisations can play in the prevention of mental health issues and in someone’s recovery. produced by plants that reduce blood pressure, increase Perhaps your organisation would like to curtail any opportunity for crafting an ordinary life, and the need for increased attention to be paid to stress and TRAINING scheme’s ongoing uncertainty and lack of safeguards for TRAINERS immune function and relieve depression. link-in with CCSA’s nature broker service? &MANUAL RESOURCES The social benefits of being in nature with other people force people with disability to continue in unsatisfactory mental health in this sector. TRAINERS those people who are most vulnerable. MANUALMANUAL Some of the positive impacts of are well-documented (Keniger et al., 2013), and the social and life-limiting traditional support options. Other TRAINING Even emotional experiences such as regular experiences of Being in nature does amazing things for our health & RESOURCES factors of wellbeing are arguably some of the strongest The NDIS offers a clear focus on building the capacity of exhausted families are left in the role of parent providers. The Healthy Minds project methodology awe and a sense of vitality can predict healthier levels of nature on health and our state of mind but it can take time to find out MANUAL elements of wellbeing. Being in nature with others can: people with disability, and their families, to make their own inflammatory substances (Stellar et al., 2015) and greater who is doing what and how to access nature-based Many families in SA with new NDIS plans have highlighted As a result of this outcome from the Healthy Workers, Reduced prevalence of: decisions and take control of their individual support. We resistance to infection and lower risk of mortality (Kuo, 2015). activities for the people you support. - Facilitate social interaction the variability in planning decisions and we observe Healthy Futures project, SACOSS worked with six are hearing terrific examples from interstate where families - Respiratory disease frequent errors in plan pricing. For some families, this has community service organisations to develop a Healthy Exposure to natural settings also affects people’s Through the CCSA there is an opportunity to connect - Enable social empowerment who have the chance to be well informed and prepared, - Diabetes mellitus meant trying to establish services that are highly complex Minds, Healthy Workers training package. perception of their health. One study (Kardan et al., 2015) with local environment and conservation organisations - Reduce crime rates and encouraged to dream of a different future, are crafting The project made use of several available resources and under resourced; the fact that the review process is showed that people who live in neighbourhoods with - Various infectious diseases including Conservation Volunteers, Greening support for their son or daughter that is much more likely The package included two days of training for managers including resources from the Heads Up Campaign. - Reduce violence so lengthy and difficult to manage only puts additional more street trees reported significantly higher health - Cardiovascular disease and mortality Australia, Trees For Life and more, to find out about to facilitate an ordinary, typical life embedded in right and ten workplace wellbeing champions, and a train- www.headsup.org.au. It is important to note that a one- - Enable interracial interaction pressure on even the most articulate and prepared families. perception: “having 10 more trees in a city block, on the nature-based activities they have to offer. size-fits-all approach does not work. Each organisation - Musculoskeletal complaints relationship, positive roles and welcoming community. the-trainer program designed to be delivered to the average, improves health perception in ways comparable - Improve social cohesion entire organisation over a period of time. Additional needs an approach tailored to the individual needs of - Infectious intestinal diseases to an increase in annual personal income of $10,000 and For further info on CCSA’s nature broker service and their employees. - Provide social support resources were developed and provided to the wellbeing moving to a neighbourhood with $10,000 higher median - Urinary tract infections activities in nature for disadvantaged groups, please champions to embed wellbeing practices and policies A comparison on the pre and post questionnaires income or being 7 years younger” (Kardan et al., 2015). - Vertigo contact Alex Gaut or Kathy Whitta on 8223 5155, A study with social and mental health into their workplaces. Community Living Project supports Ben, shown here returning home from shopping, and Jocelynne, data demonstrated an increased awareness amongst The mental health benefits of nature contact are [email protected], kathy.whitta@ implications for immigrants (Hordyk, Hanley, Faster recovery from surgery who runs a microenterprise producing and selling treat-sized bags of dried fruit. Throughout the project ongoing advice and support participants of the prevalence of mental health issues and particularly significant given the poor state of mental conservationsa.org.au & Richard, 2015) suggests that activities was given to setup committees, develop action plans how and where to seek help for staff experiencing poor health funding and support systems in Australia. This table Addiction recovery in natural spaces can help to reduce the mental health. Other results indicated that participants summarises the benefits to psychological and cognitive effects of migration stress on three social and deliver the training. Organisations completed pre Neuroscience is also starting to uncover parts of the mental health (Keniger et al., 2013; Kuo, 2015). What is Reduced headaches, including migraines determinants of health for migrants: poor and post questionnaires, management surveys and felt valued by their employers and were able to better story about what happens to our brains in nature. A identify areas of work that either supported or could so remarkable about spending time in nature is that it or inadequate housing, lack of social evaluations. The data was analysed to produce the Would you like some Reduced mortality rates for some cancers behaviour associated with heightened risk of depression can simultaneously reduce negative mental health and cohesion and psychosocial stress. Families in findings and recommendations outlined in the final report. potentially contribute to mental health issues. further information or is rumination, “a maladaptive pattern of self-referential promote positive mental health. Reduced health risk factors thought” (Bratman, Hamilton, Hahn, Daily, & Gross, 2015, this study were particularly clear about the Findings Recommendations included training for the new support in developing a healthy workplace? Reduced occurrence of illness p. 1), which is associated with a part of the brain called the importance of a third party in helping them Educator positions at Safework SA, increased training Improved or increased Reduced to access nature, including practical help in It was identified that effective leadership, governance for management and culturally specific resources sgPFC. An American study (Bratman et al., 2015) showed Contact Victoria Morton at Reduced blood pressure that a 90-minute nature walk decreased both self-reported preparing for unfamiliar seasonal conditions, and commitment were necessary to ensure that the pilot for Aboriginal and multicultural organisations. These Self-esteem Anger/frustration SACOSS for more information. rumination and neural activity in the sgPFC, compared and active assistance organising daytrips, or intervention was successful. Organisations that made recommendations, the training material and the resources Mood Mental fatigue Reduced cortisol (indicator of stress) with a 90-minute urban walk, which had no effect. providing information. these investments in time and resources saw a greater are outlined in detail in the full report available on the For some great resources go to: Psychological well-being ADHD Relaxation/stress reduction helps to improve sleep, benefit from the intervention and had more successes SACOSS website. A brain imaging study found that only when viewing There are a number of environmental organisations that Dignity Party’s Kelly Vincent MLC joined fellow Attentional restoration Depression boosts immune function and counters adverse embedding wellbeing practices. Heads Up campaign images of urban areas, as compared to viewing natural mobility aid users at Henley Beach recently to trial effects of stress on energy metabolism, immune are now partnering with social services organisations www.headsup.org.au/ Academic performance Anxiety scenes, parts of the brain were activated that are dealing with issues such as mental health, homelessness, three types of beach friendly wheelchair and an function and inflammation. accessible beach mat during South Australia’s first Healthy Workers, Healthy Futures associated with negative emotions including anxiety, fear, Cognitive function in children Violence poverty, new arrivals and the deaf community, to break ever Accessible Beach Day. With nearly 300 people www.healthyworkers.gov.au aversion, anger and unpleasantness (Kim et al., 2010). down the barriers to getting into nature so that everyone Productivity (Reference: Keniger, Gaston, Irvine, & Fuller, 2013; Kuo, 2015) with disabilities coming along to access the sand and can access these amazing benefits. water, this was the biggest Accessible Beach Day ever held in the southern hemisphere.

