VCOSS

Victoria needs to plan for a smart future

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Next year’s State Budget will be a battleground for families, as the Victorian Government looks to slash spending on services, warns a report from the Victorian Council of Social Service, released on the first anniversary of the State Government coming to power.

The report, Stronger People, Stronger State: A plan for a smart future, calls for the Government to commit to invest in families and respond to the challenges of an aging population.

‘The Coalition Government was elected 12 months ago on the strength of a series of promises – to look after families; to ease cost of living pressures; and to fix problems for people living in Melbourne’s growth corridors and rural and regional Victoria,’ said Cath Smith, VCOSS Chief Executive Officer.

‘This is how and why it got into office – it should also be its blueprint for the future.’

‘Services deliver help to families when it’s needed. That’s important, but it’s not the only reason they are essential – these services also create a stronger economy by creating stronger people.

‘Victoria’s economic strength rests on the skills and wellbeing of our workers, unlike other states who can simply dig up their mineral resources and sell them overseas.‘

‘This means that investing in people not only makes families and communities stronger, it is also an investment in a stronger future economy,’ said Ms Smith.

The report warns that failing to invest in services will not only send our economy backwards, it will also mean the Government will need to write a blank cheque in future budgets for prisons and hospital emergency beds.

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Top five problems to fix

• Children and families
  Victoria needs a plan that focuses on supporting families in need before they become families in crisis. In particular there is a need for more services in growth suburbs and in rural and regional Victoria.
• Early childhood development, education and skills
  Access to early education, like kindergarten, gives children the best possible start in life. Currently, too many vulnerable children are missing out.
• Transport
  Growth areas in regional Victoria and on Melbourne’s urban fringe are expanding rapidly and their booming populations are putting pressure on public transport services.
• Youth services
  Youth services keep young people on a positive path. But there are no services in many places – particularly the growth areas.
• Pay equity
  The Fair Work Australia decision on community sector pay will mean workers are paid more, which will require more funding to avoid cutbacks to services that support people.

These challenges call for a plan that develops the resource potential of all Victorians to create a stronger, smarter and more economically resilient future for the State and its people.

The report is available online: Stronger People, Stronger State: A plan for a smart future 

For more information, or to arrange an interview with Cath Smith contact John Kelly – M: 0418 127 153

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VCOSS
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