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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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?

9. Questions?