32 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 33 SACOSS eBulletin Member Advisory EBULLETIN MEMBER SACOSS issues a fortnightly eBulletin listing upcoming events, job vacancies, and other ADVISORIES items relevant to the community services sector. SACOSS sends out regular Member Advisories The SACOSS eBulletin is emailed directly to as a way to keep Members up to date with subscribers every fortnight and is currently current policy and sector issues, or to provide INFORMATION distributed to 1096 email addresses. All SACOSS information about upcoming events and Members receive a copy of the eBulletin. opportunities for involvement in SACOSS work. DISSEMINATION TO THE COMMUNITY POST-BUDGET BREAKFASTS This year in addition to our annual Post-Budget South Australians. We also thank Opposition Leader MEDIA Breakfast with the Treasurer, SACOSS also held a Steven Marshall for outlining his alternative budget vision. Post-Budget Breakfast with the Opposition Leader. Our esteemed speakers attracted significant interest from We thank Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis for sharing with SACOSS members, with both Budget Breakfasts well SOCIAL MEDIA SACOSS members his summary of the areas of the attended. We thank everyone involved, and particularly State Budget crucial for the community and social sponsors Nexia Edwards Marshall, Community services sector, and for vulnerable and disadvantaged Business Bureau (CBB) and Statewide Super. SACOSS RADIO

FACT SHEETS

34 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 35 MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA SACOSS is recognised as a respected authority SACOSS’ media presence grew in 2016-17 and we Twitter and Facebook are important platforms by Through use of social media we place ourselves in and advocate across the South Australian media, continue to build our reputation as a strong, trust- which SACOSS engages with a range of supporters the centre of public and political debates, and can and CEO Ross Womersley is in constant demand worthy and intelligent voice for the sector and for and audiences: from politicians and journalists, to quickly share our work and our views on a range of by journalists from radio and TV, newspapers and people living with poverty and disadvantage in our state. community leaders and sector employees, as well as issues. Our social media profile, together with friends online media. We’re asked for comment on a range of grassroots organisations and people experiencing and follower numbers, continued to grow throughout issues, including energy prices and other cost of living poverty and disadvantage first-hand. 2016/17. concerns, child wellbeing, unemployment, tax and digital exclusion to name just a few.

TWITTER FACEBOOK SACOSS MEDIA

SACOSS engages with our supporters via Twitter several times a day. Since joining Twitter in 2009, we have posted more than 22,200 tweets in total, which equates to an average of 7.5 tweets per day. SACOSS engages with the wider community Our Twitter account has over 2800 followers through our Facebook page. The page has and gives us direct communications access to 1600 likes, and while we do connect with other important decision makers, commentators and organisations in the sector, the majority of our thinkers, as well as the general public. It is also a Facebook interaction is with personal Facebook great way to share our reports and fact sheets, users. This platform gives us the ability to videos and podcasts, as well as links to our share information in more detail, to publicly TV and radio interviews. All Councils of Social express our standpoint on particular issues, Service across Australia are on Twitter, which and to help advertise SACOSS and member allows us to stand together on issues as well as events including seminars, forums, courses and to amplify each other’s voices. conferences.

