AASW NSW Branch in Parramatta, New South Wales | Non-governmental organisation (NGO)

AASW NSW Branch

Locality: Parramatta, New South Wales

Phone: +61 3 9320 1000

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25.01.2022 NSW GOVERNMENT MUST ACT AFTER DAMNING REPORT INTO SOUTH WEST SYDNEY HEALTH SERVICES (NSW) Shadow Minister for Health, Ryan Park, and Shadow Minister for Western Sydney, Greg Warren, say Labor is calling on the NSW Government to urgently implement the recommendations in a NSW parliamentary inquiry's damning report into the provision of health services throughout South West Sydney. The report found that health and hospital services across the south west have been subject to historic levels of underfunding. The report also found that people living in South-West and Western Sydney face much longer waiting times for essential health services than the rest of the Sydney metropolitan area, are forced to travel long distances for care that should be local, and that medical staff face shortages of key equipment.

24.01.2022 CWA calls for greater action on domestic violence emergency situation, especially in far-west NSW. Ms Stanhope the Country Womens Association president, says that more family violence services, particularly emergency accommodation, follow-up services and transport, are urgently needed in regional and rural areas. Broken Hills rate of domestic violence assaults is more than 3 times the state average. Ms Stanhope also urges that attitudes around violence against women desperately need to change. We submitted to the recent inquiry into family violence which will inform the development of the fourth national action plan.

24.01.2022 Finding Forever Families for Vulnerable Kids Finding safe, loving and permanent homes for vulnerable kids is the focus of Foster Care Week, with the NSW Government reinforcing its commitment to put children first and to improve outcomes for kids in out-of-home care. Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward has kicked off a recruitment campaign for new foster carers, promoting the different types of carers needed across the state.... An estimated 350 carer households are needed across NSW to meet demand, with options including part-time care, restoration care, kinship care, guardianship and open adoption. Foster carers also come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and can be younger or older, single or married, renters or homeowners. A particular focus this year is on finding foster carers for older children. The NSW Government is strengthening support for foster and kinship carers through the $7 million, My Forever Family program. More than 550 potential cares were referred to the program last financial year.

23.01.2022 GREENS BILL TO CRIMINALISE COERCIVE CONTROL INTRODUCED TO NSW PARLIAMENT (NSW) Greens NSW MP & Spokesperson for Domestic Violence & Abuse, Abigail Boyd, has introduced her Bill in the NSW Legislative Council to criminalise coercive control. The introduction of the Bill comes after over a year of research and consultation with stakeholders in the sector, leading academics and front-line workers. Modelled largely on the Scottish legislation that is widely regarded as world best practice the Bill aims to define what constitutes coercive control and controlling behaviour and ensure that our judicial systems are equipped to appropriately and efficiently handle domestic abuse cases.

23.01.2022 MAJOR MINTO HOUSING PROJECT REACHES THE TOP (12/11/20) Older people in need of safe and secure housing will soon have a place to call home in South Western Sydney, with construction of Anglicare’s $130.5 million Minto Village nearing completion. Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward today marked the topping out of the 220-unit project, which includes 110 homes being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s Social and Affordable Housing Fund ...(SAHF) program. Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the project is an example of what can be achieved when Government and non-government community housing providers work in collaboration. National Commercial Builder Hansen Yuncken is working with Anglicare to deliver the project. Nick Luzar, HY’s NSW & ACT State Manager, said Minto Village is a fantastic opportunity to continue our engagement to build much needed social infrastructure for the people of NSW. Stage one of the development which includes the 110 social and affordable properties is expected to be completed by July 2021.

23.01.2022 Poverty, mental health and Centrelink. People are fearful of how theyll manage once the coronavirus supplement ends. Many people have been writing in to InDaily with dehumanising experiences with Centrelink which lead to the deterioration of their quality of life, mental health and wellbeing. ACOSS believes that without a systemic welfare system overhaul, more Australians risk being pushed to their limit. The AASW is part of ACOSSs campaign to maintain income support payments at levels that allow for basic standard of living for all people in Australia who need it.

23.01.2022 Distress and fear: poverty looms for a million Australian children once coronavirus supplement slashed. The $550-a-fortnight pandemic top-up, set to disappear on 25 September, has been life-altering for single mothers, say welfare campaigners. Welfare campaigners have warned 1.1 million children will be affected by this months cut to the coronavirus supplement, as a survey of single mothers finds the cash boost has reduced stress and anxiety.... The federal government has so far resisted demands to delay a cut to the pandemic top-up to jobseeker, student and parenting payments by $300 on 25 September, arguing the boost was always intended to be temporary. But Terese Edwards, the chief executive of the National Council of Single Mothers and Their Children, said the $550-a-fortnight supplement had been life-altering and its reduction was causing distress and fear. The AASW has joined ACOSS and others in campaigning for a permanent raise to the rates of income supports.

23.01.2022 PATIENTS IN DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES DESERVE BETTER (NSW) AMA (NSW) President, Dr Danielle McMullen says urgent action is needed to address the healthcare needs of disadvantaged communities. "We welcome the Upper House Committee report into health services in south-west Sydney, which shines a spotlight on inequity of healthcare provision in the State. "Healthcare in south-west Sydney and Western Sydney has been historically underfunded and hospitals in these areas are struggling to meet the demand," Dr McMullen said. "NSW Health must act immediately to adequately resource hospitals in these areas so patients can get the care they deserve."

23.01.2022 Transphobic: One Nation slammed over attempt to ban gender fluidity lessons in NSW schools. Equality Australia has expressed concern about One Nations Parental Rights Bill. The Bill would amend the Education Act 1990 to make parents, not schools primarily responsible for their childrens understanding of gender and sexuality. The Bill is intended to prohibit schools teaching concepts of gender fluidity, if teachers are found to be teaching these concepts, their teaching registration would be revoked. We participated in a joint letter opposing this legislation, along with the so called religious freedom bills. We hear that One Nation has introduced a similar bill into the Federal parliament, and we will oppose it as well.

