As everyone knows, there will be an election in NSW on 26 March, 2011. All of the polling suggests that there will be a change of government with the only debate being how big the majority will be. Regardless, with so many current MPs announcing their retirement there will be many new politicians across all parties next March.

NCOSS has spent much of the past 12 months advocating for what we see as priorities for all politicians to contribute in a real and meaningful way to a fairer, more just and sustainable society. These priorities are outlined in our election platform, Vote 1 Fairness in NSW where we call for a range of measures that will make a real difference for the most vulnerable, marginalised and disadvantaged people in our communities. As we have noted before, many of these measures are not new. They are matters we continue to raise because of a lack of action and therefore progress over many years. While we will advocate strongly for these measures to be adopted by all political parties in the lead up to the election, as a sector we will also need to continue to work together to see these measures implemented by whoever forms Government in March.

So, in light of that, what does NCOSS believe the sector’s priorities should be for an incoming Government?

1. The need to improve “whole of government” processes so that there is shared commitment, clear responsibility for particular elements and greater clarity in reporting about budgets and outcomes for the entire project as well as individual elements. This is particularly important for Keep Them Safe and the Homelessness Action Plan to ensure that important progress continues.
2. Recognition of important gaps in service delivery and support that undermine the capacity of people to access other services and to improve their overall wellbeing and opportunities. Affordable housing, oral health services, transport and mental health are just some of the services and support that could make a huge difference with proper investment by Government.
3. The need to seriously address the link between poverty and contact with the justice system. Way too many people, especially young people and those with mental illness or intellectual disability, are incarcerated when other options would provide more effective (and cheaper) alternatives. Likewise the impact of violence and other crimes are felt disproportionately by those with fewer resources at their disposal.
4. The need to use an “investment” approach to social and human services rather than the traditional “cost” basis. This would recognise that value for money is not about the cheapest way to do things but the most effective way and that the issues we are seeking to address will not be resolved in short time frames.
5. The need to involve the sector in discussing and developing policy and programs to meet the challenges facing the people of NSW in a more coherent and consistent way that recognises our expertise and our diversity.

Another significant priority that underpins all of these issues is the implementation of whatever is awarded in the current Equal Pay Case. The case will continue with hearings scheduled until late April and a decision expected midyear. There is no doubt that historical funding approaches to the work of the sector, by governments, have contributed to difficulties in attracting and retaining the skilled staff that are essential for the work we do. Governments, in providing funding for essential social and human services have a clear responsibility to ensure that this funding adequately covers the true costs of providing that service, including providing fair and equitable pay and conditions to the workers who deal with the most vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalised people and communities.

Governments need to realise that the advantage of the sector is that we are good at what we do, not that we are cheaper. Funding fair and proper wages for highly skilled and dedicated staff is an investment in better outcomes for people and communities and provides the best value for money for Government. That, together with adopting the priorities set out in Vote 1 Fairness in NSW, will provide a great foundation for a fairer NSW.

For more on Vote 1 Fairness in NSW: ncoss.org.au/vote1fairness
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