36 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 37 12 MONTHS OF SMALL CHANGE SACOSS RADIO 1 hour per week on air Interview topics 52 hours worth of programming 24 Lived experience 4 Family and relationships; 19 Welfare payments 100 podcasts Emergency relief; Tuesdays 6pm on 14 Unemployment and Refugees and poverty asylum seekers; 11 Indigenous Energy and water 1 Bilby Award 10 Youth 3 Single parenting; Domestic violence; 8 Housing and Penalty rates; 3 guests who went to the old Radio homelessness; Payday loans; Adelaide location for their in-studio interview Mental health and Gambling; LGBTI; wellbeing; Digital Volunteering inclusion 110 interviews 2 Sexual health; Tax; 7 Robo-debt; Ageing; Climate change; 31 SACOSS member organisations Elder abuse Telecommunications; profiled 6 Child protection Architecture Including 11 SACOSS member organisations on Small Change for 5 Sector funding; the first time Disability

SACOSS RECOGNISED AT BILBY AWARDS

Justice, opportunity and shared wealth for all South Australians

Small Change is SACOSS’ weekly radio questions facing our community. program broadcast on Radio Adelaide. The Over the last year we’ve: shared stories of station celebrated its 45th birthday this poverty and hardship; spoken to academics, year, and over the last 12 months has faced policy makers and community workers; and the challenge of transitioning to an entity looked abroad and heard how communities independent of the University of Adelaide, and in other countries address the issues of settling into a new home at 3 Cinema Place. homelessness, human rights and social justice. We’ve profiled issues of elder abuse, child This new era for Radio Adelaide reminds protection, welfare, disability, Indigenous Lisa Burns and Clinton Pryor (Courtesy of Noonie Raymond) us of the all too common struggle rights, tax and cost of living. We’ve also faced by not for profit and community celebrated the many inspiring achievements Small Change’s Lisa Burns was named Runner-Up audience with the Queen next year, our conversation organisations to survive on uncertain in our sector, from the grassroots to those impacting whole communities. for Best Interview at the South Australian Community with Clinton on Kaurna country stays in our recent funding whilst continuing to meet the Broadcasters Association’s Bilby Awards 2017. memory and we feel honoured to have walked unwavering and often urgent needs of the We are committed to providing factual and The Bilby Awards celebrate the contribution alongside him. We were moved by his calmness, communities they serve. respectful coverage of issues in the community community radio makes to our community and presence and sense of purpose; qualities we’re sure and social services sector, and sharing diverse to encourage high achievement within the sector. have contributed to his epithet, The Spirit Walker. Each week Small Change provides us with a stories, voices and experiences. The awards are open to members, judged by platform to promote and profile the work of We feel honoured to receive this award and Small Change is broadcast on Radio Adelaide community radio people and are assessed on our members and wider community, and the thank SACBA, the Radio Adelaide and SACOSS every Tuesday from 6-7pm. creativity and excellence in broadcasting. stories we present remind us of the resilience communities, and listeners and guests for their of our sector and the inspiring work that often radioadelaide.org.au/program/small-change The interview was with Clinton Pryor, a Noongar, continued support of our program. goes unnoticed. We regard those working in Yamatji, East Kimberley and Pilbara man who Have an idea for an interview or maybe You can listen to our conversation with Clinton, his the sector, those accessing services and those followed songlines and visited communities in a you’ve got a story to share? supporters and teammate Noonie Raymond, here: with lived experience as the experts, and turn Walk For Justice for First Nations Peoples. While Email: Lisa Burns at [email protected] to them for analysis on the issues, ideas and Clinton and the Clinton’s Walk for Justice team radioadelaide.org.au/2017/04/25/from-perth-to- have completed their 6000 km walk to Canberra adelaide-clinton-walks-on-kaurna-country/ and are now planning a trip to the UK to seek an

38 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 39 FACT SHEETS Throughout the year SACOSS compiles and distributes Fact Sheets designed to give a concise overview on a specific issue. You can read SACOSS’ Fact Sheets at www.sacoss.org.au/publications/fact-sheets

Digital Disadvantage in South Australia - 2017 Digital inclusion is about ensuring that every Australian is able to make full use of digital technologies – to access education, online businesses and services, contact family and friends, and participate in the digital economy. The jobs of the future will be digital, but digital inclusion is about more than simply owning a computer or smartphone, it is about SECTOR using digital technologies to improve skills and enhance quality of life and wellbeing.

Digital exclusion reflects and compounds other areas of disadvantage. People on lower incomes, older people and people living with disability are all likely to be less included in the DEVELOPMENT digital world.

The Australian Digital Inclusion Index measures the extent of digital inclusion in Australia under three broad headings: Access, Affordability and Ability to use digital technologies.

South Australia rates poorly on the Australian Digital Inclusion Index.

