Pre-Budget Submission - NSW Government 2020-21 Budget - Uniting
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Pre-Budget Submission. NSW Government 2020-21 Budget
We would like to thank Uniting (NSW.ACT) staff who participated in consultations and made other valuable contributions to this submission. October 2019 © 2019 Uniting (NSW.ACT) PO Box 7137, Silverwater NSW 2128 www.uniting.org Prepared by: Toni Beauchamp, Principal Policy Officer Rosemary Evans, Principal Policy Officer Dr Tom McClean, Research and Social Policy Lead Contact for further information: Dr Tom McClean Research and Social Policy Lead 0448 688 138 tmcclean@uniting.org
Contents.
A message from the Executive Director. 4
About Uniting. 6
Introduction. 9
Summary of recommendations. 10
Fair treatment for people with drug-related issues. 13
Create affordable, secure housing and reduce homelessness. 23
Improve life chances for young people leaving out-of-home care. 31
Strengthen support for vulnerable children, young people and families. 37
Endnotes. 42
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 3
A message from the
Executive Director.
We provide care and society and beyond. We affirm
support for people through the rights of all people to equal
all ages and stages of life, educational opportunities,
with a focus on people adequate health care, freedom
experiencing disadvantage of speech, employment or
and vulnerability. Our purpose dignity in unemployment if work
is to inspire people, enliven is not available. We will oppose
communities and confront all forms of discrimination
injustice. which infringe basic rights and
freedoms.
Every year, we work with
over 85,000 people, many of In publishing this document,
whom are among the most we are continuing to live out
disadvantaged and vulnerable that founding commitment.
Uniting is responsible in NSW. We provide early
for the social justice, learning, family support, My colleagues on the Uniting
disability services, aged care Executive, together with
community services and services for people at risk our Board, join with me in
and chaplaincy work of homelessness. Alongside endorsing the policy priorities
our direct service provision, set out in our Pre-Budget
of the Uniting Church we are committed to speaking Submission and in affirming
in NSW and the ACT. up for changes needed to our desire to work with the
improve the lives of people Government to improve
experiencing poverty and the lives of people and
disadvantage. communities in NSW.
Beneath the diversity of our
services and the issues we
raise in our Submission lies
a single foundation, first Tracey Burton
expressed in the founding
Executive Director/CEO
statement of the Church:
Uniting NSW.ACT
We pledge ourselves to seek
the correction of injustices
wherever they occur. We will
work for the eradication of
poverty and racism within our
4 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 5
About Uniting.
Uniting is one of the largest not-for-profit community service
providers in NSW and the ACT and provides services for
vulnerable children, young people and families, early learning,
aged care and programs for people with disability.
Our child and family services Our aged care services
Uniting provides a range of services to Uniting provides a range of residential aged
disadvantaged children, young people and care options, including ‘ageing in place’ (which
families in NSW and the ACT. Our programs enables residents to remain in the same
span prevention and early intervention, intensive service as their care needs change), dementia
family preservation and restoration, out-of-home specific care, respite and transitional care.
care (OOHC) and aftercare, family counselling We also provide independent living, in-home
and mediation, and accommodation and support care, Healthy Living for Seniors programs and
for young people experiencing homelessness. Seniors Gyms.
Uniting also provides 56 early learning services As a large provider of aged care services,
across NSW and the ACT. These services include Uniting has been focused this year on the
Long Day Care, Preschool, Occasional Care and Commonwealth Royal Commission into Aged
Outside School Hours Care that support over Care Quality and Safety. As the latest in a
4,500 children. series of inquiries into aged care, there is no
lack of diagnosis regarding the challenges
We are proud of our history as innovators, as the sector faces, or of potential solutions
well as providers of quality care. We deliver to those challenges. The lack of progress to
the Newpin program in eight locations in NSW. implement those solutions reflects an inherent
Newpin is an intensive restoration program and ingrained ageism in our society, where the
that works with families under stress to break rights and dignity of older people are simply
the cycle of destructive family behaviour and not a priority.
enhance parent-child relationships. Newpin
was selected to trial the use of Social Benefit The aged care model needs to be reset so older
Bonds (SBB) in NSW, and 328 children have been Australians receive the right mix of care and
successfully restored to their birth families in the support, at the right time, in the setting they
past six years. The program has also supported choose. We know we will have achieved this
an additional 55 families in preventing their goal when consumer choice drives supply, there
children entering care. is greater home-based care, there is greater
innovation that promotes improved health
We are also currently working with the NSW and wellbeing, we have a skilled and fairly paid
Government, in partnership with St George workforce, and we have a viable sector through
Community Housing and Social Ventures Australia, an appropriate mix of government funding and
to develop Foyer Central for young people leaving consumer contributions.
care. Other examples of our innovation work are
outlined throughout this submission.
6 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget
Our disability services Our work with Aboriginal people and
communities
Uniting is a proud provider of disability services
that focus on enabling people with disability, and As a mainstream organisation, we are strongly
their families, to participate in their communities. committed to working collaboratively
Our services provide accommodation support, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
assistance with employment and education, communities, and to walking respectfully
financial support, respite care and crisis support. alongside them as they seek fairness and justice.
Our Aboriginal Services and Development Unit
The Commonwealth Royal Commission into has an important leadership role in ensuring
Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of our programs are accessible to, and culturally
People with Disability will also shine a spotlight appropriate for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait
on the disability sector in coming months. Islander peoples.
Despite developments in legislation to protect
people living with vulnerabilities, neglect and
abuse still occurs, and far too often. This again
is rooted in society’s implicit acceptance that
people who experience vulnerabilities are of
lesser importance, as well as our discomfort
in facing up to the vulnerability of the human
experience. It is also linked to the fact that market
and regulation drivers do not deliver equally for
people living with vulnerabilities. Uniting hopes
the Royal Commission will create a pathway to
reform that delivers for people with disability and
their families.
