Social inclusion Can we advance funding and quality service provision through the new agenda?

Social Inclusion New platform for the ALP Draw on the UK and Ireland approaches in particular Definition – Gillard “to be socially included, all Australians must be given the opportunity to : -Secure a job; -Access services -Connect with others through family friends work, personal interests and local community; -Deal with personal crisis – ill health, bereavement -Have their voice heard”

Principles “cooperation between the Commonwealth, States and not for profit sector” “an investment strategy to join social and economic policy…to benefit both” “bottom up not top down measures to tackle disadvantage” “Place-based – bring together CW, State and local funds” Vinson research Target-focused

Focus areas Education – school completion, universal pre-school education Employment – long term unemployed and people with disability and mental illness Homelessness – reduce wait list, build new homes Rental and home affordability Health – dental, health reform

Community sector? “The non profit sector is best placed to promote social inclusion” - Ursula Stephens –“in close contact with excluded communities” –Ensure ‘missing voices’ are heard and “excluded groups are mobilised to claim frights that are theirs as citizens” A Compact with the not for profit sector Advocacy – back in funding agreements

How do we ensure workforce development issues are central to the debate on social inclusion?

Industry at a cross roads Massive expansion of the non government social and community services sector due to contracting out by government and de- institutionalisation Increased accountability measures and administrative burden Wages in comparable sectors outstrip industry workers Lack of a professional identity inhibit education opportunities and career paths

Attracting and retaining staff “Crisis” Peak groups – eg ACOSS, ACSA, Family Services Association, National Disability Services Employers Union survey of workforce – 50 % of workers not committed to working in the industry in 5 years time

Skills, education and training “Skills atrophy trajectory” – John Buchanan, University of Sydney Minimal funding for/investment in education and training No minimum qualifications for the industry No state/national coordinated industry planning processes (NSW well behind)

Career opportunities No portability of conditions of employment Lack of career paths within and between organisations Few programs for exchange, transfer, mentoring and leadership development

Identity Visibility – we remain an relatively invisible workforce Valuing ourselves for the work we do Professionalism – recognising a greater link to quality care Promoting the value of the sector within certain professions – not ‘2 nd rate’

Hope in the new context Energy for a new federal government Social inclusion – driving a ‘fresh’ look at old issues Wall-to-wall Labour – greater hope for cooperation around funding issues

How to drive an agenda to address the crisis? Fundamental issue- greater funding Target- governments We must be: Unified Focused Organised

CARE – Community Advocacy Respect Equity Quality service delivery A highly skilled workforce Wages and working conditions that truly reflect the value of the work we do Workplace Safety Access to and recognition for education and professional development

3 key areas Funding Workforce education and development Wage parity

Campaign Plan – Build New Standards ASU Survey Forums/discussions – workplaces, regions, sector-specific Reaching agreement with peaks and employers ASU members endorse the New Standards

Campaign Plan – Build a CARE Alliance Employers, peaks, union, carer/client groups Research, lobby, coordinate, focus A partnership

Campaign Plan – Build our own power Become an organised workforce – look to history Grow the union in our workplaces Grow our union in our regions and in our industry groups

How to begin? ASU Survey – on line Begin the debate about our New Standards – in your workplace, region, amongst CLCs Ask people to join the union Set up a local CARE Campaign group in your area (or work through your ASU sub-branch) What evidence/research is need to assist our claim – how can CLCs help? How can you help build the momentum?