23.01.2022 Cutting teleheatlh will drop defences against coronavirus pandemic, mental health advocates warn. With subsidised telehealth sessions due to expire in two weeks, mental health experts have urged the Federal Government to extend the service, arguing they have been a critical defence against the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, the Government set aside $669 million to expand Medicare subsidies for telehealth services, allowing health professionals like GPs and ...psychologists to consult with patients over video conferencing sites rather than face to face. The scheme is due to end on September 30, but a spokesman for the Health Minister Greg Hunt said discussions were underway with peak groups to keep it going. See more

22.01.2022 NSW BUDGET: ACWA WELCOMES EARLY INTERVENTION DOLLARS (NSW) The Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) has welcomed the NSW Government’s continued investment in initiatives aimed at supporting the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and families, as announced in the NSW State Budget. ACWA CEO, Steve Kinmond, said ACWA is particularly pleased to see the government maintain its ongoing commitment to funding critical family support and preservation programs th...at seek to strengthen the capacity of parents to safely care for their children. Among the raft of budget measures, $171.9 million has been earmarked over the next four years to continue supported evidence-based intervention programs that have demonstrated success in keeping families safely together.

22.01.2022 NEW ACON PROJECT TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY (NSW) Improving the health and wellbeing of Australian LGBTQ people with disability is the focus of a new project launched by ACON, NSW's leading health organisation for people of diverse sexualities and genders. Launching today (3 December) on International Day for People with Disability, ACON's LGBTQ People with Disability Project is a dedicated unit tasked with providing support, advocacy, skills-building... and visibility to sexuality and gender diverse people with disabilities across the country . The launch will also unveil ACON's Queerability Toolkit aimed at empowering and providing information to people wanting to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In 2018-19 and in partnership with People with Disability Australia (PWDA), ACON was funded to develop the toolkit to enable LGBTQ people with disability to understand the NDIS and have the information they need to make decisions and choices, as well as have the skills and confidence to self-advocate for their individual needs. The online launch on 3 December from 12-1pm will showcase the new project and toolkit, with a preview of some of the films in the QueerAbility Toolkit. It will also include a panel discussion featuring LGBTQ people with disabilities who were involved in the development of the toolkit.

22.01.2022 Zooming into online clinical skills training In the spirit of cooperative inquiry and developing quality and accessible education in social work. Online clinical skills training now offers universities and professions the opportunity to address social justice access and equity issues that prevent students from attending campus based clinical skills training. The role and importance of collaboration with many educators including learning technology specialists who are educator...s on teams is highlighted. This presentation is for Human Services and Allied Health Educators providing clinical skills education and training online. The recording is available at https://csu.ap.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx If you would like further information about this seminar please contact Lynelle Osburn at Charles Sturt University at [email protected].

21.01.2022 Research reveals shocking detail on how Australias environmental scientists are being silenced. Ecologists and conservation experts in government, industry and universities are routinely constrained in communicating scientific evidence on threatened species, mining, logging and other threats to the environment, new research has found. The study, just published, shows how important scientific information about environmental threats often does not reach the public or decision-...makers, including government ministers. In some cases, scientists self-censor information for fear of damaging their careers, losing funding or being misrepresented in the media. In others, senior managers or ministers officers prevented researchers from speaking truthfully on scientific matters. This information blackout, termed science suppression, can hide environmentally damaging practices and policies from public scrutiny. The practice is detrimental to both nature and democracy. The AASW declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and continues to work towards achieving SDG goals.

20.01.2022 We cant ignore mental illness prevention in a COVID-19 world Theres good evidence we can prevent many cases of depression, anxiety and substance abuse. But Australia doesnt have a mental health prevention plan or policy, and government funding for prevention is just 1% of the total mental health budget.

20.01.2022 Systemic racism and the over-incarceration of Indigenous people must be addressed. NSWCCLs upcoming online panel discussion, on 11 September 2020 at 6:30pm, featuring Judge Myers AM, Sarah Hopkins, Teela Reid and NSWCCL President Nicholas Cowdery AO QC is a call to action in relation to the implementation of the recommendations of the ALRCs report Pathways to Justice, including a focus on the crucial need for a commitment to justice reinvestment and specialty courts (such... as the Walama Court in NSW). In 2018 the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) was asked to consider laws and legal frameworks that contribute to the incarceration rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults make up around 2% of the national population, but constitute 27% of the national prison population. The ALRC Report, Pathways to Justice, was released in March 2018 and includes 35 recommendations, most of which have simply not been addressed. The NSWCCL First Nations Justice panelists: Nicholas Cowdery AO, QC, President of the NSWCCL Judge Myers AM, lead Commissioner of the ALRCs inquiry into Incarceration rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Sarah Hopkins, Co-Chair of Just Reinvest NSW and the Managing Solicitor of Justice Projects at the Aboriginal Legal Service ACT/NSW Teela Reid, Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, lawyer and human rights activist The webinar discussion will be held on Friday 11th September at 6:30pm and will be moderated by the 2019 winner of the NSWCCL Award for Excellence in Civil Liberties Journalism, Richard Ackland AM. The 2020 NSWCCL Awards for Excellence in Civil Liberties Journalism will also be announced. 2020 has been a challenging year for many individuals and communities. For those who have experienced financial hardship, or are not in a position to pay for a registration, NSWCCL is offering free registration.

