News from SACOSS 6th August

Written on the 6 August 2020 by SAFCA

I am sharing 4 stories from the SACOSS weekly newsletter:

• New Closing the Gap agreement with 16 new targets to improve people's lives
• Homelessness Week highlights need to build social housing
• We've Got You: Help from the Energy Sector
• Back the Campaign to #RaiseTheRateForGood

New Closing the Gap agreement with 16 new targets to improve people's lives

The previous Closing the Gap strategy and targets, adopted in 2008 to close the gap of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage, is largely viewed as having failed. This strategy has been revised through a more participatory and collaborative approach, including the involvement of more than 4,000 people through a national network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, the Coalition of Peaks. The result is a commitment by all Australian governments Federal, state/territory and local to 16 targets, which were announced on 30th July.

The new agreement increases the involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in leading the implementation and in measuring progress. It also includes new accountability mechanisms to keep governments on track, and a commitment to address structural racism across government institutions. 

Homelessness Week highlights need to build social housing

Today marks the start of Homelessness Week. This year, SACOSS, AntiPoverty Week and other organisations are joining with Everybody's Home to call for repair to, and #buildsocialhousing. We can #endhomelessness #HW2020 - won't you join with us? Head here for more info. https://everybodyshome.com.au/

We've Got You: Help from the Energy Sector

The energy sector has come together to help keep Australia's power going and provide support to people and businesses impacted by COVID-19. This means energy retailers, with the backing of the rest of the industry, offer customers' assistance suited to their needs. For more info, go here.

Back the Campaign to #RaiseTheRateForGood

As we handle the COVID-19 health crisis and confront the economic crisis, more people than ever before will struggle to find paid work. There is currently only one job vacancy available for every 13 people on JobSeeker or Youth Allowance.

We need to Raise the Rate for Good so that everyone has enough to cover the basics of life, like a roof over head and food on the table. We can't turn back to $40 a day. We need a permanent and adequate increase that ensures people on JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and other income support payments can cover the basics they need, including housing.

To join in with this campaign, could you do the following:

• Write to or ring your local Member of Parliament. You can find out who your MP is here, by searching by postcode.
• E-mail or call the offices of Senator Anne Ruston, the Social Services Minister here, and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg here.

Not sure what to say? Here are some suggestions to help you get started.