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RWA PHASE 2 HUMAN SERVICES

The Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) continues to rely on existing resources in its planning to improve human services. The RWA has adopted this approach as a key component of its draft plan forming phase 2 of its Human Services Plan for older people, people with disabilities, migrant communities and homeless people. [Report from CLOVER'S eNEWS - Friday 13 October 2006 - No. 318]

Proposals in the draft plan to improve access to services involve new taskforces and working groups, adding more meetings that will take away from service delivery. It is hard to see how access will be improved without new funds to expand already under-resourced services such as dementia support and help for older Aboriginal people.

The draft plan includes measures such as cultural awareness training and provision of information in community languages - activities which the Government promotes as standard services to be provided everywhere. While providing more information will increase the demand for services, the plan does not identify how existing service providers will cope without additional resources or cutting services.

Similarly, the RWA strategies do not address reduced resources for public housing, falling housing affordability, and the impact of the Government's "Reshaping Public Housing" policy which makes it more difficult for homeless people to get public housing and concentrates people with complex needs in public housing estates.

The RWA's proposed Affordable Housing policy has not yet appeared and a plan for the extensive Department of Housing properties is needed before public housing tenants have a secure future. Against this, sensible proposals for reducing homelessness by trying to help people as early as possible are inadequate.

While the draft plan recognises that some people are "transport disadvantaged", its proposed actions to reduce isolation will have little impact without improved public transport. Instead the Government has cut bus and train services across greater Sydney, and there is still no plan, funds or timetable for upgrading Redfern Railway Station.

The continued focus on "migrant communities" as a single group glosses over different language and cultural barriers, and ignores the experience of refugees and families of migrants.

Submissions on Phase 2 of the Human Services Plan can be made until Tuesday 7 November, with a final plan due by the end of the year.

According to the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, there will be an evaluation of the Human Services Plan in mid 2007.

Information www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au

[CLOVER'S eNEWS - Friday 13 October 2006 - No. 318]