20.01.2022 PRODUCTIVITY BOOTCAMP OPENING A BOOST FOR WESTERN SYDNEY YOUTH (NSW) The state's peak business organisation, Business NSW, says the opening of a new Productivity Bootcamp campus in Campbelltown will provide a great boost for youth in the Macarthur region looking to break into a trade. Productivity Bootcamp is an 8-week program, which provides young people the construction skills and work values needed to succeed in the industry, with hands-on experience in many trades. "Busi...ness NSW has been a supporter of Productivity Bootcamp since its inception and have regularly visited the Quakers Hill and Penrith sites, so it's great to see another site opening up to support this fantastic initiative," said Business NSW Chief Executive Nola Watson. "Bootcamp has been an incredible success to date due in no small part to the passion of its founder Paul Breen and his amazing staff and I expect this new campus to produce similar results," Ms Watson said. See more

19.01.2022 Anti-poverty advocates slam ‘cruel’ welfare cuts. Community groups are dismayed by the federal government’s decision to slash the coronavirus supplement by $100 a fortnight, warning this will cause anguish and hardship for Australians on income support. The government announced on Tuesday that the supplement due to end on 31 December would be extended until 31 March next year on a reduced rate of $150 a fortnight. This payment boost was originally set at $550 per fortnigh...t in March but was reduced to $250 in September. The Australian Council of Social Service said rather than making cuts, the federal government should instead put in place a permanent, adequate rate of income support. AASW echoes calls for a permanent and liveable rate of Jobseeker to be put in place, not just while the pandemic recovery gets underway but to prevent any Australian from living in poverty no matter their employment status.

19.01.2022 After COVID, well need a rethink to repair Australias housing system and the economy. The NSW productivity commission has released a report which found that [higher] housing costs [] impose broader economic costs. The economic experiment of winding back JobKeeper and JobSeeker will have implications on housing security. Policymakers must be responsive to the need for more social housing and a more affordable housing market. The AASW has put in a submission to the COVID-19 inquiry and will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on our members and vulnerable people in Australia.

18.01.2022 AASW Renews call for Social Work Registration - National Child Protection Week 2020 During National Child Protection Week, the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is calling on all Australian governments to commit to the formal registration of qualified social workers in order to protect some of the most vulnerable members of society. AASW National President Christine Craik said while the 30th year anniversary of Child Protection Week was the perfect opportunity t...Continue reading

18.01.2022 Upcoming coronavirus welfare cuts will force 80 per cent of recipients to skip meals, survey finds. The Morrison government intends to slash the coronavirus supplement by $300 in less than 2 weeks time. A survey by ACOSS found that 4/5 respondents will be forced to skip meals if the federal government proceeds with the cut. ACOSS continues to advocate that the supplement remains. The AASW is monitoring the impact of reduction of coronavirus supplement and will be working with ACOSS closely.

18.01.2022 Fears for immigration detainees as new figures reveal hundreds of self-harm incidents in 2020. Data indicates that self-harm incidents in immigration detention facilities during the first 7 months of 2020 have exceeded averages during the whole 2016-2019 period. Advocates, medical professionals and immigration lawyers argue that the increase is due to the compounding stress of the Covid-19 pandemic and a lack of mental health resourcing. We have advocated strenuously on the human rights of people seeking asylum and will continue to do so.

17.01.2022 COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) STATISTICS (NSW) NSW recorded eight locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, and an additional 10 cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine. Seven of the locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster and one remains under investigation. Investigations continue into the source of the Avalon cluster, which now numbers 90. Two more cases are residents of the northern area of the Northern Beaches. The total number of cases in NSW is 4,600 since the beginning of the pandemic.

16.01.2022 Australian Government refuses to release starving immigration detainee despite UN appeal. A man who is barely able to eat because of a medical condition after being detained by Immigration for the past seven years is being denied release into the community, despite a United Nations recommendation. However, detainees who refused food or fluids received psychological consultations, along with medical assessments every 24 hours or more.... "Detainees are made aware that engaging in food and/or fluid refusal will not affect the detainees immigration decision-making processes or outcome in any way," the spokesperson said.

16.01.2022 'DISAPPOINTING' NSW BUDGET HOLDS BACK ON FUNDING FOR WALAMA COURT, FIRST NATIONS (NSW) The 2020-21 NSW Budget is regrettably yet another missed opportunity to invest in critical aspects of justice for First Nations Peoples and address the systemic over-representation of First Nations Peoples in custody, the New South Wales Bar Association said today. "The NSW Treasurer described the 2020-21 Budget as a Budget that ‘holds nothing back’ and looks ‘with hope to the opportunitie...s that lie ahead’," President Michael McHugh SC said today. "However, it is disappointing that this characterisation does not extend to key funding or social justice initiatives for First Nations Peoples in this State. While the Association acknowledges the exigencies of a COVID-19 Budget, there is no fiscal excuse for declining to adequately fund proposed remedies to overrepresentation of First Nations Peoples in custody or Closing the Gap initiatives, to afford First Nations Peoples hope and opportunity for their communities’ futures," Mr McHugh said.

16.01.2022 THE GOVERNMENT MUST URGENTLY ADDRESS SCHOOL COUNSELLOR SHORTAGE (NSW) NSW Labor is renewing calls for the Government to urgently address the chronic shortage of counsellors in high schools across the state. It comes after the Government announced every teacher in NSW will undergo mandatory mental health training in response to mounting pressure to provide more support in schools. ... The Shadow Minister for Education Prue Car said it was a step in the right direction but warned that school counsellors were urgently needed in addition to teacher training. The Government committed to at least 1 full-time counsellor in every high school but has failed to deliver when it was needed most. Analysis shows 75 per cent of students will be forced to wait until after 2022 before the counsellors promised at the last election are delivered.

16.01.2022 Financial stress has been soaring among Aussie workers - and women are disproportionately affected. Financial stress is skyrocketing among Australian workers on the back of the coronavirus pandemic, with women facing the brunt of it. AMP’s 2020 Financial Wellness research has found severe and moderate levels of financial stress are impacting 1.8 million Australian workers, with women significantly more impacted than men.

