Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) CEO Dr Jerry Nockles, accompanied by CSSA Director of Policy and Advocacy Carmel Sefian, met on Wednesday with the Hon. Amanda Camm, Queensland Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, in a pivotal discussion to enhance support for Queensland’s most vulnerable people amid ongoing social and economic challenges.
The meeting took place shortly before Federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) later that day. CSSA held productive discussions with Minister Camm on the NDIS and the complexities of services funded across different levels of government.
The discussion focused on critical issues including social service delivery pressures exacerbated by the current fuel crisis, cost-of-living impacts, housing and homelessness, land use for social and affordable housing, and early intervention models for children and families.
Dr Nockles emphasised the urgent need to protect funding for social services, stating:
“As we have been saying all over the country, we appreciate and support fiscal discipline to reduce the cruel and relentless impact of inflation on vulnerable people. However, it is imperative that funding is secure and sufficient to deliver quality care. Any reduction in funding risks shifting costs to other systems and ultimately harms those who can least afford it.”
CSSA also supported calls for surge funding and contract flexibility to help emergency relief and social services respond effectively to the current fuel shortages impacting service delivery.
The Queensland Government has expressed reservations about fully committing to the Commonwealth’s Thriving Kids initiative at this stage. Nevertheless, CSSA had constructive conversations with Minister Camm about the community hub model CSSA is exploring, particularly building on the innovative integrated service delivery work led by CentaCare Far North Queensland.
CSSA expressed keen interest in contributing to the forthcoming Thriving Kids Roundtable hosted by Minister Camm to ensure that Queensland families and children in greatest need benefit from the initiative.
Dr Nockles added:
“The community hub approach is a proven way to reduce system fragmentation and improve access to early intervention supports for children and families. We are encouraged by the potential to partner with the Queensland Government to develop these hubs, ensuring children receive the help they need before crisis points.”
The discussion also covered the potential to identify and repurpose surplus or under-utilised government land to support more social and affordable housing, building on successful initiatives such as the Catholic Church’s ‘Yes, In Faith’s Backyard’ project.
Minister Camm highlighted the Queensland Government’s ongoing efforts to address community safety, youth crime, and child protection, including the recent launch of the Professional Foster Care pilot to support children with neurodiversity and disabilities in family-based care.
Dr Nockles concluded:
“It is critical that Queensland’s social services sector receives the support and recognition necessary to meet growing community needs and deliver lasting positive outcomes.”
CSSA remains committed to working collaboratively with governments to ensure sustainable, effective social services for all Australians.