The Association of
Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) says it shares widespread concerns of the community
sector regarding the impact that NSW Budget funding provisions will have on future
services for our community’s most vulnerable. 

NCOSS, along with a number of other NSW peak bodies, have noted that the latest budgetary measures pose a threat to services that provide critical frontline support to vulnerable children and families.

Of particular concern is
the Government’s decision to set the indexation rate for some community funded
services at just 1.75 per cent for the coming year, despite the fact that wages
are set to increase by 3 per cent.

ACWA CEO Steve Kinmond
echoes these concerns, saying there is a genuine risk that funding decisions contained
within this latest budget will lead to a cut in essential services across the
community which, at their very worst, will leave the most vulnerable and
disadvantaged with nowhere to turn.

The Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies is
the NSW peak body representing non-government organisations that provide
services to vulnerable children, young people and their families.

Media enquiries: Libby McCalman  0418 659 525   libby@acwa.asn.au