COMMUNITY SERVICES INDUSTRY COVID-19 Issues Register Status - completed. ID#
Category
Issue / Impact
Suggested solutions
Actions to date/feedback
Status/date raised
TCS060 Disability Services Is it possible to claim both JobKeeper and Disability Support Pension
Allow DSP recipients to also be eligible for JobKeeper.
Yes it is possible to receive both. Information is available here: http://ejaustralia.org.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/DSP-and- Completed. COVID-19-payments.pdf
TCS008 Family and Sexual Increased stress on men financially and personally Violence
Need preventive messages and virtual places for men to visit, that can extend support to men, in a safe, nonjudgmental space, to encourage them to share their concerns and needs.
19/07/20 - Effectiveness of campaigns is not yet known, but more can be done in terms of strong messaging and direction from men's organisations. "Call it Forward" campaign requires $12,000 funding for a professional marketing campaign.
RPN Needs Assessment completed.
27/06/20 - Funding announced for 15 projects across the state, under the National Partnership: COVID-19 Domestic and Family Violence, to help ensure the safety of women and their children and those at risk during the coronavirus pandemic. http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/releases/additional_funding_to_help_prevent_and_respond_to_family_and_sexual_violence 16/06/20 - Tasmanian Government launched Safe from Violence website, providing information, online resources and links about family and sexual violence targeted at victim-survivors, perpetrators, family and friends of victim-survivors and perpetrators, service providers and the community. The site aims to increase community awareness about family violence and its underlying drivers; provide family and sexual violence service contact information; and pathways to seeking support. www.safefromviolence.tas.gov.au. 11/05/20 - MRT social media campaign "Call It Forward" that indirectly seeks to address these issues https://www.mrtasmania.org/callit-forward.html Extra funds have been provided by state and federal government for both mental health supports and family violence prevention and support services The Australian Government has launched a campaign to combat domestic violence during the COVID-19 crisis. The Help is Here campaign has two clear messages that help is here and tough times do not excuse tougher times at home. MensLine, a national 24/7 telephone and online counselling service since 2001. Men who need support can call MensLine on 1300 78 99 78 at any time or visit https://mensline.org.au/ []
TCS025 Housing / Homelessness
Confusion about what is and isn't allowed with the current arrangements around rent freezes and negotiating rent reductions.
Clear and wide communication around current laws and options for renters experiencing hardship.
19/05/20 - Tasmanian Government announces the establishment of the COVID-19 Rent Relief Fund providing support of up RPN Needs to $2,000 or four weeks rent for tenants experiencing extreme hardship. Fact Sheet available at Assessment https://www.communities.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/89721/V1.2_TasGov_COVID19_Factsheet_-Rent-Relief- completed. Tenants_D002.pdf 08/05/20 - SCC Recovery Team has referred to relevant agency for advice. 06/05/20 - Tasmanian Government to establish a support fund for tenants experiencing hardship. Government advertisements have been placed in newspapers. Tenants Union has developed fact sheets.
TCS026 Housing / Homelessness
Many residential tenants are accumulating rent arrears and will Mandatory negotiation of rent reduction (modelled on not be able to afford to pay the arrears when the moratorium commercial tenancy scheme expected to go before on evictions is lifted, leaving them vulnerable to eviction. Parliament in the last week of April) if renter can demonstrate COVID 19-related reduction in income. Potential solution (that commercial and residential leases have same protections) to be raised with Tasmanian Government.
[] 23/06/20 - Tasmanian Government announces an extension of the moratorium on evictions and rent increases to 30 September 2020. http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/releases/residential_tenancy_protections_extended 19/05/20 - Tasmanian Government announces the establishment of the COVID-19 Rent Relief Fund providing support of up to $2,000 or four weeks rent for tenants experiencing extreme hardship. Fact Sheet available at https://www.communities.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/89721/V1.2_TasGov_COVID19_Factsheet_-Rent-ReliefTenants_D002.pdf 08/05/20 - SCC Recovery Team has referred to relevant agency for advice. 08/05/20 - SCC Recovery Team has referred to relevant agency for advice. 06/05/20 - Premier announced a rent reduction scheme for commercial leases and a support fund for tenants who may be experiencing significant hardship with rental payments during the COVID-19 emergency period and will consult with the Tenants Union of Tasmania and the Residential Tenancy Commissioner on the eligibility arrangements. []
RPN Needs Assessment completed.
