Catholic Social Services Australia Media Releases

Canberra Summit to Highlight Impact of Economic Crisis on Social Services

maureenghirardello — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:47:40 -0500

Major church providers will take their concerns regarding the impact of the global financial crisis to political leaders at a national summit at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 26 November.

The group has commissioned Access Economics to identify likely impacts in a discussion paper - The impact of the financial crisis on social services- which will be presented at the summit.

Key members of the Government have been invited to address the summit, to comment on the discussion paper and to participate in the development of recommendations.

Media Release - Catholic Social Services Australia Awards Honour Innovation and Outstanding Achievement

maureenghirardello — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 19:46:00 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Annual Awards, now in their eighth year, continue to highlight the extraordinary work of the social services sector.

This year's winners include a ground breaking program for at-risk youth in Sydney's western suburbs; a woman whose determination and commitment to her local rural community has seen a drop in the number of male suicides in several communities in South Australia; and a program which is changing anti social behaviour among Indigenous Youth in Toowoomba.

NORMA PARKER AWARD

National Child Protection Week: Children See Children Do

maureenghirardello — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:29:53 -0400

NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK
CHILDREN SEE, CHILDREN DO

Frank Quinlan, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Australia said today with 60,000 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect each year, urgent action is needed to protect at-risk children.

Speaking during National Child Protection Week, Mr Quinlan said that while a critical factor in breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect is positive behavioural change at the individual level, many parents need targeted, intensive support in order to achieve this.

Media Release - Don't Play Politics With Pensions

maureenghirardello — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:51:29 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia has released a discussion paper calling for the establishment of an independent Entitlements Commission to set and review pensions and other income support payments on an annual basis.

Executive Director, Frank Quinlan said the Commission would operate at arms length from government in much the same way as the Fair Pay Commission, the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal and the Reserve Bank of Australia.

"Why should those on benefits only be fed the scraps from the political table?," Mr Quinlan said.

Media Release - Harsh Compliance Measures Fall Short of Necessary Reforms

maureenghirardello — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:08:25 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan says new measures introduced to the Federal Parliament today aimed at softening compliance requirements for single parents and people on unemployment benefits have fallen short of the mark.

Speaking shortly after legislation was introduced Mr Quinlan said despite the opportunity for significant reform, the Government has failed to remove concerning elements of the harsh compliance regime put in place under the previous government.

Media Release - Fair Pay Commission Decision Takes Away Tax Cuts and Overlooks the Plight of Low Paid Working Families

maureenghirardello — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:18:28 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, said while the Australian Fair Pay Commission's decision to increase the Federal Minimum Wage by $21.66 a week will equate roughly to a CPI increase for the 100,000 workers on the minimum wage, other low-paid workers will be not be so lucky.

Media Release - Carbon Poverty On Goverment's Agenda

suewest — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:46:49 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, has welcomed the release of the Federal Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper, saying the strategies outlined look set to ensure low-income households will not be further disadvantaged.

Speaking shortly after the release of the Paper today, Mr Quinlan said from the ground up, the opportunity exists to design a system that protects low-income households from a new form of poverty.

Transcript - Doorstop Parliament House, Frank Quinlan on Impact of Tax Changes on Charitable Sector

maureenghirardello — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:45:49 -0400

Media Release - Tax Changes Will Damage Charitable Sector

maureenghirardello — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:52:34 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, said today that proposed changes to the tax system will inadvertently capture thousands of low paid charity workers and their children in its web.

Mr Quinlan said charities and other non government organisations have used salary packaging to compensate workers for low wages.

"The changes will have the biggest impact on workers with children," Mr Quinlan said.

Media Release - CSSA Welcomes the Government's Quick Action on Family Tax Benefits for Charity Workers

maryjamieson — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:26:31 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, tonight welcomed the Government's announcement that it will table legislation in the Senate next week to rectify the anomalies in legislation put in place under the previous government which would have reduced the income of low paid charitable workers with families.

Mr Quinlan said a lot of workers in the charitable sector will wake up tomorrow reassured by the news.

Transcript - Interview Frank Quinlan on ABC Radio National AM - Tax Changes and Charities

maureenghirardello — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:06:32 -0400

CHARITY WORKERS COP PAY CUTS

PETER CAVE: The Federal Government has been warned its planned crackdown on fringe benefits lurks for high income earners will hit the lowly paid as well.

AM has been told senior ministers are being bombarded with emails from charity workers who stand to lose up to $50 a week in family and child care payments because of a tax measure redefining what constitutes income.