HELPING TO DEVELOP OUR SECTOR

SECTOR DEVELOPMENT EVENTS

The Australian Digital Inclusion Index was produced by the Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne University of Technology, supported by Telstra, using data from Roy Morgan Research. https://digitalinclusionindex.org.au/ PUBLIC HEALTH MOU

ADVOCACY ON STUDENT PLACEMENTS

SA NFP FUNDING RULES AND GUIDELINES (SANFRAG)

CARF CONSULTATION

ESSENTIAL SERVICES

AUSTRALIAN SERVICE EXCELLENCE STANDARDS

40 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 41 HELPING TO DEVELOP OUR SECTOR

> Convening the Essential Services Group – > A New Age For Older Workers roadshow, in comprising SA consumer advocates in the area of partnership with COTA and funded through the energy and water. Office for the Ageing > participation in development of SA NFP Funding > Providing governance training to various boards and Rules and Guidelines (SANFRAG), including the committees successful completion of the whole-of-government policy for indexation of funding to NFPs > providing support for the Aboriginal Social Justice Coalition

SECTOR DEVELOPMENT EVENTS PUBLIC HEALTH MOU

SACOSS presented and supported events in 2016- > The Deepening Divide - digital disadvantage in SA In 2017, we renewed our Public Health Partner > NGOs however have less understanding about how 17 to help develop skills and knowledge within our 9 March 2017 Authority Agreement with the Department for Health they contribute to “public health”. sector, with themes ranging from digital disadvantage and Ageing (DHA) for five years (2017 to 2021). > There are some effective networks and partnerships > Amplify Your Health Impact with to youth detention, and how to decipher the SA in place that address public health issues. Professor Illona Kickbusch One of the outcomes from the first Agreement with Government Budget papers. 27 March 2017 the DHA through 2014 to 2016 was the development > A small percentage of the project participants had > A New Age for Older Workers of a joint policy statement between SACOSS and heard of local public health plans and had attended (SACOSS & COTA joint events) > ACOSS Energy Consumers Forum DHA called “A shared vision for improved community a consultation. 27 July 2016 in Whyalla and (hosted by SACOSS) health and wellbeing”. > There has been little to no engagement with 10 August 2016 in Mount Gambier 4 April 2017 The statement, developed and finalised in 2016, Primary Health Networks. > 3 Strategic Plan conversations > Linking Services for Mental Health and Wellbeing expresses the shared commitment and vision Some important issues which were consistently raised 11 May 2017 of SACOSS and DHA in continuing to work in - Will individualised funding distribution lead to throughout the project included: partnership to support improved community health increased equity, accountability and enhanced > SACOSS & HESTA Boardroom Lunch and public health outcomes. > Concerns about transitioning to the National personalisation in human services? 15 June 2017 Disability Insurance Scheme. - Are we leaving our younger generations to pay In the coming year we look forward to establishing > Pre-Budget Training Session for the largess and unwillingness of previous a Health and Wellbeing Alliance, drawing together > Effects of climate change and responding to 15 June 2017 generations to confront major social, economic, sector organisations and other stakeholders to extreme weather events. and environmental concerns? > Budget Night Sector Briefing advance public health interests. > Access to funding. - Is there a limit to charity and its special status? 22 June 2017 We will also be publishing a Promoting Health and > Effects of economic uncertainly on the community 3 sessions in August 2016 Wellbeing booklet which will detail case studies from > Post Budget Breakfast with the Treasurer (specific to Whyalla). the SA community services sector. > Energy Consumer Protections Forum 29 June 2017 NGO community service organisations clearly do 12 August 2016 play an important role in the ‘new’ public health, and > Post Budget Breakfast with the Opposition Leader SACOSS research project SACOSS, local, state and federal governments need > SACOSS Vulnerability and Affordability Conference 25 July 2017 In 2016, as part of our public health partnership to work together to support these organisations 2 November 2016 agreement, SACOSS undertook a research project to continue to work with disadvantaged South > David Chesterton’s lecture on youth detention with the community services sector, looking at their Australians. Addressing the social determinants 12 December 2016 role and their understanding of public health. In of health is key to combating some of the issues particular we examined their involvement, if any, in associated with chronic diseases, as well as climate > Working With Resilience Information Session the development and implementation of the regional change and other issues relevant to public health. 8 February 2017 Public Health Plans, and their contact with the It is clear that if we are to seriously advance these federally-funded Primary Health Networks. issues it will be important for SACOSS to be properly resourced to enable this to be undertaken. Time and funding restraints meant that the scope of the project was limited but the key findings included: > NGO organisations contribute to the health and well- being of the community and are clear in what capacity.

