Community Relief and Resilience Forum WACOSS update Community Relief and Resilience Forum Chris Twomey July 2017

Overview Key WA Labor election promises Whole of Govt changes, Dept mergers.. WACOSS engagement & advocacy Service Priority Review Rising household fees and charges HUGS and Financial Counselling changes State budget ‘savage’ (… but ‘fair’?) Discussion = OUR reform priorities? Pre-Budget Submission

Key Labor promises Work with sector to breakdown barriers Streamline procurement processes Improve funding security Trial less competitive models A framework to measure outcomes Produce a biennial Our Communities Report Minister for Family and Domestic Violence and legislative reforms Additional crisis accommodation places End the time limit on victims of sexual abuse A system to report abuse in the disability sector Target 120 State-wide Meth Action Plan

WACOSS Pillars Whole of Govt reform in partnership with sector Cross-government and cross-disciplinary service integration Trial place-based service integration Outcomes focus / frameworks Progress data linkage Early intervention Human services workforce strategy to meet projected need Transition strategy to ensure continuity of essential community services

Services Priority Review Three themes – customer focus; workforce; systems and processes Cultural change in public sector = more ‘innovative,’ collaborative, less risk averse Build a public sector focused on community needs and open to new ways of working Co-design, co-production and co-evaluation of services Joined-up, flexible and responsive services

Economic Regulation Authority Independent statutory body ensures essential services delivered efficiently Regulatory – licenses, distribution, monitoring behaviour and review No (direct) role in setting prices Consumer Guides (energy & water) Provider Codes of Conduct Electricity, Gas and Water Review Boards ERACCC = WACOSS rep

HH Fees and Charges 1 July = $438 for Representative HH $169 (fixed) Electricity charge 6% Water, sewerage and drainage 1.8% public transport 2.8% motor ins. 1.7% DLs 5.5% vehicle Energy Asst Payment to $300 (+$66) HUGs up to $581 / ($962 North) Requires FC if no concession ($1.1m) ** Seniors capped $100/ea. LG/water

Budget and PBS State Budget = 8 September WACOSS Briefing = 9 September No more increases fees and charges Indications ‘savage’ cuts Advocacy = ‘no budget repair on the backs of the most vulnerable’ ‘preserve essential services & supports’ Cost of Living research … ideas? PBS due 31 October … OUR priorities?

Questions?