"Over the past decade we've seen substantial cuts to services for disadvantaged people as governments have failed to meet the burden of increasing costs of insurance, workers compensation and other overheads. One of the major tests for parties contesting the election will be what they are prepared to do to ensure the viability of the community sector, for the benefit of all communities.

"The lack of new funding to meet changing needs, particularly in regional areas, is also likely to be a major issue of discussion. Many regional areas are experiencing rapid changes in their populations and their local economies, yet governments are doing little to help communities to plan for these changes.

"Forward planning of services is also needed to meet the needs of an expanding population in Sydney. While new release areas continue to be announced within and around Sydney, there is no forward planning of community services."

The State We're In conference will be addressed at 9.30 am by Associate Professor Christopher Shiel (author of the State of the States report), Ian Henderson (economics reporter, ABC Radio), Jeanne Townsend (Aboriginal speaker) and Rev Harry Herbert (Chair, Social Justice Reference Group).