42 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 43 The Department of Treasury and Finance took over paid, and that the terms can’t be changed unilaterally by ADVOCACY ON STUDENT the process on behalf of government and moved to government. We were still some way from this at the ESSENTIAL SERVICES align discussions much more closely with existing end of the 2016-17 year, but the adoption of the indexation PLACEMENTS whole-of-government procurement guidelines. This policy by government is a step in that direction. GROUP (ESG) had benefits for our sector in a number of areas and in seeing the process move forward, but it has also In 2016-17 we continued to engage with the meant that in some ways we are trying to retro-fit the SACOSS convenes a group of South Australian universities to advocate on behalf of the sector for partnership model outlined in the government-sector CONSUMER ADVOCACY consumer advocates and service providers to share improvements to university student placements. Stronger Together agreement into a system built on information, build expertise and develop policy and Social service agencies have historically provided commercial contracts. advocacy positions related to essential services such placements for students – at no cost – because of AND RESEARCH FUND FOR as energy and water. a commitment to sustaining a future workforce of Those debates continue, but one clear outcome from In 2016-17 the ESG met four times and discussed graduates that are work-ready, as well as other more the process was the announcement by the Treasurer – WATER (CARF) a range of topics including the SA blackouts and immediate perceived benefits like assistance with at the SACOSS Post-Budget Breakfast – of the whole broader system security issues, the Finkel Review, project work. of government indexation policy. Instead of each SACOSS is funded by the Department for regulatory reviews, rule changes and determinations, department deciding what (if any) indexation rate Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) to undertake However, when we asked our members about their community based energy, the Utilities Literacy they would apply to contracts in our sector, the new water advocacy and research to address the needs needs regarding student placements and our potential Program, and the progress and findings of the CARF policy sets the indexation rate centrally four years in of South Australian water consumers. SACOSS led a role in supporting them, we were surprised at the level research projects. advance. Departments will be required to implement number of research projects in 2016/17 examining: of engagement we received on the subject. this rate in their contracts. > the perceptions and experiences of South Australian We provided feedback from member consultations to The certainty of funding and the application of water consumers about their water and sewerage the social work faculties at Flinders University and the indexation to many contracts that otherwise would supply, AUSTRALIAN SERVICE University of South Australia raising concerns about: not have indexation is a big win for our sector and > the particular experiences of customers who have had > the increasing number of students requiring will ensure that the value of service funding does not their water restricted due to non-payment of bills, EXCELLENCE STANDARDS placement and thus the burden on sector decrease over time, although the government also organisations, took the opportunity to revise the current Treasury > the impact of water pricing design on different In 2016-17 SACOSS underwent a rigorous indexation rate down in recognition of prevailing low customer cohorts, and > the pre-placement support and workplace readiness assessment which culminated in us inflation rates. of students, and > the value customers place on water pricing stability receiving a Service Excellence Certificate The rate will be set at 2% for 2017-18 and 2018-19, and versus pricing volatility. under the Australian Service Excellence > the university processes when issues with student at 2.5% for 2019-20 and 2020-21. The rate for 2021- Standards (ASES). performance arise on placement. In addition, SACOSS ran a consultation process with 22 will be announced next year. Where Fair Work consumer advocates, service providers, government This step-by-step accreditation program Each university has acknowledged our feedback and Australia’s Equal Remuneration Order applies, this and industry that identified further projects that could is designed to develop the capacity of responded differently. The discussion and work in this should be added to the indexation rate. be funded by DCSI under the CARF. community organisations to strive towards area is ongoing and of course the issue of placements There have inevitably been a few problems continuous improvement in quality service delivery. arises not just in terms of university programs but On recommendation by SACOSS, the following implementing this policy in that the delay in the Organisations complete self-assessments and an also for people completing other post-secondary consumer research projects were funded in 2016/17: process meant that some departments who were external assessment to achieve this internationally qualifications. Industry experiences and placement actually doing the right thing and passing on the > research into the experience of customers of minor recognised accreditation that lasts for three years. have become priorities in all areas of post-secondary full indexation amount had already announced the and intermediate water suppliers conducted by the education, creating considerable pressure for ASES is based on the following organisational principles: funding for 2017-18, and then had to wind it back to South Australian Financial Counsellors Association, placements. the reduced indexation rate. > customer and outcome focus > research into the experience of consumers living Understandably, this was a problem for those with a disability conducted by Julia Farr Purple > clear direction with accountability organisations who had budgeted on the original Orange, and > continuous learning and innovation amount, but also served to underline the broader SANFRAG > research into the experience of renters conducted > valuing people and diversity problem of our sector being forced to sign contracts by Uniting Communities. without certainty as to the amount of money > collaborative work practices Throughout the year SACOSS continued to be involved involved. This is exactly what the new policy seeks to SACOSS will draw on findings from these research in discussions over the proposed SA Not-for-Profit > evidence-based decision making address by being clear, four years in advance what projects to continue to advocate in the interests Funding Rules and Guidelines (SANFRAG). The proposal > social, environmental and ethical responsibility. the indexation will be – and therefore how much will of South Australian water consumers, and identify to develop Guidelines were an outcome of the 2014 be paid for each year of a multi-year contract. And further projects for future CARF funding. state election where we, along with others, highlighted ASES is a fully accredited program under the of course, for many other organisations who would the importance of our sector and how the short- International Society for Quality in Health and Social Care. not have received any or the full indexation, the new term and one-sided funding arrangements created policy represented a great boost in funding. unnecessary problems and blockages to delivering services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people. Throughout the SANFRAG process, SACOSS continues to aim for a funding system and for As noted in last year’s Annual Report, this process contracts where our sector can know exactly what is has been as long as it has been frustrating. However, required in their contracts and the amount they will be the last year has seen some significant progress.

