The Australian Council of Social Service says the Government’s JobSeeker decision today comes as devastating news for people, it is a cut to their current income and is a measly $3.57 a day more than the brutal old Newstart rate.

Australian Council of Social Service CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said:

“This is a heartless betrayal of millions of people with the least, including hundreds of thousands of children, single parents, people with disability, older people, students, people dealing with illness and injury, and others relying on income support.

“Today, the Government has turned its back on those with the least, plunging people further into poverty. It’s a cruel decision that shows a complete lack of humanity and empathy. It comes as devastating news for so many and will have serious consequences for people’s lives, including homelessness and crushing debt.

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the courageous people on JobSeeker who have bravely shared their stories. Across the community sector, we are determined to continue working with people on JobSeeker, standing with them to continue to strongly advocate for what we know is right.”

Full media release here

The overwhelming majority of Australia’s top economists and housing experts agree Australian governments pay too little attention to housing system impacts on productivity and growth, according to a new survey.
In the UNSW City Futures Centre study, led by Honorary Professor Duncan Maclennan and
commissioned by the Housing Productivity Research Consortium formed by a group of private sector and non-profit stakeholders, 84 per cent of respondents agreed with the statement: Australian governments have paid too little attention to how housing outcomes also affect productivity and growth.

And 80 per cent agreed that: Rising mortgage debt poses an economic stability risk to Australia.

Full media release here

UNSW Report here

Leading social enterprise Junction has welcomed a new Board Chair.

Design thinker Rob DiMonte began in the role this week alongside Directors Trevor Cooke (Deputy Chair), Stephen Olsson, Pauline Rooney, Fairlie Delbridge and Richard Osborne. A former Managing Partner for Deloitte in South Australia (2001-2014), Mr DiMonte has more than 37 years consulting experience across both public and private sectors – and a passion for driving social and economic wellbeing. His appointment follows the passing earlier this year of Mike Canny who had held the position of Junction Chair for almost eight years.

Mr DiMonte recognised Mr Canny’s significant contribution to the governance and leadership of the organisation. “Junction is in a very positive position,” he said. “I am looking forward to supporting the organisation, our staff and all those we work with to thrive into the future. “I’d also like to thank Pauline Rooney who stepped up to take on the role of Chair over recent months. Pauline’s significant investment and steady hand has been critical across this period.”

For the full media release click here

CHIA would like to thank its members, Board members, stakeholders, plus all state and territory colleagues for their support in 2020 and wishes everyone a safe and peaceful holiday season.

The CHIA offices will close from midday on 24 December and reopen on Tuesday 5^th January 2021.

We look forward to working with you in 2021.

NSW Land Registry Services will be partnering with Homes for Homes in NSW to support the
creation of social and affordable housing.Homes for Homes, created by The Big Issue, operates on a voluntary promise that when a home
sells, 0.1% of the sale price will be donated to help increase the supply of social and affordable
housing for those in need in NSW.
NSW LRS will facilitate voluntary donations from NSW properties sold by registering caveats and
informing customers of the opportunity to donate.

Full media release here