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 7
8 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget
Introduction.
In preparing this Pre-Budget Submission we draw on our
expertise and experience in delivering the social justice,
community services and chaplaincy work of the NSW and
ACT Synod of the Uniting Church. We identify key priorities
for Government investment to support disadvantaged
people and communities.
Through the course of our work and in We have also identified several overarching
consultation with our staff, we have identified principles that should shape the development
areas where the current service system is not of policies to address the needs of disadvantaged
working well for disadvantaged people. families and communities:
Our Submission outlines achievable solutions
to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable and • providing timely and early support
disadvantaged people. These focus on: to prevent issues from escalating
(and reduce the need for more intensive
• improving the health and wellbeing of and costly services at a later point)
people with drug-related issues
• ensuring integrated service responses for
• creating affordable, secure housing and individuals and families who need multiple
reducing homelessness services such as housing, drug treatment,
mental health and family support, and
• improving the life chances of young
people leaving OOHC, and • strong focus on workforce development,
particularly in the child and family and
• strengthening support for vulnerable alcohol and other drug treatment sectors.
children, young people and families.
As well as providing essential support for
A serious commitment to addressing the disadvantaged people, Government investment
entrenched disadvantage experienced by in social services and infrastructure benefits the
Aboriginal communities should be a key priority entire community. For example, when homeless
for any government. Targeted strategies are people obtain stable accommodation they
required across each of our Budget focus areas, require less healthcare and are less likely to be
shaped in partnership and with strong voice of involved in crime (as victims and perpetrators).
Aboriginal communities. They are also more likely to reconnect with
education and employment.1 With the economy
slowing, public investment in social housing is
also a cost-effective way to boost growth in jobs.2
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 9
Summary of
recommendations.
Fair treatment for people with Create affordable, secure housing
drug-related issues and reduce homelessness
1. Hold a drug reform summit, bringing together 7. Provide 5,000 additional social housing
politicians, drug treatment experts, health dwellings as part of a long-term plan to
services and people with lived experience of increase social housing stock. This should
drug-related issues. include a focus on increasing the stock
2. Establish a state-wide, needs-based planning of Aboriginal community housing. One
process in line with the recommendation of option for financing this investment is to
the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Provision hypothecate (pledge) a proportion of stamp
of Drug Rehabilitation Services in Rural, duty revenue for this purpose.
Regional and Remote NSW. 8. Work in partnership with Uniting to co-fund
3. Increase investment by $200 million per year a trial and evaluation of a state-wide seniors
for alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment housing information and support service.
services, especially in rural and regional areas: The estimated cost of the service is $1.2m
per year over five years.
a. including services suitable for
women with children, young people 9. Improve access of older people to social and
and Aboriginal people affordable housing by:
b. providing a range of treatment a. lowering the qualifying age for priority
options including residential and social housing to 55 years
non-residential services b. increasing supply of social and affordable
c. including investment in workforce housing tailored to the needs of older
capability. people in terms of design, location
and size (including stock suitable for
4. Establish a rehabilitation service in Dubbo in single people).
partnership with the Dubbo Regional Council
and the local Aboriginal community. The 10. Expand funding for programs which provide
estimated capital cost is $5 million and the longer-term transitional housing and support
annual operational cost is $2.7 million, for for vulnerable young people with complex
a facility with 15 residential beds and eight needs. This should include a focus on ensuring
detoxification beds. that young people leaving OOHC or juvenile
justice do not exit into homelessness.
5. Establish a centre-based AOD Recovery
program for young people in Lismore and the 11. Legislate to replace ‘no grounds’ evictions
Central Coast. The estimated cost for each with agreed reasonable grounds.
service is $2.1 million per year.
6. Fund a front-of-house drug safety checking
trial that consists of:
a. one three-day festival based mobile
testing service, and
b. one 12-week fixed site community-based
testing service, at a total cost of $300,000.
10 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 BudgetImproving life chances for young people Strengthen support for vulnerable children,
leaving out-of-home care young people and families
12. Invest $18,000 per young person each year 15. New initiatives under Their Futures Matters
to support a continuation of care to age 21 should be funded through increased overall
(state-wide $60 million over 4 years). expenditure rather than cutting funding for
13. In addition to allowing young people to existing initiatives. Savings should be realised
remain in care, provide coaching to support over time in a manner consistent with the
their development to adulthood from age 15 evidence on the impact of and savings from
to 21. This is a critical element of Uniting’s new programs.
Extended Care pilot which helps young people 16. Increase transparency by providing additional
turn their interests and strengths into positive information in the Budget Papers regarding
housing, education, employment and health expenditure on major categories of activity
outcomes. Cost: $10,000 per young person (e.g. early intervention, intensive family
per year (state-wide $72 million over 4 years). preservation and restoration, OOHC, systemic
14. Establish a working party of NGOs and capability and cohort-specific investments),
Government to progress a state-wide roll and change over time in these categories.
out of extended care, drawing on the findings 17. Maintain commitment to transparency by
and implementation experience from publishing the results of further research,
Uniting’s pilot. and indicating well in advance the funding
to be allocated to investment in improving
outcomes for each cohort.
18. Develop and implement a workforce strategy
for the child and family sector resourced
through the establishment of a dedicated
child and family sector industry development
fund (as exists in other sectors undergoing
change and innovation). The workforce
strategy should include a strong focus on
recruitment, retention and development of
Aboriginal staff and those working in rural
and remote areas.
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 1112 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget
Fair treatment
for people with
drug-related issues.
Snapshot
• Uniting’s experience in running the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre over the
past 17 years gives us unique insight into the challenges faced by people with drug
dependency issues.
