SUPPORTING COMMUNITY SERVICES TO DELIVER FOR VULNERABLE TASMANIANS
NIC STREET MP, Minister for Community Services and Development
The community sector is set to benefit from the 2023-24 Tasmanian Budget, which will ensure Tasmanians across the state can access the services they need, when they need them.
Minister for Community Services and Development, Nic Street, said the Rockliff Liberal Government is delivering the essential services Tasmanians need to improve the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
“We know cost-of-living pressures are being felt right across Australia, and in Tasmania we know household budgets are being stretched,” he said.
“In these circumstances, Neighbourhood Houses across the state have continued to provide vital assistance to Tasmanians who need help, connecting community members and service providers.”
It’s because of this that the Government is investing $2.4 million in the 2023-24 Tasmanian Budget towards Neighbourhood Houses, including:
- $1.75 million for Tasmania’s Neighbourhood Houses. Each of the Tasmanian houses in the Neighbourhood House network will receive an additional $50,000;
- $222,000 in extended core funding over three years for Phoenix Community House to provide access to essential services for the King Island community; and
- $435,000 in extended core funding over three years to continue Community Family Support Programs at Kentish House.
Additionally, we are investing $350,000 towards the extension of the Tasmanian Men’s Sheds Grants Program, through to 2025-26.
“This funding will help provide for tools and capital works, as well as initiatives that support the mental health and wellbeing at Men’s Sheds across the State,” Minister Street said.
The Rockliff Liberal Government acknowledges that Community Service Organisations (CSOs) servicing local communities are feeling the effects of rising costs on many aspects of their operations.
“That is why we are providing a $2.1 million community support assistance package to help ease pressures of rising costs of service delivery,” Minister Street said.
“We will work closely with the sector to determine how this money is invested to ensure it has the greatest impact.
“We are also committed to a comprehensive review of funding models for CSOs to ensure funding provides long-term certainty, has clear outcomes and adaptable service provision.”
The 2023-24 Tasmanian Budget also includes $120,000 to support the continuation of the Emergency Volunteering Community Response to Extreme Weather service over two years.
“This investment ensures the continued recruitment and support of volunteers in times of emergency, recognising the vital role they play in disaster management and supporting the community,” Minister Street said.
“We are continuing to deliver on our commitment to ensure all Tasmanians have access to healthy and nutritious food.
“On top of our $2 million investment in the recently launched Food Relief to Food Resilience Action Plan 2023-2025, this year’s Budget sets aside an additional $180,000 per year for three years to Gran’s Van, Loui’s Van and Mission Beat to serve our community.
“This Budget also invests $800,000 to ensure key community services and activities continue to be delivered, providing opportunities for our multicultural, LGBTIQ+ and older Tasmanians to be supported, valued, included and engaged in community life.
“In every region and community across Tasmania, we want to help people remain connected and supported, as well as resilient against cost-of-living pressures.
“This is a carefully considered Budget that prepares Tasmania for the future, and at the same time supports our most vulnerable.”