16.01.2022 Expert Insights: for Health Professionals Created for health professionals, our expert panels discuss anything and everything to do with mental health diagnosis, treatment and new ways of thinking, all of which are evidence-based. Therapeutic frameworks explained - ACT, CBT and Schema Therapy... Wednesday 30 September 2020, 6PM-7PM (AEST) This Expert Insights session will explore the differences and similarities between therapeutic frameworks with a focus on CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy. You will be eligible to claim CPD points on completion. If you have any questions or issues registering, please email [email protected]

15.01.2022 CREATING A DISABILITY CONFIDENT LEGAL WORKPLACE (NSW) THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 2020 9AM 10AM To celebrate International Day of People with Disability on 3 December, the Law Society of NSW will bring together a panel of experts to provide practical suggestions for creating disability confident workplaces. ... Creating a disability confident workplace ensures the legal profession is accessible for practitioners and staff with disability and can help break down barriers for disabled clients to access justice. Our panellists will draw on their own experiences, and those of their clients, as they discuss key issues and what we can do to ensure safe and inclusive environments for our colleagues and clients with disability. This webcast will feature an Auslan interpreter. Facilitator: Nic Parsons, Solicitor, Nicholas George Lawyers, Committee Member, Law Society Diversity & Inclusion Committee Panellists: Darren Fittler, Partner, Gilbert + Tobin Natalie Wade, Founder and Principal Lawyer, Equality Lawyers Isabel Heiner, Program Manager, Stepping Into & PACE Mentoring, Australian Network on Disability Sonja Stewart, CEO, Law Society of NSW

15.01.2022 Life in Mind jointly launches new Zero Suicide Healthcare Training directory to support staff in mental health services Life in Mind has collaborated with the Zero Suicide Institute of Australasia (ZSIA) to launch a national directory of training programs that aim to empower healthcare workers to feel confident and competent to provide compassionate care to people experiencing suicidal behaviours. The Zero Suicide Healthcare Training directory aligns with the Zero Suicide Healthcare Framework and showcases programs that provide relevant training to support healthcare staff.

15.01.2022 BRING BACK CHRISTMAS: LABOR CALLS FOR RESTRICTIONS IN PLACES OF WORSHIP TO BE EASED (NSW) NSW Labor is urging the Government to ease COVID-19 health restrictions in places of worship in the lead up to Christmas, one of the holiest days for Christians. As the Christmas countdown begins, there remains a number of unfair and unreasonable discrepancies in restrictions between places of worship and other venues. The NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay has joined with religious leaders in calling for amendments to the Public Health Order, including applying the two square metre rule in places of worship and an end to the ban on congregational singing and chanting. Ms McKay said: "It's been a challenging and difficult year and religious worship provides an anchor for many in times of adversity and isolation.

15.01.2022 Winding back JobKeeper and JobSeeker will push 740,000 Australians into poverty. ANU calculations have found that JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments have prevented 2.2 million Australians from entering poverty. However, from the end of September both payments will be cut. Estimates indicate that this cut will push approximately 740,000 Australians into poverty. A permanent increase of the JobSeeker rate would be an essential part of the solution. The AASW has emphasised the harm of winding back JobKeeper and Seekers in our submission to COVID-19. We continuously work with ACOSS in this matter.

15.01.2022 New Click and Collect Service Making Life Easier for Customers Customers can now access Birth, Death and Marriage certificates faster and simpler, thanks to the NSW Governments new Click and Collect service. Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said customers have the option to apply online and collect the certificate from either the Chippendale or Parramatta Registry office, or have it delivered by Registered Post to their home.... Gone are the days of having to waste time in a queue and fill in paperwork to collect these documents. Customers can now save time by applying for them from the comfort of their home, Mr Dominello said. Customers are giving it the thumbs up, with 45 per cent choosing the digital option in July. This service includes any NSW birth, death, marriage or replacement change of name certificate. Since going live in April, more than 3000 customers have opted for Click and Collect, with Birth Certificates accounting for 71 per cent of all online applications. To Click and Collect, customers can apply online at nsw.gov.au/bdm

14.01.2022 New standards for mental health apps A new set of national standards will attempt to control the quality of mental health services provided online in Australia. The standards, developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and led by former CEO of the National Mental Health Commission Dr Peggy Brown, were initially commissioned in 2018 in response to a rise in mental health smartphone apps.... However, they will have new relevance after many mental health providers pivoted to providing their services online as the COVID-19 pandemic hit earlier this year. The federal government has also expressed an ongoing commitment to funding Telehealth services.

14.01.2022 ‘Nobody checked on us’: what people with disability told us about their experiences of disasters and emergencies Australians with disability are disproportionately affected by disasters such as fire, floods, cyclones and heatwaves. Yet we rarely hear their perspectives and insights on what’s needed to ensure they’re not left stranded when disaster strikes. So in 2019 we hosted seven community engagement forums in four Queensland communities to find out more about the experien...ces of people with disability in emergencies. The 190 participants included 66 people with disability. Australia has no nationally consistent standards to ensure access and inclusion of people with disability in disaster risk reduction. Too often, people with disabilities are left out of the conversation until it’s too late.

14.01.2022 DESIGN UNVEILED FOR MANLY YOUTH HOSPICE (NSW) A unique youth hospice will provide young people living with incurable illness and their families a welcoming and supportive environment during end-of-life care. Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Manly James Griffin today unveiled artist impressions of the design of Australia’s first Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, to be built on the old Manly Hospital site. "The hospice will be surroun...ded by bushland and overlooking Sydney Harbour, providing a peaceful setting for young people and their families during extremely difficult times," Mr Barilaro said. "The centre will provide teenagers and young adults with short-term respite care and specialised palliative care, as well as bereavement support and counselling for their families, seven days a week." The NSW Government will invest $7 million in capital, including $3.5 million in the 2020-2021 Budget, in addition to the $2 million recurrent expenditure once the hospice becomes operational. The remainder of the funds were generously donated by the community, augmenting funding from both the State and Federal governments.