• Drug-related issues should be treated as primarily a health issue and treated like any
other chronic condition.
• Urgent action is needed to address historical underinvestment in treatment services.
There is a chronic shortage of rehabilitation services in regional and rural areas.
• Uniting is particularly concerned about the lack of residential facilities for women with
children, which means that children are at risk of being removed from their parents’
care and placed in OOHC.
• Drug treatment represents a good investment – it is cost effective and has many
positive benefits for people with drug-related issues, their families and the community.
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 13Uniting believes that drug policy should be evidence-based,
compassionate and treat all people with dignity and respect.
We support better access to drug treatment and harm reduction
services and removal of criminal sanctions for personal use
and possession of small quantities of drugs.
These issues are better dealt with using a health Treat harmful drug use as a health issue
and safety approach, not a criminal one. We
Drug-related issues should be recognised as
want to see a society where everyone who needs
primarily a health issue and treated like any
treatment and support gets it, people are not
other chronic health condition. This is one
arrested or penalised for being unwell, and no
of the foundation concepts behind the Fair
one dies through drug use.
Treatment campaign that Uniting is leading.
Uniting’s Medically Supervised Injecting Centre Drug-related problems are often linked to
complex social circumstances including trauma,
In January 1999, a Sunday newspaper
child abuse, poor mental health and social
photograph of a teenage boy injecting himself
disadvantage. Effective responses to harmful
in Redfern shocked the state and precipitated
drug use must address these underlying causes.
a Drug Summit in the NSW Parliament, which
Current approaches which focus on policing and
led to the creation of the Uniting Medically
imprisoning people who use illicit drugs increase
Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC). Uniting MSIC
stigma and create barriers to people seeking
was the first of its kind in the English-speaking
treatment.
world, and until recently the only one in the
Southern Hemisphere. Research shows that there are a range of positive
outcomes from AOD treatment including:
Uniting MSIC offers a practical and
compassionate response to people who inject • reduced use of alcohol and other drugs
drugs, by minimising the associated harm until
• improved health and psychological wellbeing
the person is ready and able to address their
issues. At Uniting MSIC, qualified staff supervise • reduced instances of child abuse and neglect
drug injecting that would otherwise happen and removal of children into state care
elsewhere; often in public, and under more • reduced crime rates and imprisonment, and
dangerous conditions. There is immediate access
to emergency medical care on-site in the event • improved employment outcomes.3
of an overdose or other health issue. Uniting Investment in drug treatment is highly cost
MSIC also provides a gateway to treatment and effective – for every $1 spent on treatment, the
counselling. government saves $7.4 By refocusing the system
Our experience in running Uniting MSIC over on helping people with drug-related issues we
the past 17 years gives us unique insight into can save lives, save money and redirect law
the challenges faced by people with drug enforcement resources to areas of greater need.
dependency issues. Our other services also
expose us to people with drug-related issues
Recommendation 1
and the urgent need for Government action
to improve access to treatment. Hold a drug reform summit, bringing together
politicians, drug treatment experts, health
services and people with lived experience of
drug-related issues.
14 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 BudgetExpand treatment options Uniting supports a staged approach to address
Every year more than 200,000 Australians are historical underinvestment in AOD treatment:
unable to access AOD treatment because there • immediate funding of new AOD treatment
are not enough services available.5 Modelling services in high need rural and regional areas.
conducted for the Network of Alcohol and As outlined in the snapshots of treatment
Other Drug Agencies estimates that we need need below, Uniting has identified several
approximately double the existing number of examples of high-need rural areas.
residential rehabilitation and detoxification beds
• development of a state-wide needs-
to meet the level of need in NSW.6 There are
based planning process, in line with the
similar gaps in availability of non-residential
recommendation of the Parliamentary Inquiry
options such as community-based day treatment.
into the Provision of Drug Rehabilitation
As the 2018 Parliamentary Inquiry into the Services in Rural, Regional and Remote NSW.
Provision of Drug Rehabilitation Services in The planning process should include both
Rural, Regional and Remote NSW found, there residential and non-residential services and
is a chronic shortage of detoxification and address the needs of specific population
rehabilitation services in regional and rural groups such as women with children.
areas.7 Too many people are facing long waiting
times in accessing AOD treatment. The need
for more services is clear when the waiting list Recommendation 2
for residential rehabilitation can extend to six
months (see, for example, Lismore snapshot on Establish a state-wide, needs-based planning
page 18). These delays lead to greater harm and process in line with the recommendation of
increased costs for the health and criminal justice the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Provision of
systems. Also, the window of opportunity when Drug Rehabilitation Services in Rural, Regional
people are motivated to seek help may be lost. and Remote NSW.
Long travel distances to access treatment may Recommendation 3
also be a barrier to treatment – for example, Increase investment by $200 million per year
the nearest rehabilitation service in Broken Hill for alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment
is well over 300 kilometres away.8 Regional and services, especially in rural and regional areas:
rural New South Wales also has a higher rate of
a. including services suitable for
unintentional drug-induced deaths than Greater
women with children, young people
Sydney – with 8.8 deaths per 100,000 population
and Aboriginal people
in regional and rural NSW in 2017 compared to
6.6 in Sydney.9 b. providing a range of treatment
options including residential and
non-residential services
c. including investment in workforce
capability.
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 15Services for women with children Shantell’s story
Uniting is particularly concerned about the lack Shantell is a young mother of three from
of residential treatment facilities for women with Dubbo. As a kid she had big dreams and
children, which means that children are at risk wanted to be a dancer. But because of broken
of being removed from their parents’ care and family relationships Shantell left home at 15
placed in OOHC. and began using alcohol and drugs to numb
Modelling commissioned by Their Futures her pain.