44 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 45 Parkinson’s South Australia Inc West Coast Youth & Community Support Inc REPRESENTATION Quality Innovation Performance Women’s Community Centre SA Inc Reconciliation South Australia Inc Working Women’s Centre SA Inc Relationships Australia South Australia Ltd Youth Affairs Council of SA Inc Riding for the Disabled Assoc SA Inc SACOSS Lifetime Members MEMBERSHIP SA Country Carers Mr Phillip Beddall SA Unions SACOSS Organisational Members Endeavour Foundation Mr Harvey Brown (organisations financial between July 2016-June 2017) Safe Places for Children Enhanced Lifestyles Mr Brian Butler Save the Children Aboriginal Community Care (SA) Foodbank SA Prof. Ed Carson Seniors Information Service Inc Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Inc Good Shepherd Microfinance Mr Kym Davey SHine SA Inc ac.care Goodwood Community Services Mr Michael Dawson South Australian Financial Counsellors Association Inc Aged and Community Services Australia Grandparents for Grandchildren SA Inc. Ms Marj Ellis South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Anglicare SA Habitat for Humanity Australia SA Services Ms Colleen Fitzpatrick Anti-Poverty Network SA Health Consumers Alliance of SA Inc St John’s Youth Services Inc Ms Gael Fraser Australian Health Promotion Association SA Hepatitis SA Statewide Superannuation Trust Mr Leigh Garrett Australian Migrant Resource Centre Hills Community Options Inc STTARS - Survivors of Torture & Trauma Mr Peter Hall Australian Refugee Association Inc HomePlace SYC LTD Ms Sheila Hall Baptist Care (SA) Inc Hutt Street Centre Ltd The Australian Centre for Social Innovation Ms Christine Halsey Barkuma Inc Inclusive Sport SA Inc. The Broughton Art Society Inc Mr Mark Henley Better Hearing Australia (Adelaide) Interchange Incorporated The Salvation Army Mr Simon Kneebone Birthline Pregnancy Support Inc Julia Farr Group The Smith Family Ms Wendy Malycha Brain Injury SA Junction Australia Ltd The Wyatt Benevolent Institution Inc Ms Margaret McKenzie CARA Inc JusticeNet SA Time for Kids Ms Joy Noble Carers SA Inc Legacy Club of Adelaide Inc Together SA Incorporated Ms Louise Portway CareWorks SA Legal Services Commission of SA UnitingCare SA Mr Lange Powell CBB the not4profit people Life Without Barriers SA UnitingCare Wesley Bowden Inc Ms Ruth Prescott Centacare Catholic Family Services Loxcare Inc UnitingCare Wesley Country SA Incorporated Mr Simon Schrapel Centacare Catholic Family Services CDPP Lutheran Community Care UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide Inc Ms Pam Simmons Child and Family Welfare Association of SA Inc Marion Life Community Services Inc Unity Housing Company Ltd. Mr Brian Ward Chinese Welfare Services of SA Inc Mental Health Coalition of SA Inc Victim Support Service Inc Mr. Mark Waters Citizen Advocacy South Australia Mental Illness Fellowship of South Australia Inc Vietnamese Women’s Association SA Inc The Hon. Andrew Wilson City of Onkaparinga Milang & District Community Association Inc Welfare Rights Centre SA Mr Ian Yates AM Clubhouse SA Inc Mission Australia - SA Region Community Centres SA Multicultural Aged Care Inc Community Housing Council of SA Inc Multicultural Communities Council of SA Community Living Australia Network SA MEMBERSHIP Community Living Project Inc Northern Health Network Membership of SACOSS leads to positive social change in South Australia by supporting SACOSS to Connecting Foster Carers - SA Inc Northern Suburbs Housing Community Inc campaign for social justice. Council On The Ageing SA Northern Volunteering SA Inc SACOSS welcomes and encourages member participation in a variety of activities that enhance the voice Darwin Health Library OARS Community Transitions of the community on behalf of vulnerable and disadvantaged South Australians. Membership of SACOSS DOME Association Inc Office of the Guardian for Children and Young People supports our vital and successful campaigning for social justice. Drug Arm Australasia Owl Learning Australia www.sacoss.org.au/membership ECH Inc Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Corporation

46 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 47 EXTERNAL COMMITTEES Representatives and nominees of SACOSS sat on the following boards and committees in 2016-17. SACOSS thanks them all for their time and commitment.

ACOSS Board of Governors Helen Connolly

Anti-Poverty Week State Facilitation Group Dr Catherine Earl

Australian Gas Networks’ SA Reference Group Jo De Silva

Child Safety & Wellbeing Advisory Panel Ross Womersley

Courts Community Reference Group Dr Susan Errington

Dame Roma Mitchel Trust Fund for Children and Young People Colleen Fitzpatrick

ElectraNet Consumer Advisory Panel Jo De Silva

COSS Directors Meeting in Adelaide: (from left to right) Ross Womersley (SACOSS), Kym Goodes (TasCOSS), Louise Giolitto (WACOSS), Emma King (VCOSS), Susan Helyar (ACTCOSS), Cassandra Goldie (ACOSS), Tracy Howe (NCOSS), Mark Henley (QCOSS) INSET: Wendy Morton (NTCOSS) Essential Services Commission of SA (ESCOSA) Consumer Advisory Committee Mark Henley Ross Womersley COSS NETWORK COLLABORATION Justice Reinvestment SA Anne Bainbridge

