Community organisations are facing rising demand but having to cut services, according to new data from TasCOSS. It’s the unacceptable consequence of the Liberals’ failure to properly fund the sector.
81% of community organisations have reported increased demand without funding to keep up with it. It’s caused 60% of organisations to turn people away, and 48% to cut services in the last twelve months.
As Tasmanians continue to struggle to make ends meet in the cost-of-living crisis, they’re increasingly turning to community service organisations for help. But as those same organisations face rising demand, they aren’t immune from increasing costs themselves.
The Liberals have consistently underfunded the community services sector. But with community organisations facing rising demand and costs while not receiving additional funding, it’s meaning they’re having to turn Tasmanians in need away and cut services.
It’s a heart-wrenching reality, and it just isn’t good enough. Every Tasmanian who can’t put food on the table or access the basics should be able to get the help they need, when they need it.
Organisations like neighbourhood houses are relied on by the community, and if they can’t provide the services Tasmanians need, the consequences could be dire. Community service organisations and the Tasmanians who need them are paying the price the Liberals are failing to.
The Liberal Government needs to take the cost-of-living crisis seriously, including its impacts on community organisations and the Tasmanians they help. The Government must ensure community services get the funding they need so Tasmanians in need don’t fall through the cracks.