Matters identifies that: “I wanted to die, but I didn’t want to leave my kids
• young mothers (aged 21 or under) are here. So, I turned to drugs. It changed my whole
2.9 times more likely to have AOD related life, it changed the person I am.”
hospital admissions in the future than a
Shantell wants to get off drugs. But when you
comparison group, and
have three children and must travel over 400km
• children of young mothers are 1.5 times likely to get the treatment you need, and you don’t
to have AOD related hospital admissions in have a car, seeking help and getting better can
the future than the comparison group.10 seem impossible. It’s also difficult to give up ice
This highlights the critical importance of when most people around you are using.
improving access to treatment for women with Shantell has days where she loses hope and
children to break the cycle of disadvantage. When feels down but believes that treatment will help.
women become mothers, they are often highly
Her kids are her inspiration to get well.
motivated to change. However, women are forced
to leave their children and families to attend Shantell’s story featured in the Fair Treatment
rehabilitation in metropolitan areas or do not campaign’s documentary Half a Million Steps,
access rehabilitation for this reason. which premiered in June 2019.
16 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 BudgetTable 1 – Residential services in Dubbo
Name Type Beds Waitlist
Mac River, near Dubbo Rehabilitation for young people 8 3 months
in Juvenile Justice
Orana Haven Rehabilitation for men 18 2 months
(Brewarrina Aboriginal Aboriginal focus
Corporation) Brewarrina
Weigelli, Cowra Rehabilitation, mixed-sex 23 2 months
Aboriginal focus
Lyndon Community, Orange Mixed-sex withdrawal facility 12 3 months each
Mixed-sex rehabilitation facility 16
Women’s and children’s 8
rehabilitation facility,
(maximum of 2 children
per woman)
Source: NSW Parliament, Legislative Council, 2018, Provision of drug rehabilitation services in regional, rural and remote New South Wales,
p 23, from submission from Dubbo Regional Council (submission no. 2).
Snapshot of treatment need – Dubbo Waiting times for these services are generally
from two to three months. There are also no
The Parliamentary Inquiry into the Provision of dedicated detoxification beds in Dubbo, with the
Drug Rehabilitation Services in Rural, Regional closest facility located in Orange (150 kilometres
and Remote NSW specifically recommended away). The nearest residential rehabilitation
that the Government increase provision of service for women with children is also in Orange
rehabilitation services in the Dubbo area. but can cater for only eight women and a
The Dubbo area has entrenched crime issues maximum of two children per woman.
which are exacerbated by problematic drug use. Following extensive consultation with the
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research local community, Dubbo Regional Council has
(BOCSAR) data shows that in the Dubbo LGA: developed a proposal for an AOD facility with
• Domestic violence related offences 15 residential rehabilitation beds and eight
increased by 64% from 2016 to 2018, and detoxification beds. Council has committed to
in 2018 was three times the NSW rate provide land for the construction of the facility.
The proposed service will be open to both men
• Arrests for possession/use of amphetamines and women and include some family units.
soared by 66% in this period, compared to a Importantly, the service will have a focus on
10% increase across the State embedding cultural safety for Aboriginal people.
• In 2018, the break and enter (dwelling) rate It will also provide non-residential rehabilitation.
was more than three times the NSW rate.11 The service will cater for people with co-
occurring mental health issues and will be open
This data is being used here as a proxy indicator
to people with a criminal history, including those
for prevalence of problematic drug issues, and
exiting prison.
we recognise there are many causes of crime and
that rates of arrests for possession and use of
Recommendation 4:
drugs may also reflect changes in police activity.
We believe that police resources would be better Establish a rehabilitation service in Dubbo in
used to target drug trafficking and supply and partnership with the Dubbo Regional Council
people in possession of small quantities of drugs and the local Aboriginal community. The
redirected into treatment. estimated capital cost is $5 million and the
annual operational cost is $2.7 million, for
As shown in Table 1, there are some residential
a facility with 15 residential beds and eight
rehabilitation facilities in Western NSW, but most
detoxification beds.
are at least a two-hour drive from Dubbo.
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 17Snapshot of treatment need – Lismore In 2018, 83% of convictions in Lismore for
theft from automobiles were aged 19 or under,
Uniting has identified the need for a youth-
as were 66% of convictions for break and enter
specific AOD service in the Lismore-Tweed area.
(non-dwelling) offences.14
The Far North Coast area has a very high rate
Existing services in the area are inadequate to
of problematic drug use. In 2016-17, the rate of
address the level of need. In Northern NSW, the
methamphetamine-related hospitalisations in
following centres cater for adults: The Buttery
the Northern NSW LHD was 26% above the State
provides residential drug and alcohol treatment
average.12 Data from BOCSAR shows that:
for adults, but is near Bangalow rather than
• Lismore consistently ranked among the top Lismore, and is difficult to access for many
three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in NSW potential clients due to its remoteness.
for conviction for possession/use of cannabis The waiting list can be up to six months.15
from 2015 to 2018. The Namatjira Haven residential treatment
• In 2018, Lismore LGA rates per 1000 centre at Alstonville is an Aboriginal specific
inhabitants of possession/use of narcotics, service for adults.
cannabis, methamphetamine and “other There are no rehabilitation facilities for young
drugs” were substantially higher than the people in Lismore or the surrounding area.
state average.
In a survey conducted by the Far North Coast
• Arrests for possession/use of amphetamines Primary Health Care Network, 50% of people
increased by 26% from 2017 to 2019 in the living in Lismore who had tried to access
Richmond-Tweed Statistical Area, compared rehabilitation for help with their AOD challenges,
to an 8% increase in NSW.13 found it hard to access.16 Further, young people
Although BOCSAR does not publish data on the commonly reported the following AOD services
age of offenders for these offences, it is likely as ‘hard to access’: Rehabilitation (47.4%);
that usage is relatively high among young people Counselling (39.9%); Youth-specific services
and young adults. This is consistent with data on (39.4%); Detox (30.0%); and Psychiatrist (27.5%).17
the ages of offenders for property crime, which is
often used to fund consumption of illicit drugs.