ID#
Category
Issue / Impact
Suggested solutions
Actions to date/feedback
Status/date raised
TCS032 Housing / Homelessness
Uncertainty about whether the moratorium on residential evictions covers people without formal leases.
Renters without formal leases are covered.
Whether under formal leases or not, renters are still covered by the Residential Tenancy Act and the COVID-19 Disease Emergency Act provisions, therefore the moratorium will apply.
Completed.
TCS034 Housing / Homelessness
Tasmanian legislation contains provisions that would make it possible for the government to freeze residential and commercial rent increases, but has so far only exercised that power in relation to commercial rents.
Issue a Notice under s22 of the COVID-19 Disease Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 to disallow residential rent increases during the emergency period.
[] 23/06/20 - Tasmanian Government announces an extension of the moratorium on evictions and rent increases to 30 September 2020. http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/releases/residential_tenancy_protections_extended
Completed.
Tasmanian Government issued Notice of rent freeze on 22 April 2020 http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/releases/rent_increase_freeze_in_place_for_residential_tenants_during_covid-19_crisis []
TCS038 Housing / Homelessness
Risk of residential evictions due to loss of income.
A moratorium on evictions during the emergency period.
23/06/20 - Tasmanian Government announces an extension of the moratorium on evictions and rent increases to 30 September 2020. http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/releases/residential_tenancy_protections_extended
Completed.
Notice to vacate issued by an owner to a tenant is of no effect until 30 June 2020. Will be reviewed and may be extended. https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/housing/residential-tenancies-covid-19-emergency-provisions [] TCS045 Housing / Homelessness
Formal signing of housing related documents in keeping with physical distancing and public health advice.
Recommend looking at online options and/or not requiring a Some organisations with capacity are choosing to move to online forms and e-signatures. Government is investigating physical signature, such as e-signatures. alternative methods for Housing Tasmania clients.
Continue to monitor
TCS057 Housing / Homelessness
Discrimination against renters on the basis of employment status.
Standard application forms that set out what questions and Longer-term advocacy issue that TasCOSS will progress through the review and reform of the Residential Tenancy Act. information can be asked of applications. These forms to be designed in consultation with Tenants Union and Shelter Tas.
Completed.
TCS037 Job Seekers
Moratorium on JobSearch mutual obligations.
TCS007 Job Seekers
Remaining Robodebts continue to cause stress for jobseekers during an intensely stressful time.
[] A moratorium on mutual obligation requirements during the 14/05/20 - Employment Minister Cash announced the suspension of activity requirements for Jobseeker Payment will Completed (short emergency period. continue at least until 1 June 2020, and the Government will take account of the scope of lockdowns and state of the labour term). market before reinstating it. [] Cancellation of Robodebts to ease stress on jobseekers and 29/05/20 - Federal Government announced that robodebts will be cancelled and will refund people who repaid the debts, finally bring program to an end. including recovery fees and interest.
Completed.
05/05/20 - Raised with Federal Minister and ACOSS continuing to campaign for cancellation of Robodebt. https://www.acoss.org.au/media_release/government-must-cancel-robodebts-and-boost-centrelink-staffing/ TCS035 Job Seekers
JobSeeker allowance is too low to live on.
Permanent increase in rate of Jobseeker payment.
[] A Coronavirus Supplement payment has been announced that has effectively doubled the rate of JobSeeker.
Completed.
ACOSS and other COSSes continuing the "Raise the Rate" campaign.
TCS003 Mental Health and Increase in the amount of waste households are producing due Increased response to waste management by local councils Wellbeing to isolation measures. where need identified.
[] 28/05/20 - No further update on current issues relating to waste management.
RPN Needs Assessment 08/05/20 - SCC Recovery Team is aware of a specific issue relating to waste management in Burnie in April, which has been completed. resolved. SCC Recovery Team is not aware of any other changes or issues associated with waste management service provision. SCC Recovery Team requests further TasCOSS advice on this issue. 22/04/20 -Escalated to the Recovery Partners Network (RPN) and awaiting further information. []
ID#
Category
TCS021 Older People
Issue / Impact
Suggested solutions
Actions to date/feedback
Status/date raised
Access to crisis accommodation for older people experiencing elder abuse
Ensure emergency housing for people escaping family violence is also available for older people.