14.01.2022 Psychiatrist makes urgent plea to NSW Government for domestic violence concussion policy. Advocates are urging the NSW government to act quickly, to conduct more research and establish a protocol to better address brain injury in survivors. A study by Brain Injury Australia found that 40 per cent of victims of family violence who attended Victorian hospitals over a 10-year period sustained a brain injury. The AASW has submitted to the recent Senate inquiry into family violence and will examine all other submissions to ensure that our position reflects the most recent research and is informed by experiences of people who live within this.

13.01.2022 Women, youth more anxious during COVID-19 pandemic, ANU survey data reveals Employed Australians lost an average of 167 hours of work from March to October because of COVID-19 which cost the economy $47 billion in lost productivity, new data from the Australian National University shows. The longitudinal survey of 3000 people also revealed anxiety and worry levels continued to climb between May and October with women and young people reporting the highest levels of psychological distress. The survey data showed that men lost an average of 95 hours of work compared to an average loss of 38.5 hours for women.

13.01.2022 Devastating: rural women are struggling to access abortion services during the pandemic. Advocates are calling for greater education to de-stigmatise abortion. Since the pandemic began, Marie Stopes has seen a 200 per cent increase in Telehealth services this May compared to May last year. But these services are not available in South Australia. Regional women also face medical and travel expenses that make abortion harder to access. For some women in regional towns their... doctor may conscientiously object to provide the service. The AASW has advocated on several fronts that would have an impact on the inequality in access to services; Rural and remote health vWomens access to reproductive health services in other states Legislation which enables people to claim religious grounds for actions that would otherwise constitute discrimination.

13.01.2022 Shooting survivor Emma says psychological telehealth is a lifeline that must stay. For Emma Parkinson, who aged 19 was shot in the Paris terror attacks at the Bataclan theatre, being able to access psychological care via telehealth during the pandemic was so significant she considers it a lifeline. Ms Parkinson lived alone during lockdown and says without being able to speak to her regular psychologist (sic)after the federal government introduced Medicare rebates for teleheal...th, including 10 extra subsidised sessions for those on mental health plans, I cannot be certain I’d be here to talk to you today. The AASW is getting this amended to include a reference to social workers as well.

13.01.2022 ‘Everything about us, without us’: Only 15 per cent of disability royal commission witnesses have lived experience. People with disabilities are still vastly underrepresented among witnesses at the disability royal commission, prompting concerns the landmark inquiry is overlooking key evidence. AASW action on social justice issues is always aimed at supporting people to speak rather than presuming to speak for vulnerable people.

13.01.2022 Child Protection Caseworkers Go Mobile Child protection caseworkers will soon have more time in the field to visit and support at-risk children, thanks to a new app designed to revolutionise how they work. Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said ChildStory Mobile will transform how child protection caseworkers operate, by giving them access to important documents and data at the touch of a button.... This Child Protection Week the NSW Government is reinforcing our commitment to put children first, and to improve the system that protects them. In the last 10 years there has been a 62 per cent increase in children seen by a caseworker after being reported at risk of harm, a significant reduction in the rate of children entering care, and a suite of reforms undertaken to prioritise permanency. Work is underway on the design of ChildStory Mobile in consultation with caseworkers, with testing of the platform planned for later this year.

13.01.2022 Youre just in a world of pain: Meet the people tackling mens mental health in the bush Recent studies have shown that the rate of suicide in regional and rural areas is 55% higher than it is in capital cities. Young men between the ages of 15 and 24 are particularly at risk. Hazel Dalton, a researcher at the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) in Orange, NSW, said that many contributors come together to put someone in a position where they would contemplate it.

12.01.2022 NEW HOMES TO COMBAT HOUSING STRESS IN CAMDEN (NSW) Older people and single-parent families will benefit from 122 new social and affordable homes developed close to transport, shops and services in South Western Sydney. Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the completion of BaptistCare’s Narralling Community in Elderslie is the latest milestone in the NSW Government’s $1.1 billion Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF). "A strong pipe...line of modern, fit-for-purpose new homes is helping reduce housing stress and is providing secure housing for people who need it most," Mr Ward said. "This project is an excellent example of the work the NSW Government is doing in collaboration with community housing providers, which is not only creating great social outcomes but also significant economic benefits in the form of local jobs." The project consists of 84 one-bedroom villas for seniors and 38 two-bedroom townhouses for single-parent families. The complex features landscaped gardens, a BBQ area, community centre, a veggie garden and playground. BaptistCare CEO Charles Moore said BaptistCare is delivering 500 homes as part of the SAHF, which will support people facing rental stress and homelessness. The SAHF is a key initiative of Future Directions of Social Housing in NSW, the NSW Government’s plan to deliver more and better social housing across the state.

11.01.2022 SECURE HOMES FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS (NSW) More than 1,000 families escaping domestic violence have been supported into safe and secure housing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic with the support of a NSW Government rental assistance program. Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness, and Rent Choice Start Safely was preventing women and their children from ending u...p on the streets. "One in three people who access specialist homelessness services in NSW report being victims of domestic and family violence," Mr Ward said. The NSW Government invested $20 million in additional rental subsidy packages, including Rent Choice Start Safely, to help people at risk of homelessness to access, or remain in, the private rental market. The program includes access to tailored support to help victims of domestic violence improve their health and general wellbeing, and provide a pathway to education, employment and housing independence. Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the investments made during the COVID-19 pandemic were supporting women across NSW to leave unsafe relationships.