18 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 BudgetUniting’s Recovery Project
Uniting has previously put a proposal to the NSW
Office of Social Impact Investment to address
these issues in the Lismore area (the “Recovery
Project”). While this proposal was not successful,
we believe the model is sound and strongly
support it being taken up by NSW Health or a
suitable provider. The Recovery Project is a non-
residential, centre-based rehabilitation program
for young people aged 16-25 who are recovering
from addiction issues. It is based on a model
currently operated by Uniting Vic/Tas., which has
been comprehensively evaluated and shown to
be effective.
The program works with young people who have
recently completed withdrawal or detoxification
or who demonstrate a commitment to abstain.
It provides a holistic centre-based therapeutic
program, which seeks to help young people to
sustain abstinence, reintegrate back into society
and avoid relapse.
Research evidence suggests that a narrow focus
on detoxification without further support does
not deliver sustained results. Young people in
this situation require intensive work to address
their underlying trauma and help to engage in
education and employment.
The Recovery Project provides a centre-based
program, which will support young people to
change their behaviour while they remain at
home and in their community. It provides a safe
place for intensive treatment and post-treatment
support and links young people with other
supports.
The benefits of a centre-based model, remaining
on country and close to family are also particularly
important in providing effective AOD treatment
to Aboriginal people.
Based on our preliminary work, the estimated
cost to establish this service would be $2.1 million
per year. However, the Recovery Project would
provide long-term benefits to the participants,
and in turn would deliver significant savings
to the NSW Government through reduced use
of high cost public services, such as hospital
emergency departments, mental health services
and incarceration.
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 1920 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget
Snapshot of treatment need – Central Coast Drug safety checking
Uniting has also identified a need for a similar Uniting supports a drug safety checking
centre-based, youth-specific Recovery Project on (pill testing) trial. This is closely aligned with our
the Central Coast. Fair Treatment campaign for a compassionate,
health-based response to drug use. Uniting believes
BOCSAR data show that rates of conviction
drug safety checking/pill testing represents a
for possession/use of cannabis and
last-stop, health intervention that can reduce
methamphetamine are close to the State average
the rate of drug taking and identify how potent
in the Central Coast LGA.18 However, evidence
a substance is, and if it contains dangerous
presented to the Special Commission of Inquiry
contaminants. There is certainly enough evidence
into the Drug ‘Ice’ indicates that arrests for
to, at least, start a process towards creating a
possession/use of amphetamines in the Central
trial of drug safety checking and to run it
Coast (Statistical Area) surged by 400% over the
prudently and evaluate its effectiveness.
past ten years.19
Uniting has made our position clear to the
In 2017-18, the rate of alcohol-related
NSWPremier and has offered our expertise,
hospitalisations was 18% above the State
experience and resources to assist in finding the
average.20
right path. We would also be willing to consider a
There are no youth-specific AOD services in the request to be involved in any future drug safety
Central Coast area, which means young people checking trial by providing premises for such a
are forced to move away from their family and trial to take place in the community, subject to
support networks to engage in rehabilitation. several issues being addressed.
There are three residential rehabilitation centres
Uniting strongly advocates that a front-of-house
on the Central Coast (The Glenn, Dooralong
drug safety checking trial occur. This is because
Lodge and Kamira) but these only cater for
we believe this approach will keep the most
adults and do not provide wraparound services
people safe. Front-of-House drug safety checking
that support the individual with securing and
is chemical analysis of substances of concern
maintaining stable accommodation post-treatment.
from patrons at public events to support tailored
Recommendation 5: health consultations and brief interventions.
Results also feed into a public alert system.
Establish a centre-based AOD Recovery
A pilot three-day mobile testing service has been
program for young people in Lismore and
costed by The Loop Australia at $123,920.
the Central Coast. The estimated cost for
A pilot 12-week fixed single site service has been
each service is $2.1 million per year.
costed at $166,670.
Recommendation 6:
Fund a front-of-house drug safety
checking trial that consists of:
a. one three-day festival based mobile testing
service, and
b. one 12-week fixed site community-based
testing service, at a total cost of $300,000.
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 2122 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget
Create affordable,
secure housing
and reduce
homelessness.
Snapshot
• Adequate housing is not just physical shelter but also a gateway to wellbeing. It provides the
foundation for improved physical and mental health, educational outcomes and employment.
• In NSW there is a severe shortage of affordable rental housing for those on lower incomes.
Homelessness is increasing, particularly for Aboriginal people, young people and older renters.
On Census night in 2016, over 37,000 people were homeless in NSW – nearly 37 percent more
than in 2011.21
• The key to tackling homelessness is to shift from short-term crisis assistance to long-term
secure housing.
• Social and affordable housing is a sensible infrastructure investment which generates
important social and economic benefits. For example, when homeless people obtain stable
accommodation, they require less healthcare and have less emergency hospital admissions.
With the economy slowing, public investment in social housing is a cost-effective way to boost
growth in jobs.22
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 23Uniting believes that safe, stable and affordable Uniting’s housing and support services
housing is a basic human right for all Australians.
