Essential new funding for the not-for-profit human services sector

Bateman MLA, Christian Porter, and Jandakot MLA, Joe Francis, said the additional funding of $600 million over four years provided in this year’s Liberal-National State Budget will ensure a sustainable not-for-profit sector that will support the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in our community. 

The new contracts give the appropriate level of assistance to not-for-profit organisations to allow them to improve the care they provide and continue to deliver sustainable quality services across the community.

Both Members are pleased to announce that $491 million over four years has been allocated to provide a funding increase to service agreements with the not-for-profit sector, resulting in an average 25% increase to contracts by 2014-15.

In order to address the not-for-profit sector’s immediate financial needs, funding of $374 million over four years has been allocated to fund an upfront across-the-board percentage price adjustment of 15% for eligible not-for-profit human services contracts from 1 July 2011.

The contract variations are subject to confirmation by relevant not-for-profit organisations prior to the adjustment being finalised and payments made.  This information is based on eligible contracts currently in place as advised by relevant government agencies and will be finalised throughout July.  It is expected that further clarification of other issues, including the eligibility of contracts and other funding arrangements, will be resolved over coming months.

This process will result in organisations in the Bateman and Jandakot electorates receiving a 15% adjustment to the contract value which will be paid in accordance with their established payment schedules under the contracts.

The Government is implementing less onerous and cumbersome reporting requirements on the not-for-profit sector and standardising contracting practices across government agencies.

“I am very impressed with the high standards of care at Kids are Kids!  It is tremendous that as Treasurer I was able to announce the Liberal-National Government’s unprecedented funding for the not-for-profit charity sector that will make a real and genuine difference.  Rather than worrying about money, Kids are Kids! can concentrate on what they do best- helping more and more families” Mr Porter said 

“Kids are Kids! is a perfect example of a high quality innovative service provided to those most in need that this government is dedicated to helping”, he said 

“This is welcomed news for the people of Jandakot. The South Lake Ottey Centre is a fantastic benefit to our community. This includes health and well-being, arts and crafts, parenting programs, programs for women, children, people with disabilities”, Mr Francis said

“The centre also is co-located and working in partnership with Solid Women Aboriginal women's group.  This funding from the State Government will assist the Centre to continue their great work” he said.