Government urged to invest in community sector IT or risk service delivery to disadvantaged Victorians
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The quality of assistance and support to disadvantaged Victorians into the 21st Century could suffer unless the Victorian Government invests in IT capacity for the community sector, says the Victorian Council of Social Service.
The warning comes as the findings of a three-year study into IT issues by VCOSS and Monash University are published in the ‘Doing IT Better’ report.
Chief Executive of VCOSS Cath Smith said, “Doing IT Better’ recommends that the Victorian Government invest in a Centre for IT Excellence in Community Services to help community service organisations with IT planning, IT training, information management and operational support. The report also urges provision for the full costs of essential IT infrastructure in funding agreements.”
“The project also demonstrates what can be achieved when universities partner with the community sector, and when researchers take a participatory approach”, Ms Smith said. “Engaging community organisations in the research process has really made a difference.”
Monash University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne said the Doing IT Better report confirmed the findings of a recent Productivity Commission report on the contribution of the non-profit sector.“The Productivity Commission’s report pointed to the importance of effective information and knowledge systems for the sector in both social and economics terms. The community sector has never been properly supported to do this, and the report launched today shows how it can be.”
The report is launched today by the Parliamentary Secretary for Treasury and Finance, Ms Fiona Richardson MLA at the Melbourne City Bowls Club, Flagstaff Gardens, at 11 am.
Following the launch, Monash University and VCOSS will sign a new agreement to continue to work together to facilitate IT student projects in community service organisations.
For more information, or to arrange an interview
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VCOSS
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