Uniting has a strong history of providing housing
Without stable housing, it’s hard to care for your
and support for the most vulnerable people in
family, gain employment or pursue education or
the community.
training. And until people have stable housing, it
is hard for them to focus on other issues that are We provide services and supports for
impacting on their lives such as substance use or older people who are homeless or at risk
mental health issues. of homelessness. We currently operate
approximately 2,700 owned and managed
“We are seeing record numbers dwellings for older people in NSW and ACT in 70
Retirement Villages and 10 rental communities.
of people walk through our doors Uniting was successful in winning contracts
because they are homeless or on under the NSW Government’s Social and
Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF). Currently, we
the verge of homelessness. There have delivered 155 dwellings for vulnerable older
has never been a more pressing people with an additional 445 dwellings to be
delivered by 2022. As well as giving access to
time for the community to come homes to older people, we provide residents with
together to find solutions for coordinated support tailored to their individual
needs.
affordable housing.”
We also provide a range of services for children,
Uniting Youth and Homelessness Service Lead,
young people and families who are homeless or
Central Coast
at risk of homelessness. Our Doorways program,
for example, is a Specialist Homelessness Service,
In NSW there is a severe shortage of affordable which provides a central point of contact and
rental housing for those on lower incomes. case coordination for young people or families
Homelessness is increasing, particularly for who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. As
Aboriginal people, young people and older renters. outlined below, Uniting is currently developing
Many others are living in severe housing stress, the innovative Foyer51 initiative for young people
paying 50% or more of their income in rent, and leaving (OOHC) which will provide affordable
under the constant threat of becoming homeless. accommodation linked to training, employment
and other support.
24 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 BudgetIncreasing supply of social and affordable housing, the same level as 20 years ago. One
housing option for financing this investment is to pledge a
proportion of stamp duty revenue for this purpose
We welcome the Premier’s commitment to
(rather than going back into general revenue).
address rough sleeping as a priority issue.
However, urgent action is also required to create Increasing supply of social and affordable
affordable, secure housing (and reduce the housing generates important social and
number of people living in temporary, inadequate economic benefits. When homeless people
or severely overcrowded accommodation). obtain stable accommodation, they require less
healthcare and have fewer emergency hospital
Social housing investment is the most effective
admissions and are less likely to be involved in
way to reduce homelessness, due to affordable
crime (as victims and perpetrators). They are
rents and security of tenure that are not available
also more likely to reconnect with education and
to people in the private rental market. Financially
employment.26
vulnerable people in social housing are less than
half as likely to become homeless as a similar With the economy slowing, public investment in
group renting privately.23 social housing is also a cost-effective way to spur
growth in jobs and incomes.27 For every dollar
A long-term plan is needed with targets to
invested, it is estimated to boost GDP by $1.30.28
increase supply of social and affordable housing.
Housing construction can also be undertaken
As of June 2018, there were 52,900 people in
more quickly than major rail or road projects.
NSW on the social housing waiting list, with
waiting periods between two and 10 years.24
The SAHF is a welcome initiative but will only
Recommendation 7:
deliver 3,400 dwellings over several years.
Provide 5,000 additional social housing
Modelling conducted for the NSW Community
dwellings as part of a long-term plan to
Housing Industry Association found that NSW
increase social housing stock. This should
needs 12,500 new social and affordable homes
include a focus on increasing the stock of
per year until 2026 to keep up with population
Aboriginal community housing. One option
growth and reduce the backlog.25 This includes
for financing this investment is to hypothecate
5,000 new social housing homes a year until 2026
(pledge) a proportion of stamp duty revenue
for low-income households. This would return the
for this purpose.
proportion of social housing to 6% of all NSW
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 25Address homelessness of older people Improve access of older people to social and
affordable housing
Specialist models are needed to address
homelessness of older people. From 2011 to Policy measures are required to increase access by
2016, the number of homeless people aged 55 older people to appropriate social and affordable
and over living in NSW increased by 42% (from housing. Anglicare Australia’s most recent Rental
4,529 to 6,411). The increase among homeless Affordability Snapshot found that less than one
women aged 65 to 75 was even more rapid at percent of properties were affordable for a single
78%.29 person on the Age Pension. 34
Establish a seniors housing support service Older people are recognised as one of six priority
groups in the National Housing and Homelessness
A Productivity Commission report found that
Agreement. In the context of homelessness, the
current levels of awareness and knowledge
population of older people is commonly defined
regarding aged care and housing options are
as those aged 55 and over.35 Yet, in NSW, older
low among older people and that more effective
people on the waiting list for social housing
provision of information is needed to support
need to be aged 80 or over (or confirmed to be
better housing decisions.30 Other research has
an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person)
found that most older people experiencing, or
to be placed on the priority list. In contrast, the
at risk of, homelessness do not know where to
Victorian Government has changed their policies
go for assistance.31 Service providers are also
to ensure that people aged over 55 are eligible
often unsure about how to assist older women
for priority social housing. This policy approach
experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
recognises the severe impact that homelessness
Uniting is interested in partnering with the has on older people. For example, homelessness
Government to establish a state-wide senior’s can contribute to premature ageing through
housing support service. earlier onset of health problems more commonly
The service would provide a central point of associated with later life.36
contact for older people at immediate risk of Urgent steps are also needed to increase the
homelessness and those who wish to plan for supply of social and affordable housing which
their housing future in retirement. The service is tailored to the needs of older people in terms
would support the client until they secure and of design, location and size (including stock
move into appropriate long-term housing and suitable for single people). This should include
ensure that they are linked in with other support incorporation of universal design principles in
services. new developments. Policy approaches should
An evaluation of a similar service in Victoria focus on providing secure and accessible
found the approach is cost-effective, helping housing in locations close to supports and
clients to gain secure housing and diverting services to promote independence and
demand from specialist homelessness services.32 community participation.
