SANDAS, along with more than 50 community service sector organisations, has signed a SACOSS‑led Sector Statement calling on the major political parties to commit to an immediate funding boost for services, alongside improved longer‑term planning to account for rising costs.
The AOD sector, like the broader community services sector, is under increasing pressure due to the growing cost of service delivery. As outlined by SACOSS, “award wages, superannuation levies, and business costs such as rent and insurance have all increased by more than the government funding increases provided through indexation.” As members are aware, these rising costs cannot be passed on to clients. Combined with already tight operating margins, this makes it increasingly difficult for services to absorb cost increases without impacting sustainability or service delivery.
Our sector is calling on all major parties to commit to:
- An immediate funding boost to assist in covering cost increases over the past year; and
- Adoption of a new indexation formula to adequately cover future cost increases.
SANDAS will continue to advocate for fair and sustainable funding for the AOD sector and keep members updated as this advocacy progresses. Thank you to all members who continue to share your voice on what matters to you within the sector, this input directly informs and strengthens our advocacy.