Media release – TasCOSS, 19 April 2021
Tasmania’s community services peaks call for urgent action on jobs
Tasmania’s community services industry peak bodies* are calling for a commitment from all political leaders to partner with the industry to deliver the 4,000 new jobs needed to address increasing community demand by 2024.
TasCOSS CEO Ms Adrienne Picone said the community services industry is integral to Tasmania’s economic and social recovery from COVID-19 and the need for action to meet demand only continues to rise.
“A large number of Tasmanians accessed support and assistance for the first time in their lives during the height of COVID-19 and with the full effects of the pandemic yet to be felt, it’s vital we strengthen our community services industry now,” Ms Picone said.
“Without immediate action to boost the workforce delivering these vital support services, the current shortfall will see many more Tasmanians in vulnerable circumstances going without the support and services they need.
“When we currently have 14 Tasmanian job seekers for every advertised job — this also presents a significant opportunity to ensure we attract, recruit and train local people to fill these projected job openings.”
The Tasmanian community services industry peak bodies have prepared a joint statement seeking commitments from all candidates and parties to a range of initiatives to assist with delivering the 4,000 new jobs needed. Initiatives include, supporting the development of Coordination Group tasked with identifying and recommending funding for community led, placed-based recovery activities, along with the implementation of a minimum five-year funding model for community service organisations.
For more information, please refer to the Tasmanian Community Services Industry Joint Statement of 2021 State Election Priorities.