11.01.2022 I 4GIVE DAY LAUNCHED BY FAMILIES OF CRASH VICTIMS (NSW) The families of four children who were tragically killed by a drunk and drugged driver are launching an annual forgiveness day with the support of the NSW Government. Siblings Antony, Angelina and Sienna Abdallah and their cousin Veronique Sakr were killed in February this year when an out-of-control ute mounted the footpath. The two families have taken the extraordinary step of forgiving the man behind the wheel as an important step in their grieving process. The families want i4give Day to be held every year on the anniversary of the deaths in memory of the children. In launching this day, a memorial service will be held on the eve of the anniversary, Sunday, 31 January 2021, which will be live streamed to the public.

11.01.2022 Thousands die waiting for funds in already approved homecare packages Despite a waiting list of more than 100,000, the Government has released just over half of the additional packages promised. The ABC has found some homecare providers are taking a third and more of care packages in fees. ... Department of Health figures show almost 30,000 people died in the past two years while waiting for a homecare package. AASW made a submission into the Royal Commission call for major reforms.

11.01.2022 Iranian refugee Omid Masoumali asked to see a psychologist before setting himself on fire on Nauru, inquest told. An Iranian refugee who set himself on fire on Nauru asked to see a psychologist but his written request was not processed until the day of the blaze. Omid Masoumali died in April 2016 from burns injuries he inflicted in front of UN representatives visiting to undertake mental health surveys. The 24-year-old poured petrol on to his clothes and set himself alight.... With burns to 57% of his body, Masoumali was taken to Nauru hospital, then flown to Brisbane where he died of organ failure 31 hours later. The AASW continues calls on government to end the practice of mandatory detention which is only designed to punish people for seeking a safer life.

10.01.2022 Veteran Engagement and Assessment Program Assessment and referral service for Western Sydney Veterans. This program covers the Western Sydney Primary Health Network region and provides access for Veterans to seek information on mental health services and Veteran entitlements, obtain a full clinical assessment and receive referrals to clinical, veteran, trauma or other health or social well-being services in their location.... This is a 12-month program funded by Western Sydney Primary Health Network, in response to feedback from service providers around uncertainty regarding the specific needs and treatment of the veteran community. The program is available for Veterans, their partners and children or other family members caring for Veterans experiencing mental ill-health. To refer a client please email [email protected] or telephone 0400 373 425

10.01.2022 Help to Improve Mental Health at Work The NSW Government is seeking feedback on proposed guidelines to promote mentally healthy workplaces in NSW. Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson, said a draft SafeWork NSW Code of Practice for managing the risks to psychological health is being developed to provide simple and practical guidance for workplaces to promote improved mental health.... Mitigating and managing mental health risks at work can be complex, thats why weve drafted a practical guide for employers, making it easy for them to create a mentally healthy workplace, Mr Anderson said. Mental health is everybodys business and it is vital that every single workplace in NSW has the tools to create a positive and healthy environment. NSW will be the first state in Australia to develop a code of this kind that encompasses a broad overview of risks to psychological health covering all NSW workplaces. Individuals and organisations are invited to comment on the consultation paper.Submissions can be made at www.safework.nsw.gov.au

10.01.2022 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEFENDANTS TO BE BANNED FROM CROSS-EXAMINING COMPLAINANTS IN COURT (12/11/20) Complainants would no longer be personally cross-examined by self-represented defendants in domestic violence criminal proceedings and related Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) hearings under a NSW Government amendment moved in Parliament to ban the practice. The amendment was moved in the Legislative Council this evening by Natalie Ward MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to th...e Attorney General, and carried during debate of the Government’s Stronger Communities Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence) Bill 2020. Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the reform would reduce the stress and trauma of giving evidence for victim-survivors. The amendment would introduce a new provision in the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 and would be based on similar protections already in place for sexual offence complainants and vulnerable witnesses such as children or those with cognitive impairments. Mr Speakman said the amendment would be enacted no later than 1 September 2021, with intermediaries replacing self-represented defendants to question complainants.

08.01.2022 What to do when someone talks about suicide. When someone tells you they are contemplating suicide, its a critical moment, says Sara Bartlett. Shes the acting program manager at Everymind, a national institute dedicated to reducing mental-ill-health and suicide. "We need to take that moment really seriously. Any persons expression of intent is a serious statement that we need to act on."

08.01.2022 Time spent on smartphones not linked to mental health problems new research Smartphones have become an essential part of daily life. On the other hand, there’s no shortage of research pointing towards supposed negative effects of smartphone use, with some even claiming that the more time you spend using your smartphone, the worse your mental health. However, many of the studies that suggest negative links to smartphone use are low quality, often failing to measure how peopl...e actually use their devices. When our team directly measured the time that people spent on their smartphones each day for our latest research, we found no strong links between smartphone use and increased mental health symptoms. We found that, on average, people spent around four hours a day on their smartphones, picking them up between 85 and 133 times. However, the amount of use did not predict a person’s anxiety, depression, or stress levels when asked to rate their symptoms on clinical questionnaires.

08.01.2022 NEW JUSTICE FUND GIVES VOICE TO LEGAL CHATBOT (NSW) A Sydney community legal centre (CLC) is harnessing artificial intelligence to help disadvantaged clients under the NSW Government's Access to Justice Innovation Fund, Attorney General Mark Speakman announced today. Marrickville Legal Centre today launched online chatbot NALA (New Age Legal Assistant) after becoming the first recipient of the annual grants program, which is aimed at reducing barriers to the justice system w...ith tech-savvy solutions. "NALA answers commonly asked legal questions in real time, auto-generates documents for users, and automates straightforward administrative tasks," Mr Speakman said. The NSW Government has pledged $1 million over four years to the Access to Justice Innovation Fund, offering grants of up to $250,000 each year. Applications for the second round of funding will open on 1 February 2021.