The KPMG evaluation of the Victorian service
found there was a cost saving of $220.81 per Recommendation 9:
client compared to Specialist Homelessness Improve access of older people to social and
Services. In 2013-14, the cost per client of affordable housing by:
delivering this service was $1,049.19, compared
a. lowering the qualifying age for priority
to $1,270 for Specialist Homelessness Services.33
social housing to 55 years
We are willing to operate the service for a
b. increasing supply of social and affordable
trial period and to support the evaluation, and
housing tailored to the needs of older
are currently seeking partial funding through
people in terms of design, location and size
philanthropic and other sources.
(including stock suitable for single people).
Recommendation 8:
Work in partnership with Uniting to co-fund
a trial and evaluation of a state-wide seniors
housing information and support service.
The estimated cost of the service is $1.2m
per year over five years.
26 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 BudgetPre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 27
Increase investment in transitional housing
and support for young people
Over 9,000 young people (aged 12 to 24) living
in NSW were experiencing homelessness on
the 2016 Census night.37 Greater investment is
needed to increase the provision of transitional
accommodation and support for vulnerable
young people. This should include a focus on
ensuring that young people do not leave OOHC
or juvenile justice only to become homeless.
Many young people struggle to find and maintain
appropriate housing when they leave care or
detention resulting in chronic housing instability
and homelessness.
Foyer Central The key services provided to Foyer Central
students include accommodation, development
of life skills, supported participation in
Uniting is currently working with the NSW vocational education and training, mentoring,
Government, in partnership with St George employment assistance and tailored support
Community Housing and Social Ventures to address health issues.
Australia, to develop Foyer51 for young people Upon entering the Foyer young people commit
leaving OOHC in Chippendale. to engagement in education, employment and
The Foyer will provide affordable accommodation training tailored to their individual aspirations
linked to training, employment and other support and learning needs. To live in the Foyer young
provided on-site. The goal is to develop the skills people must agree to this condition and meet
of Foyer Central students so they can break the regularly with a Foyer worker who will support
cycle of homelessness and lead independent the young person toward their goals.
and fulfilling lives. It is modelled on a globally Students will spend an average of 18 months
successful program. Foyer Central can cater for living in the Foyer and will be supported to
53 young people at any time. transition to stable long-term accommodation.
An evaluation of a similar foyer in Victoria
found that the service substantially improves
participants’ education, employment, housing,
health and wellbeing outcomes, and these
improvements are largely sustained a year
after young people exit the program.38
Foyers are an evidence-based model but
are not suitable for all young people. Other
accommodation and support options are also
urgently needed for young people who require
more intensive support, including those with
alcohol and drug problems, mental health
issues and contact with the justice system.
Recommendation 10:
Expand funding for programs which provide
longer-term transitional housing and support
for vulnerable young people with complex
needs. This should include a focus on ensuring
that young people leaving OOHC or juvenile
justice do not exit into homelessness.
28 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 BudgetMake renting fair This approach is fair to landlords and would
provide protection for renters against unfair
Uniting supports the Making Renting Fair
evictions. We know this works in other places
campaign’s call for legislative reform to replace
– Australia is one of just five countries in which
‘no grounds’ evictions with agreed reasonable
most renters can be evicted without being given
grounds. Under current laws in NSW, a landlord
a reason. Tasmania does not allow no-grounds
can evict a tenant without reason with just 30
evictions and the Victorian Government has
days’ notice at the end of their fixed-term lease, or
moved to end no ground evictions as part of
with just 90 days’ notice during an on-going lease.
broader reforms to rental laws.
Many people who are renting live in constant
fear of receiving an eviction notice if they ask for Notably, the Productivity Commission has
repairs, try to negotiate a rent increase, or simply recently released a report on vulnerable renters
because an agent or landlord doesn’t like them. in the private rental market, concluding that
removing no grounds evictions from our renting
The law already includes grounds for evicting a
laws (and replacing with reasonable grounds) is
tenant who does the wrong thing, for example,
needed to better protect low income and other
if they don’t pay their rent, if they seriously
vulnerable renters.39
damage the property, if they use the property for
illegal purposes, or if they breach their lease in
Recommendation 11:
any way. These grounds would all remain. Under
this proposal, landlords would also be able to Legislate to replace ‘no grounds’ evictions with
end a lease when there is a genuine reason, or agreed reasonable grounds.
‘reasonable grounds’ to do so, such as: when the
landlord wants to move in; when substantial
repairs or renovations need to happen; or when
the property has become unsafe.
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 2930 Inclusive, connected and just: Our vision for NSW
Improve life
chances for young
people leaving
out-of-home care.
Snapshot
• Uniting provides foster care (also known as out-of-home-care or OOHC) and specialist aftercare
supports to children and young people. Formal OOHC is the care of children (up to age 18) who
are unable to live with their parents, usually due to a child protection intervention relating to
abuse, neglect or family violence.40 Specialist aftercare is a state-funded assistance and referral
support service for young people who were previously in OOHC. It does not provide housing or
accommodation.41
• Young Australians are staying at home with their parents longer. Around 40% of young people
aged 20-24 were still living with their parents in 2016. By contrast, young people in care must begin
preparing for ‘independence’ when they turn 15 and are generally required to leave their foster care
placement when supported care ends at 18.42
• Evidence from the US and UK shows extending care to 21 improves outcomes and is cost effective –
it has positive benefits for young people, their families and the community.
• Extending care is an early intervention strategy. By providing young people with the confidence
that they will be supported for longer, extending care improves their life chances and reduces the
need for more intensive support after they leave care and throughout their lives.
• Uniting and the national Home Stretch campaign call for foster care to be extended to 21 in every
state and territory. The ACT, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania are all running extended care
programs. Western Australia is running a trial. NSW has not yet committed.
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 31Uniting believes that young people leaving state care
need access to continuing care and support as they
transition to independence. Transition to adulthood
doesn’t take place on a young person’s 18th birthday.
