Major Church Providers host successful Industry Issues Forum

Compulsory Widespread Income Management Will Not Address Disadvantage. 28 July

Major church groups seek action on community mental health. 21 July

Draft Child Protection Standards Welcome but Independent National Children's Commissioner Needed. 7 July

Time for Action on Gambling. 23 June

Vulnerable Australians miss out because of red tape. 31 May

Budget 2010: Election is now the best chance for the Government to deliver on its Social Inclusion Agenda. 11 May

Media Alert - Budget Night Contacts. 11 May

2010 Budget priorities for action. 10 May

Super Profits Tax should benefit all Australians. 10 May

UnitingCare Australia calls for Ministerial Taskforce following Henry Review. 2 May

COAG efforts on mental health welcome. 20 April

Introducing UnitingCare’s Child Protection Storyboard Project. 15 April

"What if Energy Prices Doubled?” – UnitingCare Australia to host energy forums. 9 April

National Compact can't be a hollow promise. 17 March

Introducing the Campaign for the Care of older Australians. 16 March

Major parties ignore evidence in decision to extend compulsory income management. 16 March

Three UnitingCare agencies named as Employers of Choice for Women. 8 March

UnitingCare Australia announces new National Director. 16 February

Major Church Providers host successful Industry Issues Forum

18 February 2010

The Major Church Providers’ (MCPs’) Community Services Industry Issues Forum was held on February 18, providing a shared opportunity to hear presentations on the pressing industry issues the sector is facing and to discuss potential impacts of taxation, industrial and wider sector reform on not-for-profit social services. There were about 100 people present, with a large proportion being UnitingCare Agency CEOs, management and Board members.

Productivity Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald presented on the key outcomes of his recent review of the contribution of the NFP sector and challenged Forum participants to be bold and proactive in policy debates, and to extend our leadership of a social justice agenda. Presentations were also given on the potential impacts of industrial reforms, via legislative changes and wage claims and the progress of the WIP workforce development project being led by The Salvation Army and involving the Anglicare, Catholic Social Services and UnitingCare networks.

Our own Joe Zabar presented on his leadership of advocacy on services sustainability and the specific issues we are addressing regarding tax reform, the FBT, and their impact on funding arrangements and workforce issues.

You can download and read his speech, Services Sustainability and Taxation, here. All the presentations from the Forum are available on our website here.