SACOSS is proud to be part of a national network of During 2016-17, the COSS Network came together to SA Dental Service Consumer COSS organisations – one in each state and territory collaborate on a number of issues including: Advisory Panel of Australia, as well as the Australian Council of Social > Articulating the network’s value proposition Phillip Beddall Service (ACOSS). In general, each state COSS focuses > Work on anti-poverty issues their work on social justice and sector issues specific SA Water Residential Customer Council to their state jurisdiction, with ACOSS taking the lead > Understanding the machinery we need to put in Ross Womersley on federal issues. place to make for the best possible communication With the continued blurring of responsibilities across and collaboration across the network UniSA School of Psychology, Social Work and the federation it is now more complicated than ever > Taking account of opportunities and threats to Social Policy Advisory Group to discern where policy levers and responsibilities advocacy in the current environment Ross Womersley actually lie for many issues. This work is continuing and will potentially become Each state COSS is independent and unaffiliated, yet SA National Framework for Child Protection more important as ACOSS moves to change the in practice we operate in a collaborative and collegiate Partnership Group structure of its Board, reducing the presence of COSS manner in order to increase our impact and in the Simon Schrapel from representatives of all to just three elected from interest of achieving our shared vision. across the network. Collaboration is facilitated through a number of channels but is lead primarily from regular meetings and teleconferences between the Directors/CEOs of each COSS.

48 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 49 SECRETARIAT 2016-17 SACOSS ACKNOWLEDGES CEO Ross Womersley

Senior Research & Policy Officers FUNDING FROM Dr Catherine Earl (part time) Jo De Silva (full time) Dr Greg Ogle (part time) Vanessa Musolino (full time) Phil Saunders (full time, 1 year contract, left June 2017)

Policy Officer Rebecca Law (full time, started June 2017) Georgina Morris (part time, started June 2017) Eliza Schioldann (full time, Oct 2016 until April 2017)

Senior Project Officer Victoria Morton (part time, contract finished May 2017)

Communications Officer Tania Baxter (part time)

Radio Producer – Small Change Lisa Burns (part time)

Radio Assistant Bonnie Parker (casual, started Nov 2016)

Office & Finance Coordinator Libby Connell (part time) SPONSORSHIP FROM

Finance & Admin Assistant Lucyna Goodall (part time, started July 2016)

Events Coordinator Vivian Clark (full time, until Aug 2016) Gabrielle Bond (part time, started Dec 2016)

50 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 51 TREASURER’S REPORT

SACOSS has had another eventful year which finished from across the country. SACOSS receives a specific with us receiving $1,480,971 in income. Compared grant from Energy Consumers Australia to coordinate to last year, this was a decrease of approximately and fund the work of the roundtable. $100,000. Total expenditure for the year of $1,417,073 Possibly the most noteworthy expenses relate to the was also a decrease from the prior year, resulting in a Board’s decision to invest in upgrading the offices small surplus of $9,898. and community rooms at Marjorie Black House. The The patterns across income and expenditure broadly property has been in real need of a refurbishment match previous years and this is attributable to the for some time and the Board undertook a detailed FINANCIAL fact that almost all the income we receive is tied to analysis of a number of options, including potentially delivering similar types of outcomes as in previous selling the property and relocating. Ultimately, the years. The main differences comparing this year to the Board concluded that the most sensible option was SUMMARY prior year on the income side relate to the following: to make a substantial investment in upgrading the property and furnishings (spending nearly $375,000) > A one-off increase in our Consumer Advocacy and which has yielded an enhanced asset and a much more Research Fund grants for our work in water. The attractive property, better suited for purpose as offices increased grant funding from the Consumer Advocacy and meeting rooms. Once the renovations were and Research Fund arose because we only received completed the property was revalued at $1,620,000 part-year funding in 2016. We expect ongoing funding which resulted in increasing the value of total assets to be closer to $210,000 per annum for this work. by a healthy $396,000 to just over $2,500,000. TREASURER’S REPORT > Increased revenue from conferences and sponsorships, together with research and development. The reports included here are summary reports and a detailed financial report is available via either the SACOSS At the same time we saw decreased income this year website or on request. Secondly, our auditors, Nexia INCOME & EXPENDITURE from Energy Consumers Australia; Other Grants and Edwards Marshall, have again issued an unqualified STATEMENT Memberships. This is because we applied for fewer report and this is included in the detailed financial report. grants over the year. Similarly, we sought out less funding from other sources. I also note that it would simply not be possible to deliver the outstanding work outlined in other ASSETS & LIABILITIES Of most concern on the income side is the drop in parts of this report without the funds we receive, STATEMENT membership fees, and we will place renewed focus on and would like to again thank all of our member this in the next financial year. We expect membership organisations, supporters and sponsors along with income will be boosted with enhancements to the the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion, database and invoicing in 2018. Energy Consumers Australia, the Department of The most substantial increases in expenses relate to State Development, the Department of Treasury and employee expenses which increased by $82,000 due Finance, and SA Department for Health and Ageing to additional funding received for tax reform, energy for their continued support in 2016/17. and water issues. There was also a small increase of This has been another successful year for SACOSS and $15,000 in consultancy fees. These payments relate as we look forward into the future, the Board is acutely to obtaining critical high level analysis and technical aware we must do more work towards securing advice in relation to our research and advocacy work SACOSS’ long term sustainability and independence. in essential services. In the short term we will also be looking to our In contrast, expenses in relation to professional members to ensure we have a good resource base on services decreased substantially by $87,000 against which to mount an effective public policy campaign in last year because in the previous year there were the lead up to the state election in March 2018. large legal fees incurred in challenging the SAPN In closing, I would like to extend thanks to my fellow electricity network regulatory decision. Similarly, both Board members, the SACOSS staff who continue to conference costs, and travel and accommodation do outstanding work within quite limited resources, were down substantially principally because we did and specifically, I want to take the opportunity to not have the same levels of activity. personally acknowledge Libby Connell, our long- We note again for clarity that while travel costs look standing Office and Finance Coordinator. Libby is now to be a very substantial expense line, these almost embracing a new phase in her life and on behalf of all all result from the role SACOSS plays in convening of us, I wish her a fulfilling and very happy retirement. the National Consumer Energy Roundtable. This Emma-Louise Crosby important roundtable gathering is held in a range of Treasurer venues around Australia 3 or 4 times each year and thus results in large travel and accommodation costs to enable the attendance by consumer advocates