07.01.2022 Healthcare workers struggling with mental wellbeing during pandemic Healthcare workers are in danger of burnout due to the extra pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Facebook group called Hand-n-Hand has had some success in providing peer support for healthcare workers. ... Healthcare workers often put too much pressure on themselves to be able to sort out their own mental health. See more

06.01.2022 A mentally healthy workforce - the key to coping with COVID-19 The National Mental Health Commission is encouraging businesses and workplaces across Australia to adopt new Mentally Healthy Workplace guides to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australian workers and businesses during, and after, COVID-19. The Commission is a founding member of the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance, a group of 15 organisations from business, union, community, government and mental h...ealth sectors who have worked together along with Ahead for Business to produce national evidence-based and easy-to-use information for employers. Making workplaces mentally safe is equal to making workplaces physically safe. All workplaces can take simple steps to look after their people’s mental health during COVID-19, Lucy Brogden AM, Chair of the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance said.

06.01.2022 AASW WELCOMES NEW MEDICARE MENTAL HEALTH ITEMS TO SUPPORT AGED CARE RESIDENTS The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) CEO Cindy Smith has welcomed the announcement that the Federal Government will implement all six recommendations the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, made in its COVID-19 and Aged Care special report. ... The AASW has been strongly advocating for aged care residents to have access to mental health professionals under Better Access over a long period of time. We are especially pleased to see the acceptance of recommendation three which will see the creation of new MBS items to support aged care residents with their mental health needs. Ms Smith said residents of aged care will now have the same rights as other Australians to access mental health support under Medicare by an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW). COVID-19 has had an especially negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of aged care residents, and the introduction of these new MBS items is a good first step in addressing the psychosocial needs of residents. This will be particularly important as residents recover from the isolation of facility lockdowns and not being able to see family and friends, all the while grieving the temporary loss of independence and autonomy, and the loss of fellow residents. ‘AMHSWs are specialised in taking a whole of person approach and focusing on the needs of older people within the context of their whole life, not just their ageing related needs, and we are pleased that residents will be able to access this support from 10 December 2020. The AASW will continue to advocate for the rights of older people living in aged care facilities to access mental health support and we will be monitoring the recommendations from the release of the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in February 2021, she said.

06.01.2022 NEW SENIORS STRATEGY ENABLES NSW TO AGE WELL (NSW) With almost one in four people to be aged 60 or over by 2031, the NSW Government has committed to a decade-long ageing strategy, addressing focus areas identified by seniors including resilience and safety. Acting Minister for Seniors, Geoff Lee, said the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031 is a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach which underpins NSW projects, policy and services to best support old...er people and remove barriers to continued participation. "We are living longer than ever and as the NSW population continues to age, it’s critical to have a long-term strategy addressing current needs and emerging issues that will affect seniors over the next decade," Mr Lee said. The four focus areas are living in age-friendly environments; participating in inclusive communities; staying safe, active and healthy; and being resilient and informed. The strategy unites a comprehensive collection of activities across NSW agencies, focused on improving systems and infrastructure, and delivering services. The Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing (MACA) was among many organisations, stakeholders and peak bodies included in consultation. The first two-year action plan commences in January 2021, with 88 new or continuing initiatives that positively influence outcomes for older people.

06.01.2022 Australia’s world-first repository of ‘modern slavery statements’ a step in the right direction The Australian government has taken a step forward by just publishing the first batch of statements from Australian companies outlining their efforts to ensure their supply chains do not involve modern slavery. The reports are the first substantial fruits of Australia’s Modern Slavery Act, passed in December 2018, requiring all businesses with an annual turnover of A$100 million to... publish modern slavery statements each year. Businesses must report on the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains, and on the actions they have taken to address these. There are 121 statements in the repository so far. This includes 19 that are voluntary statements from businesses not required do so, but which have done so anyway to demonstrate their commitment to tackling modern slavery. With the deadline for submitting reports extended due to COVID-19, the remainder will come by December 31 or March 31 next year (depending on the company’s financial year). These developments, together with the modern slavery reporting regime can be used to drive better human rights standards among Australian businesses.

06.01.2022 Cuts to JobSeeker could lead to loss of 145,000 full-time jobs, new report finds. The Morrison government is cutting the coronavirus supplement on 25 September, reducing the JobSeeker payment by $300 per fortnight. The supplement will be removed entirely by the end of the year, leaving people on JobSeeker on the old Newstart rate of just $40 per day. If the cuts proceed as scheduled the economy would lose $31.3 billion, an average of 145,000 full-time equivalent jobs would ...be lost in 2020/21 and 2021/22 and regional communities would be hit the hardest, the report found. SPA Branch are preparing a campaign around the budget and income support will feature in our campaign.

05.01.2022 AMA (NSW) PRESIDENT: WORK FOR HOME, IF POSSIBLE (NSW) AMA (NSW) President, Dr Danielle McMullen is urging employers to allow employees to work from home wherever possible. "Please encourage your employees to work from home if possible. Don't put them at risk unnecessarily," Dr McMullen said. "We need to be extremely vigilant right now to reduce the spread of COVID-19, which means staying home. If you have symptoms get tested. But getting a COVID test for the sake of being 'cleared to come to work' won't help reduce transmission. Unfortunately, the test only proves you were negative at that point in time. If you get the test and then continue to come to work and move about in the community, you could possibly pick up the virus afterwards. It's false reassurance."

