The new financial year brings another round of rising costs for community service organisations and the people we support, with increases to electricity, water, rates and other essential operating costs taking effect from 1 July, writes TasCOSS CEO, Paula Wriedt.

TasCOSS has called for further household assistance following the Tasmanian Economic Regulator’s determination that regulated electricity prices in Tasmania will increase by a further 4.23% next week.

New data released though Budget Estimates shows the severity of the housing crisis, with 2,911 Tasmanian children confirmed to be without a fixed address, stranded on the social housing waitlist.

The Premier has announced that following a Cabinet reshuffle, the Hon Roger Jaensch MP, will return to Cabinet as Minister for Community Services and Multicultural Affairs, having previously served in the role (formerly Community Services) in recent years. Marcus Vermey MP has also been appointed to the role of Parliamentary Secretary for Community and Multicultural Affairs.

In many ways, stepping into the role of TasCOSS CEO feels like a natural culmination of more than 30 years spent representing people and working alongside communities, writes new TasCOSS CEO, Paula Wriedt.

Vulnerable Tasmanians shouldn’t be charged additional fees to keep the power on, writes Lucinda Szczypior.