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Community Industry Group welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of a six month moratorium on evictions as a result financial distress from COVID-19, but cautioned that measures must be taken to ensure that both tenants and landlords are not left with crippling debts. “The moratorium will be incredibly reassuring for people who are struggling to meet their rental payments,” said Nicky Sloan, CEO of Community Industry Group. “People are feeling particularly anxious at the moment, and with concerns about further job losses and reduced income, some certainty about keeping a roof over their heads will provide a sense of calm in the face of overwhelming unease.” Community Industry Group are concerned, however, that the announcement comes without any supports such as rental subsidies or rent assistance. “The Prime Minister’s announcement was somewhat oblique as to how the moratorium will be implemented,” Ms Sloan added. “He has just asked tenants and landlords […]

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The second stage of the Federal Government’s Stimulus Package holds the first acknowledgement that the $40 a day paid to job seekers under the Newstart Allowance is insufficient to support a reasonable life. As part of the Package, Government will increase the Jobseeker Allowance (formerly known as Newstart), and the Youth Allowance Job Seeker payment, through the introduction of a temporary coronavirus supplement of $275 per week. Community Industry Group welcomed the announcement, but cautioned that the fight to increase Newstart and Youthstart is not over. The temporary payment, which will be paid to both existing and new recipients of the JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance jobseeker, as well as to recipients of Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit will only be in place for the next six months. “There is no doubt that effectively doubling Newstart and Youth Allowance for six months will make an enormous difference […]

The Department of Health are providing up-to-date and authoritative information and advice on COVID-19 for the health and aged care sector. The site also includes resources for health professionals, including aged care providers, pathology providers and healthcare managers. Click here for more information. Click here for a stop the spread poster from NSW Health to put up in your workplace or home.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) unsolicited proposals for bushfire affected providers Australia’s bushfires have been devastating for many and the Department of Health has advised they wish to recognise the ongoing effort of CHSP providers in assisting with the bushfire response and recovery in affected areas. The department is aware the bushfires may have significantly impacted providers’ ability to deliver CHSP services. As such, they would like to remind CHSP providers they may submit an unsolicited proposal for additional grant funding where the provision of services has been significantly impacted. This is for existing CHSP providers and services only and is not available for new services. CHSP providers may submit a business case outlining the following: • summary of how the bushfire has directly impacted CHSP service delivery • capacity for ongoing management of the funds • information about relevant service types • requested funding amount for the unsolicited proposal […]