26/05/20 - TasCOSS is advised that after representations to emergency housing providers a positive outcome has resulted Completed. for Tasmanians experiencing elder abuse that were not receiving crisis accommodation in the COVID-19 emergency. This issue has also been raised with the Statewide Elder Abuse Advisory Committee as it highlights the gaps that arise as a result of elder abuse by family members other than spouses not being covered by the Family Violence Act. 08/05/20 - SCC Recovery Team requests further information on this issue in order to seek advice from relevant agencies. 22/04/20 - Escalated to the Recovery Partners Network (RPN) and awaiting further information.
TCS043 Older People
Volunteering in a safe manner.
Information, guidelines or fact sheets.
TCS062 Older People
Family and friends are unable to access Residential Aged Care Direct communication from Government to RACFs on Facilities (RACF) in Tasmania. These facilities are not following Direction for Residential Aged Care Facilities and the new visitor access code for RACFs. encouragement to adopt and follow the Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes During Covid-19 .
[] Information and guidelines have been developed and are available on the Volunteering Tasmania website https://www.volunteeringtas.org.au/2020/04/22/safety-guidelines-for-volunteer-organisations/
Completed.
[] 22/06/20 - Some easing of restrictions on visits to aged care facilities, with up to two people per visit with visit times unrestricted and multiple visits allowed in one day permitted. http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/releases/aged_care_restrictions
RPN Needs Assessment completed.
05/06/20 - Issue raised with the State Recovery Committee on 4 June 2020. DPAC has been tasked to discuss with relevant industry bodies at meetings during week of 9 June 2020. Further information to be provided as available. 29/05/20 - RPN Needs Assessment. TCS020 Older People
Businesses not taking cash is an issue for older people.
Provide free debit cards coupled with banking/financial literacy advice.
[] 17/07/20 - This issue was considered and closed-off by the Recovery Working Group on 9 July 2020. The RWG noted there were no reports of businesses refusing cash payments, although businesses have been encouraged to use cashless payments where possible; online shopping has also been encouraged. The RWG also noted work underway by COTA Tas and COTA Australia, in consultation with the banking sector, to improve access to and use of cashless payment methods by older people.
RPN Needs Assessment completed.
08/05/20 - SCC Recovery Team is liaising with relevant agencies to monitor work on this issue. The SCC Recovery Team has provided advice to the State Recovery Advisor on impacts and supports for older people, including cash payments. SCC Recovery Team and TasCOSS to maintain a watching brief on this issue. People with passbooks are being issued cards, but there is still the potential for financial elder abuse. TCS063 Older People
Impact on older people of being categorised as "vulnerable".
[] Clarity on the over 70 age message about vulnerability – it is 15/07/20 - The Australian Government's Department of Health has updated advice identifying people who are at greater a very diverse age group – people will make their own risk of illness from COVID-19 https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-healthdecisions if this is not clarified and will go out. alert/advice-for-people-at-risk-of-coronavirus-covid-19 The Government and COTA to work together on more nuanced information for older cohorts to ensure information and messaging is clear, supportive and effective.
This includes information on making COVIDSafe decisions about work, volunteering, transport and social activities https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-living-well-in-the-covid-19-pandemic This national advice has been reflected in new information for Tasmanians at higher risk available on the coronavirus website https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/keeping-yourself-safe/higher-risk-tasmanians. In respect of workplaces, WorkSafe advises organisations that engage with vulnerable people (whether as employees, volunteers, clients, etc) to work with those individuals on a one-on-one basis to support them to engage safely in your organisation. This might mean developing a risk management plan, which is referred to in the national advice noted above, or it might be a tailored or less formal version of that. 05/06/20 - Work is underway by the State Control Centre, Public Health and Communities Tasmania on messaging for vulnerable cohorts, including older people. As a first step, interim messaging has been prepared for the coronavirus.tas.gov.au website to help inform those who are at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19 about managing those risks. Next steps will be undertaken in coordination with relevant partners, including COTA. Further detail will be provided as work progresses. 29/05/20 - RPN Needs Assessment. []
RPN Needs Assessment completed.
