Community Sector Unites in Response to the State Budget

The Tasmanian Community Sector Peaks Network [Peaks Network] welcomes prioritisation of Health, Education and Employment in the State Budget measures announced yesterday and is keen to continue to progress these and other measures.

The Peaks Network (representing more than 350 community service providers) has united in its response to the State Budget for 2016-17 to highlight the urgency and importance of these areas being addressed and adequately funded by all levels of government.

Peaks Network Chair, Connie Digolis, said the move was bolstered by the desire for the community sector to highlight where plans for reform intersect and to demonstrate to government that all areas of our community must work together to create a strong, resilient and sustainable Tasmania.

Ms Digolis said the Peaks Network vision is of a Tasmania where:  All Tasmanian children have access to affordable and responsive education from the early years through to Year 12 in their communities.  Preventative health strategies are adequately funded and integrated across all ages and areas of life.  All Tasmanians can find and get to meaningful employment opportunities.

Ms Digolis said a key to achieving this vision was support from Government during a time of unprecedented marketisation and fast-paced reform of community services.
“The sheer scale of reform needed in Tasmania across so many areas of the community sector serves to demonstrate that we need real and sustained investment to ensure change is possible and provides attainable outcomes,” Ms Digolis said.

“Tasmanians deserve action and results so we are healthier, have access to a broad range of education and training and experience improving unemployment rates State-wide.”

“The Peaks Network want a clear vision that includes and supports all Tasmanians and we want the resources and investment into the community sector in order to achieve that vision.”

The Tasmanian Community Sector Peaks network of Tasmania comprises of peak organisations representing over 350 service providers and covering a broad spectrum of not-for-profit community organisations. The community sector as a whole employs over 11,000 Tasmanians and attracts at least $300 million in combined private, State and Commonwealth investment
Kym Goodes, CEO, TasCOSS, Connie Digolis, Chair, Peaks Network