Page 156 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 10 December 2008
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Considering my family background, it is, therefore, not a big surprise that I was drawn to study politics at the ANU and then embarked on a 25-year career in the community sector, working for organisations that supported the unemployed, homeless, young and vulnerable and advocating for their rights, a fair go and appropriate and responsive services. I was privileged to be part of the lives of so many individuals and families who showed strength and courage in the face of hardship and tough times. It was these people that gave me tremendous insight into what they saw as the problems and solutions, as well as gave me their permission to tell their stories in order to effect change and improve the lives of so many others who followed after.
I was also fortunate to work with so many dedicated and talented people who make up the community sector’s workforce as both paid and voluntary workers. The role of this sector is absolutely vital if we are to live in a place that values and cares for all regardless of background or circumstances, that encourages all, particularly our children, to reach their potential and provides a lively, engaging and inclusive society.
This sector is under tremendous pressure for a number of reasons, including increasing demand for services that it cannot meet, rising costs and expectations that it can and should deliver services with less, and low wages that make attracting and retaining staff more and more difficult.
As the global economic crisis hits locally there is an additional impact on many organisations’ ability to meet the needs of more and more individuals and families who need their services. Times are tough everywhere and the ACT is no exception. One in 10 people in our community are experiencing financial hardship and we have to ensure that the organisations that support those in need are in turn given the resources that are essential if they are to respond to the requests they receive.
I am, therefore, committed during this term to getting a better deal for my community sector colleagues and the organisations they work for. The first step in this work will be a review of all community sector contracts over the next 18 months as part of the Greens-ALP agreement. This process will be started in the new year. It is my firm view that this review is about strengthening the sector by ensuring good working conditions, addressing poor wages and having a level of service delivery commensurate with the level of funding. It is not and should not be pursued as a cost-cutting exercise. I will be taking a keen interest in this review and look forward to regular updates and briefings from Minister Katy Gallagher.
There are many serious issues that face us as a community and they need serious attention and solutions. The ACT Greens have a comprehensive list of policies covering issues such as the environment, business, education, health and housing, older people, transport, carers—and the list goes on. I and my Greens colleagues are ready to champion these policies and by doing so tackle the challenges ahead.
As part of a dynamic Greens crossbench there are many issues I will be working to achieve as well as scrutinising the government’s record and performance. Some of these issues include a comprehensive and workable health system with services from the hospital to community-based health services and preventative health programs; an education system that provides our children, young people and mature age students
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