Catholic Social Services Australia chief Jerry Nockles met yesterday with Tasmanian Treasurer Eric Abetz at Parliament House in Hobart to discuss opportunities for collaboration in supporting Tasmania’s most vulnerable communities while maintaining fiscal discipline.
The meeting focused on shared priorities, including housing and homelessness, sustainable funding for social services and reducing duplication and regulatory burden that increases costs to service delivery.
“We had a constructive and collaborative conversation with Treasurer Abetz about how we can work together more effectively to support vulnerable Tasmanians whilst maintaining the fiscal discipline needed to reduce inflation-causing spending,” Dr Nockles said.
“CSSA understands the imperative for responsible budget management. The existence of duplication and regulatory burden creates a double bind – it not only burdens government but creates additional costs to service delivery for providers.
“CSSA and outstanding member agencies like CatholicCare Tasmania can be critical partners in this endeavour. We bring decades of experience, deep community connections and proven models that deliver real value for every taxpayer dollar invested.”
Dr Nockles highlighted the nation-leading work of CatholicCare Tasmania, particularly in the housing and homelessness space.
“I was very pleased to share with the Treasurer some of the innovative work CatholicCare Tasmania is delivering to ensure every Tasmanian has a roof over their head and is supported to realise their full potential” Dr Nockles said.
“The Treasurer is well aware of the impactful work CatholicCare Tasmania delivers across the state and is very clear-eyed about the challenges we face together and now exacerbated by the Iran crisis.”
During the meeting, Dr Nockles presented Mr Abetz with a copy of Dilexi Te, Pope Francis’s recent Apostolic Exhortation, and spoke of the Holy Father’s dedication to the poor and marginalised.
CatholicCare Tasmania chief Julia Mangan said the work of the organisation in supporting those with a disability who were experiencing family violence was critical work.
“We look forward to ongoing discussions with the Government so we can continue to deliver this vital service,” she said.
“We also know that the outcomes we have achieved in supporting people in our multicultural community to secure employment is valued both socially and economically and we are eager to discuss how ongoing funding can continue to deliver real social change.”
FULL STORY
Meets with Tasmanian Treasurer to Strengthen Partnership in Supporting Vulnerable Tasmanians (CSSA)