52 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 53 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ASSETS AND LIABILITIES STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017 ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE INC. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE INC.

2017 2016 2017 2016 $ $ $ $ Income ASSETS DCSI Grant 407,344 393,265 Current Assets SA Energy Consumer Advocacy 200,000 200,000 Cash and cash equivalents 744,181 1,222,565 Consumer Advocacy & Research 251,723 139,006 Accounts receivable and oher debtors 31,937 79,521 Tax Reform 137,918 115,610 Other current assets 1,339 Energy Consumer Australia 144,219 377,088 Other Grants 50,820 117,631 Total Current Assets 776,118 1,303,425 Member subscriptions 48,547 61,554 Research & Development 122,546 86,209 Non-Current Assets Conference & Sponsorship 97,922 59,184 Property, plant and equipment 1,758,211 834,702 Other Income 20,022 32,268 Total Income 1,480,971 1,581,814 Total Non-Current Assets 1,758,211 834,702

Expenses Total Assets 2,534,329 2,138,127 Conference Costs 57,641 102,519 Consultancy Fees 240,944 226,478 LIABILITIES Depreciation 13,784 9,410 Current Liabilities Employment 911,013 819,117 Accounts payable and other payables 89,375 48,326 Office Accommodation 30,659 31,756 Employee provisions 128,731 77,257 Computers & IT 12,253 10,846 Grants in Advance 152,715 404,838 Printing, postage and stationery 14,201 25,794 Insurance 12,528 9,073 Professional services 32,632 119,631 Total Current Liabilities 370,821 530,421 Reference materials 14,034 11,232 Travel and accommodation 98,379 125,209 Total Non-Current Liabilities 24,343 45,938 Equipment 5,590 5,789 Other 22,756 10,841 Total Liabilities 395,164 576,359 Loss on disposal of property 4,659 NET ASSETS 2,139,165 1,561,768 Total Expenses 1,471,073 1,507,695 EQUITY Net Current Year Surplus 9,898 74,119 Reserves 1,626,211 1,058,712 Retained surplus 512,954 503,056 Other comprehensive income - TOTAL EQUITY 2,139,165 1,561,768 Total comprehensive income for the year 9,898 74,119

54 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 55 Income

Energy & Water 595,852 Peak Body Role 407,344 ROOMS Other Income 240,490

Other grants 188,738 Memberships 48,547 FOR TOTAL 1,480,971 HIRE

MARJORIE BLACK COMMUNITY ROOM DAPHNE GUM ROOM

A flexible, pleasant space that seats approximately A small room that comfortably 60 theatre-style. Features include laptop, data seats 10 around a central table, with projector and screen, flat screen television, lectern, a fixed flat screen television and flip electronic whiteboard, flip chart easel, audio hearing easel chart. loop, trestle tables, kitchenette facilities including microwave, bar fridge and urn, fully accessible entry ramp and bathroom facilities.

Expenses

Employment 911,013

Professional Advice 273,576

Conferences 57,641

Building & Adminstration 107,708

Travel & Accomodation 98,379

Other 22,756 TOTAL 1,471,073

HIRER’S INFORMATION

These beautifully renovated rooms are located at the rear of the SACOSS premises at 47 King William Road, Unley. The venue is close to bus and tram stops and there is plenty of free parking available in the side streets. Room availability calendar, booking forms and terms and conditions are all available on our website at sacoss.org.au/room-hire For further enquiries or to request a time to see the rooms prior to booking, contact Gabrielle Bond (SACOSS Events Coordinator) on 8305 4224 or 0401 969 646, or email [email protected]

56 SACOSS 70TH ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 South Australian Council of Social Service Marjorie Black House 47 King William Road Unley, SA 5061 Australia t (08) 8305 4222 f (08) 8272 9500 e [email protected]

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