It emerges over time and often occurs at a Provide extended care up to the age of 21 for
different pace for each young person. It requires all young people in OOHC
stable, safe and caring support so that young
Allowing all young people to remain in care to the
people have the same chance at connected and
age of 21 in NSW would address many of these
independent adult lives as other young people
issues and result in improved outcomes. In the UK
in NSW.
and the USA, programs giving young people the
Currently, young people who have been in option to stay in care until the age of 21 found
OOHC are among the most vulnerable groups participants were twice as likely to be in full-time
in Australia. They are more likely to become education at age 19,44 and improved housing and
homeless, have poor physical and mental health, employment outcomes.45 They were also less
issues relating to substance use, and be involved likely to be involved in the criminal justice system
with the criminal justice system. A survey of or have children at an early age.46
NSW care leavers found that within one year
A cost-benefit analysis undertaken by Deloitte
of leaving care, around 35% had experienced
Access Economics found that if Australia’s States
homelessness.43
and Territories extended their support to the age
The reasons for this are well established and of 21, this would contribute to positive economic
relate to the early and abrupt end to care returns nationally. In NSW the return would be
when a young person in OOHC turns 18. Many $2.57 for every $1 invested.47
young people find the process of transitioning
There is growing evidence that when young
difficult, and they may not be ready to be fully
people approach 18 without certainty about their
independent at age 18, due to, for example,
future housing and security, they often disengage
past trauma, poor health, limited educational
from services and experience relationship
attainment and lack of support.
breakdown, placing them on a pathway where
In certain limited circumstances, a young person they later need intensive support.
can be financially supported to remain with a
Independent evaluations of two separate
carer until they complete Year 12 (or equivalent)
programs (Westcare’s ‘Continuing Care’ program
studies. However, the support only extends
and Berry Street’s ‘Stand by Me’ Pilot) as well
to the end of their studies, and for a range of
as findings from the AIFS Beyond 18: The
reasons, including placement breakdown, many
longitudinal study on leaving care, back Uniting’s
young people are unable to obtain it. This
own findings about leaving care anxiety and its
means too many young people end up leaving
impact on young people’s trajectories. Monash
care during, or prior to, their HSC studies.
University’s evaluation of Westcare reports on
one person’s pathway:
32 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget“We have a young person at the moment
that’s sort of on the verge of transitioning
and her stress level has just gone beyond the
roof basically…
There’s just so much anxiety, uncertainty
involved that even where she is, she’s trying
to sabotage the placement basically, to be
moved out of there. But she doesn’t know
where to go.” 48
Similarly, staff in the Berry Street ‘Stand By Me’
Pilot reported:
… it’s a time of high anxiety because there’s
all that uncertainty. They don’t know what’s
ahead and I think it’s a big ask to expect
an 18-year-old person to even contemplate
living independently when they’ve never
usually done that before.
So, their behaviours often escalate, they
often vote with their feet and don’t make
themselves available for those discussions
or they’re in denial.49
It is critical to change this conversation so
that young people can participate positively in
creating their future. By extending care to age
21 and making young people aware of this from
an early age, we give them the best opportunity
to focus on maintaining their relationships,
completing their school education, and
developing skills for independence. Extending
care is an early intervention strategy. By
providing young people with the confidence that
they will be supported for longer, extending care
improves life chances and has wider social and
economic benefits.
Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 Budget 33Uniting’s Extended Care pilot We want to remove the stress of housing
anxiety, so they can really focus on their
At Uniting, we are also piloting our own program
education, employment, health and
of extended care for young people in our foster
wellbeing, and are able to develop some life
care (OOHC) service. Under the program, young
skills. All young people deserve to be able to
people will be able to remain with their carer, or
dream big, discover their talents, and strive
be supported with accommodation, until the age
to fulfil their aspirations, irrespective of their
of 21. Importantly, they will also receive ongoing
living arrangements.
coaching support to the age of 21. Uniting is
providing ongoing financial assistance to carers
Uniting Head Permanency Support Program
as part of this arrangement.
Uniting has also invested in a formal independent
The program marks a departure from the usual
evaluation conducted over 5 years. The
way of addressing a young person’s transition
evaluation will report on the overall cost-benefit
from OOHC, where leaving care planning begins
of the program and look at young people’s
at 15 to prepare them to leave care by the time
outcomes and pathways both within the program
they turn 18. Uniting’s program changes the
and after they exit.
conversation with young people by making them
aware (from the age of 15) that they have the
option to remain in care until they turn 21. This Recommendation 12:
approach reduces their anxiety around leaving Invest $18,000 per young person each year
care and housing and enables them to focus on to support a continuation of care to age 21
other aspects of personal development. (state-wide $60 million over 4 years).
Uniting’s pilot Extended Care Program is
available to all those who turned 15 years by 30
Recommendation 13:
June 2019 in foster care with Uniting (which is
more than 60 young people in Sydney, Western In addition to allowing young people to remain
NSW and North Coast NSW). The pilot is funded in care, provide coaching to support their
for at least 5 years. development to adulthood from age 15 to 21.
This is a critical element of Uniting’s Extended
Within the pilot, dedicated coaches work closely
Care pilot which helps young people to turn
with case workers, schools, employers and
their interests and strengths into positive
others in the community to facilitate sustainable
housing, education, employment and health
outcomes. They help these young people to
outcomes. Cost: $10,000 per young person per
explore their talents, pursue their interests,
year (state-wide $72 million over 4 years).
and work toward achieving their goals in
health, education, employment, housing social
connection and wellbeing. Recommendation 14:
Establish a working party of NGOs and
Government to progress a state-wide roll
out of extended care, drawing on the findings
and implementation experience from
Uniting’s pilot.
34 Pre-Budget Submission: NSW Government 2020-21 BudgetYou can also read