05.01.2022 REGIONAL SENIORS TRAVEL CARD MOVES INTO SECOND YEAR (NSW) Seniors living in Regional NSW will continue to benefit from the regional seniors travel card with applications for year two opening on Monday 18 January 2021. The regional seniors travel card is a $250 prepaid Visa card designed to assist eligible seniors in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW offset the cost of essential travel expenses. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said more than 337,000 ...regional seniors had benefitted from the card in the first year of the two-year trial. Eligible seniors have from 18 January to 30 November 2021 to apply for a card which can be used for fuel, taxis and pre-booked TrainLink services. Seniors must be an age pensioner with a valid Pensioner Concession Card or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued by either the Department of Human Services or Department of Veterans’ Affairs. They must also permanently live in regional NSW outside Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.

04.01.2022 National Child Protection Week The NSW Government is reminding parents and carers about their role in protecting children as we commence the 30th annual Child Protection Week. Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said the government is committed to providing police with the resources they need to investigate any allegation of child abuse.... The NSW Police Force has also implemented changes to the Child Protection Register including increasing staff, additional supervisors and introducing standardised offender management across the state. Last week, officers from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squads Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU), made three separate arrests over alleged online grooming offences detected across Sydney and the states north. Mr Elliott says it is a timely reminder to the community that everyone has a role to play in keeping our children safe. Since January this year, the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad has arrested more than 560 people and laid more than 2800 charges, following investigations into child sexual assaults, serious physical abuse, extreme cases of neglect and online grooming.

04.01.2022 Royal Commission: Improvements, safeguards and under monitored home care. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety held three days of hearings, running from 31 August to 2 September, examining key design issues for a new home care system and how the sector would transition to a new home care system. Topics covered during the hearings included employment and engagement arrangements plus qualifications and training for home care workers, safeguards for older people receiving care in their home, and regulation of services in individuals homes and the community.

02.01.2022 Mental torture: Muslim immigration detainees say they havent been given halal food for more than a year. Muslim immigration detainees in Brisbane have filed a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission saying they have not been given certified halal food for more than 12 months. They are among more than 100 men detained in a Kangaroo Point hotel after they were evacuated from Nauru and Papua New Guinea for medical reasons.... Many of the Kangaroo Point refugees and asylum seekers are Muslims who eat halal food. The AASW continues calls on government to end the practice of mandatory detention.

02.01.2022 Scaling up efforts to tackle male self-harm. Men and boys account for 75 per cent of deaths from suicide, making them a key group for interventions, but an expanded national effort to prevent suicide demands that we have evidence of what actually works. If we are to make significant reductions in suicide rates we need to address whats happening among men and boys, says Professor Jane Pirkis, Director of the Centre for Mental Health at the University of Melbourne.

02.01.2022 Virtual Forum to Explore LGBTQ Resilience in the Face of Covid-19 ACON COVID Resilience Forum: In This Together is on Thursday 17 September from 5.30pm-7pm. A live online forum exploring the resilience of LGBTQ communities and their ability to adapt to the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, will be hosted by NSWs leading health organisation for sexuality and gender diverse people, ACON. ... To be held on Thursday 17 September from 5.30pm to 7pm, the ACON COVID Resilience Forum: In This Together will focus on the mental health issues relating to the coronavirus pandemic, and how LGBTQ people can build upon their resiliency to manage the stresses and isolation many may be experiencing, as well as deliver messages on keeping safe, accessing support and staying connected. The panel features a range of clinical experts, health care professionals and prominent community members, including: Panda Cheong, Psychologist William Trewlynn, Founding Director and CEO of BlaQ Shiva Chandra and Rishi Sharma, members and co-founders of FOBGAYS Garrett Prestage, Associate Professor at The Kirby Institute Jenna Roberts, Deputy Commissioner of NSW Mental Health Commission and Director of Wagga Wagga Family Support Service Michael MacKay, Counsellor, ACON

01.01.2022 Lit therapy in the classroom: writing about trauma can be valuable, if done right. The health benefits of writing about trauma are well documented. Some counselling theories such as narrative therapy incorporate writing into their therapeutic techniques. Research suggests writing about trauma can be beneficial because it helps people re-evaluate their experiences by looking at them from different perspectives.

01.01.2022 Compulsory QR code condemns pensioners to social isolation (12/11/20) The NSW Government announcement to make the use of the QR code compulsory for patrons of public venues no exceptions means that pensioners who do not have a smart phone will not be able to go to RSL and bowling clubs, restaurants and cafés, wreaking havoc with their social life, said CPSA Policy Manager Paul Versteege. CPSA calls on the NSW Government to review its measure of compulsory use of QR cod...es in public venues before 23 November and allow for exemptions for people unable to use QR codes, or face a certain public backlash once those people start being turned away from their usual haunts. CPSA appreciates the need for effective and efficient contact tracing during this pandemic but the use of compulsory use of QR codes no exceptions is unnecessary and discriminatory towards all those without a smart phone.

01.01.2022 ‘When Facebook blocked Australian news content, domestic violence services were ‘stopped in their tracks’ Facebook’s Thursday announcement to ban Australian publishers and users from sharing or viewing Australian news content has had unintended consequences for domestic violence support services and the vulnerable Australians they support. Non-media organisations have been hit by the ban for at least part of Thursday, including critical health, weather and domestic violence ...services. These included the national sexual assault, domestic family violence and counselling service 1800Respect, Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre Safe Steps and Queensland DV Connect. QLD Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman posted on her Twitter at least 14 organisations which had their pages wiped, describing it as an incredibly outrageous move from Facebook, particularly during Covid-19, and called on the Morrison Government to fit it immediately. See more

01.01.2022 You cannot legislate a narcissist into respecting others. The NSW Coercive Control Inquiry hears harrowing accounts of shame, humiliation and abuse. In many cases in which this control ended with the woman’s murder, the fatal act was the first instance of physical violence. AASW has made a submission to this inquiry and is preparing to for other similar ones. The sector has not unified around a single position on whether or not this should be criminalised and the discussion is expected to last for some time.