Transcript - Interview Frank Quinlan on ABC Radio National (The World Today) - More on Tax Changes and Charities

maureenghirardello — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:20:51 -0400

GOVERNMENT APPEALS FOR PATIENCE OVER TAX PLAN

ELEANOR HALL: The Federal Government is today pleading with employees in the community, welfare and church sectors to be patient while it fixes a tax measure it acknowledges will have a savage effect on their incomes.

The ABC revealed yesterday that charity workers could lose up to $50 a week in family and childcare payments from the first of July because of a Federal Budget measure that redefines income.

Transcript - Interview Frank Quinlan on ABC Radio (Breakfast With Adam Spencer) - Child Support Changes

maureenghirardello — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:54:05 -0400

ADAM SPENCER: Now in a bid to recover what is now verging on a $1 billion bill in unpaid child support, the Federal Government yesterday announced a crackdown that will force parents with child support obligations to lodge tax returns at a trial using private detectives to monitor the activities of those to be considered the worst of the offenders. Frank Quinlan is the executive director of Catholic Social Services Australia. He joins us now.
Good morning, Frank, how are you?

FRANK QUINLAN: Good morning Adam, I'm well.

Opinion - Submitted to The Australian - Frank Quinlan on Tax Changes and Church and Charitable Organisations

maureenghirardello — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:50:24 -0400

Media Release - CSSA Welcomes Quick Action on Family Tax Benefits for Charity Workers

maryjamieson — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:17:04 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, said thousands of low paid church and charitable sector workers with families will be relieved by the news that amended legislation has passed through the Parliament today.

Mr Quinlan said after concerns were raised by the ASU, the church and charitable sector, and the not-for-profit sector, the Government moved quickly last week to amend anomalies in legislation put in place under the previous Government which would have seen these workers worse off by up to $50 a week come 1 July this year.

Media Release - Regardless of the source, tax changes must not disadvantage the charitable sector

suewest — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:54:16 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, has welcomed the Government's determination to address the negative impact that changes in reportable fringe benefits will have on the community and not for profit sector.

"We encourage a bipartisan effort to resolve these unintended consequences for vulnerable low income families before Parliament rises at the end of next week," Mr Quinlan said.

"We welcome the Government's eagerness to talk to the community sector about a solution.

Media Release - Child Protection - So Much More Than Just Groceries

maureenghirardello — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:50:44 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, said today that quarantining welfare payments in Indigenous communities will not address the underlying issues that put children at risk, like family dysfunction, mental health problems, drug and alcohol abuse and addiction to gambling and pornography.

According to media reports today, the welfare debit card will see a portion of benefits quarantined for approved goods and services such as food and clothing.

But Mr Quinlan questioned the effectiveness of the measure.

Media Release - Budget Strengthens Social Safety Net

maryjamieson — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:05:52 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia’s Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, said at first glance the Federal Budget has delivered a brighter outlook for most Australians.

Mr Quinlan welcomes the renewed focus on a fair go for those who haven’t enjoyed the benefits of the economic boom of the past decade.

“Tax cuts look set to deliver the greatest benefits to people on the lowest incomes. This is an important first step in sharing Australia’s wealth more equitably,” Mr Quinlan said.

Media Release - Coordination the Key to Closing the Gap in Mental Health Services

maryjamieson — Fri, 16 May 2008 01:39:41 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, today called for a better coordinated approach to the delivery of mental health services, especially those services involving community-based organisations.

Speaking at a public hearing of the Senate Community Affairs Committee Inquiry into Mental Health Services in Australia, Mr Quinlan said the lack of coordination between State and Federal Government services has led to burdensome red tape and significant gaps in funding and services, particularly in regional Australia.

Media Release - CSSA Welcomes Announcement of Social Inclusion Board

maureenghirardello — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:52 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, has welcomed today's announcement of the Government's inaugural Social Inclusion Board, saying the Board has a mandate to make sure all Australians are able to participate more fully in Australian society.

Media Release - CSSA Welcomes Homelessness Green Paper

maureenghirardello — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:29:45 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, has welcomed the release today of the Government's Green Paper on homelessness, Which Way Home? A new approach to homelessness.

Mr Quinlan said Catholic Social Services Australia looks forward to participating in the consultation process and will lodge a submission by 20 June this year.

Media Release - BUDGET - Catholic Social Services Australia Welcomes Vocational Services Changes

maureenghirardello — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:24:00 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, has welcomed sweeping reforms to the suite of vocational services programs in last night's Budget which promise to personalise services, address skills shortages and streamline the administration of employment-related programs.

Mr Quinlan said disadvantaged unemployed people will be the big winners under the new arrangements where services can be tailored to meet individual needs, giving long-term unemployed people a better chance of securing a job.

