Dear *|FNAME|*,

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we have been working hard to make sure the community services sector is represented to State Government - especially through the Department of Communities Taskforces. We convened meetings of peak bodies in WA, which were upped to weekly at the height of the crisis, to ensure we are working across sector and collaborating and working with stakeholders on cohesive asks. We also increased our communication to the sector in WA, to make sure you were up-to-date with everything we were doing, and could

Crises have a disproportionate impact on people on the lowest incomes, and for people thrown into poverty due to this crisis, or for those in WA already living in poverty, it makes it substantially more difficult to cope, adapt, and recover.

Our recovery out of COVID-19 is imperative, and we shared with you last week State One Recovery documents that outlines some of the recovery recommendations we will be taking to the State Government over coming weeks and months.  But in our immediate future, I want to say thank you. Thank you to all of the organisations, services, staff members, support workers, on-the-ground support who have been working tirelessly and with often very few resources to do so, for the people in our communities doing it incredibly tough.

Yours sincerely,

Louise Giolitto
Chief Executive Officer

COVID-19 Update #33

The Australian Council of Social Service has released the results of a national JobSeeker survey, with 9 out of 10 respondents reporting that the removal of the new JobSeeker rate would have a significant or extreme impact on their ability to cover the cost of essentials.

The Family and Domestic Violence Taskforce has provided a Communique update as of Wednesday 24 June.

The COVID-19 Lotterywest Relief Fund has provided a $50.000 grant to the Lucy Saw Centre, which will support women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.

Strong Spirit Strong Mind has culturally appropriate resources for Aboriginal communities, on topics of social distancing, Coronavirus, and good hygiene practices.

WACOSS Submission for the Review of the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA)

In a submission to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (Consumer Protection Division), WACOSS has endorsed the Make Renting Fair WA Alliance submission, and urged for the following 10 Key Recommendations to be introduced:

1. End unfair evictions.
2. Allow reasonable modifications.
3. Create minimum standards, including for climate appropriate housing.
4. Stabilise rent increases.
5. Include boarders and lodgers.
6. Allow pets
7. Quick, fair and consistent dispute resolution.
8. Provide a better deal for public housing tenants.
9. Increase access to tenant advocacy and information.
10. Greater protections for tenants’ privacy.

Everyone has the right to have access to safe, secure and affordable shelter, which is essential for people to be able to fully engage in our community. The landlord/tenant relationship is an inherently inequitable one, which is compounded by the disempowerment of renters under the current legislation. Read the full submission on the WACOSS website.

WA Industrial Relations Commission State Wage Decision

The Industrial Relations Commission has handed down it's State Wage Decision, increasing the State Minimum Wage and award rates of pay in the State industrial relations system by 1.75%, or to $760 per week. The increase however, will be delayed until after 1 January 2020 - which is disappointing - with the Commission citing the high level of uncertainty resulting from COVID-19. Read the WACOSS State Wage Case Submission.

MercyCare launches Amber Youth Wellness

MercyCare’s new youth mental health outreach service - Amber Youth Wellness - is now up and running, providing free specialist mental health support to young people in Perth’s northern suburbs. The service is aimed at people aged 12-25 years old who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health needs or facing complex life challenges. It is designed to help those looking for support to function better and improve their mental wellness and relationships. This service will complement MercyCare’s existing youth and accommodation services. “We know from the young people we work with that accessing timely mental health support is one of the biggest challenges they face,” MercyCare Manager Youth Services Nikki Peapell said. Amber Youth Wellness is currently working with an initial group and will open for referrals during August.

Make Smoking History 'From Every Quitter' campaign returns

In the advertisement, a diverse group of twelve Western Australians who had stopped smoking or were attempting to quit are asking their family and friends to not smoke around them. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this message is particularly important with people spending more time at home. For more tips visit: makesmokinghistory.tips

Anti-Poverty Week 11-17 October 2020

Anti-Poverty Week is starting early this year with a focus on Raising the Rate For Good ahead of impending decisions on JobSeeker expected on Thursday 23 July. Raise the Rate for Good social media tiles are available in the Promotional Kit - feel free to send the link to your networks to use too. As well as raising the rate for good, we will also focus on affordable housing, partnering with the Everybody’s Home campaign in the run up to the Federal Budget. David Cain, Executive Director from Communicare and Greg Hebble, CEO of Foodbank WA are Co-Chairs on this year's Anti-Poverty Week 2020 WA committee.