Media Release - The Government Giveth and the Fair Commission Taketh Away?

maureenghirardello — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:37:01 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, today called on the Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) not to undermine gains of around $8 a week promised to low income earners via tax cuts in this year's Federal Budget.

Mr Quinlan said a ‘fair' pay commission would not discount the lowest wages in the country to claw back tax breaks given to all wage earners.

Media Release - Dump Breaching Legislation and Start Again – CSSA

maureenghirardello — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:25:52 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, has called for a major overhaul of legislation that allows people's welfare payments to be cut for eight weeks, usually without alternate financial support.

Responding to Senate Estimates figures supplied in response to questions from Greens Senator Rachel Siewert, Mr Quinlan welcomed their release but said the figures should be routinely available to allow public scrutiny.

Media Release - Catholic Social Services Australia's Goals for the 20-20 Summit

maureenghirardello — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:12:45 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, says stronger families and more cohesive communities should be the focus for the 2020 Summit this weekend.

Speaking ahead of the Federal Government's Summit, Mr Quinlan put forward three goals for consideration.

"Firstly, we must develop anti-poverty targets for 2020 if the Government's Social Inclusion Agenda is to have real meaning for our most disadvantaged citizens," Mr Quinlan said.

Media Release - Shared Care Should Be About Children's Needs – Not Parents' Rights

maureenghirardello — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:46:27 -0500

Frank Quinlan, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Australia, has called on the new Attorney-General to revisit recent changes to family law which put many children of separated parents at risk of avoidable psychological distress.

Commenting as a paper was released in the Journal of Family Studies today, Mr Quinlan said the children of separated couples should be protected by care arrangements, but that not all children benefit from shared parenting arrangements.

Media Release - A Decent Quality Of Life Should Be The Benchmark For Older - And All - Australians

maryjamieson — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:10:23 -0400

Frank Quinlan, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Australia, today welcomed the call by the Senate Community Affairs Committee for an urgent and fundamental review of retirement incomes.

Mr Quinlan said a similar review was also needed for government benefits available to all people of working age.

Commenting after the release of the Committee's report on cost of living pressures on older Australians, A decent quality of life, Mr Quinlan said current arrangements are clearly inadequate for an increasing number of older people.

Media Release - COAG Must Prioritise Social Inclusion Across Its Agenda

maryjamieson — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:10:20 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia today released an Open Letter to Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Participants.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's COAG meeting, Catholic Social Services Australia Executive Director, Mr Frank Quinlan, said the Open Letter asks COAG members to integrate social inclusion across all policy areas and Working Groups.

Catholic Social Services Australia is also asking COAG members to:

Media Release - National Apology Heralds New Era of Healing and Action to 'Close the Gap'

maryjamieson — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:20:09 -0500

Frank Quinlan, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Australia, has warmly welcomed today's historic National Apology by Prime Minister Rudd, which apologises for past laws and policies inflicting grief and loss on Indigenous Australians, especially the Stolen Generations.

Commenting on the Apology which was tabled in Parliament last night, Mr Quinlan encouraged all Australians to join together to commemorate the significance of this special day, and to use it as a rallying point for our future efforts to achieve equality.

Media Release - Catholic Agencies Continue Their Long Tradition of Service to Australian Families

maryjamieson — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:55:01 -0500

Catholic Social Services Australia Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, has welcomed the news that Catholic social services agencies will be involved in 13 of the 25 new Family Relationship Centres announced by the Federal Government today.

The agencies will be involved in services in Bankstown, Dubbo, Gosford, Parramatta and Tamworth in New South Wales; Broadmeadows and Shepparton in Victoria; Bundaberg, Chermside, Mackay and Toowoomba in Queensland; and Adelaide and Mt Gambier in South Australia.

Joint Media Release - ALP Shows Leadership on Social Inclusion

maureenghirardello — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 07:00:00 -0500

Catholic Social Services Australia and Jesuit Social Services have welcomed the release of the ALP's Social Inclusion Agenda.

The Agenda commits to breaking the cycle of disadvantage in Australia by integrating social inclusion principles across mainstream policies and programs.

Media Release - Catholic Social Services Says The Obligation Is Mutual

maryjamieson — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 08:00:00 -0400

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director Frank Quinlan, has called for a new approach to the mutual obligation policy which underpins current approaches to welfare payments.

Mr Quinlan said the mutual obligation debate has become increasingly paternalistic, stigmatises people on income support, and removes responsibility from individuals, families and communities.

Speech - National Conference 2007 - McCosker Oration 2007 - Bishop Pat Power