ID#
Category
Issue / Impact
TCS067 Other - Community Increased cost of cleaning due to new regulations. Services
Suggested solutions
Actions to date/feedback
Status/date raised
Short-term grants or funding top-ups to offset additional cleaning services and products.
17/07/20 - Recovery Working Group has requested further evidence of the scope and impact of increased cleaning and compliance costs.
RPN Needs Assessment - TBA.
Clarification of the extent to which the Work Safe Australia guidelines need to be followed with respect to cleaning practices under the regulations.
12/06/20 - RPN Needs Assessment. Additional information about safety plans, as well as a huge range of resources to help organisations meet the minimum standards, are available at https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/business-and-employees/covid-19-safe-workplaces-framework https://www.worksafe.tas.gov.au/topics/Health-and-Safety/safety-alerts/coronavirus/covid-safe-workplaces-framework https://www.business.tas.gov.au/coronavirus_information/covid-19_safety_plans If you have questions about the framework, which guidelines or templates are relevant for your workplace, or the details of your safety plan, or if you need any other support in preparing your plan, WorkSafe Tasmania is available to help you through its Advisory Service – go to www.worksafe.tas.gov.au/advisoryservice or call 1300 366 322. TasCOSS has also hosted workshops with Worksafe Tasmania to assist the community services industry with up-to-date information, hints and tips for completing COVID-19 Safety Plans and supporting a safe return to work. A workshop recording, together with resources and guides to assist organisations with their COVID-19 Safety Plans, are available at https://tascoss.org.au/covid-19-safety-plans/
TCS066 Other - Community COVID-19 Safety Plans for small community groups and Services difficulties with compliance by being asked by venues to provide large amounts of paperwork before recommencing activities.
TCS028 Other - digital service access
Connecting with clients and engaging with new clients is challenging via phone and many won’t engage through this process. This is happening across multiple areas and with different cohorts (including FV, youth, job seekers, etc.)
WorkSafe Tasmania engage with community sector peak bodies to streamline a safety and compliance process for community organisations and volunteers. Initial discussion has indicated the potential for safety plans and documentation submitted by a peak body and approved by WorkSafe, to provide coverage for member organisations of that peak, where those organisation can demonstrate an understanding of and adherence to relevant guidelines.
[] 15/07/20 - WorkSafe has advised umbrella organisations, such as a peak body, are able to develop safety plans that may be RPN Needs used by smaller (e.g. member) organisations that have limited capacity to prepare their own plans. However, this is Assessment dependent on the smaller organisation having a copy of that plan and the ability to implement it at the local level. If completed. implementation of the plan is not possible in the local environment, then revisions to the plan should be documented on the copy of the plan that's kept locally. WorkSafe has confirmed the best place for any organisation to go for support on developing safety plans is its Advisory Service – at www.worksafe.tas.gov.au/advisoryservice or via 1300 366 322.
[]
03/06/20 - RPN Needs Assessment.
Industry to develop new/alternative/innovative ways of working, engaging with cohorts and sharing what works.
TasCOSS to share examples of remote delivery.
Completed.
15/05/20 - clarification of essential services and service delivery is available here: https://tascoss.org.au/wpcontent/uploads/2020/03/Issues-Summary-%E2%80%94-Essential-Services.pdf
Completed.
A different aspect of digital access is transitioning/support to use telephone/digital technologies to access services. TasCOSS and the sector could share methods and examples of ways organisations are overcoming barriers to delivering/accessing support.
TCS031 Other - Essential Services
Uncertainty about what jobs fall under 'Essential services'.
[] Clarity or definition of what is an "essential service" so organisations know whether they can stay open.
[] TCS039 Other - Essential Services
Risk of utilities being disconnected due financial difficulty.
A moratorium on disconnections during the emergency period.
30/06/20 - Aurora has advised its moratorium on disconnections is extended to 31 July 2020 (and is expected to extend to at least end October). TasWater has no current plans to recommence restrictions/disconnections. TasGas will not be disconnecting any residential customers affected by the COVID-19 outbreak who can’t pay their bill.
Completed.
Aurora, TasGas and TasWater have announced a moratorium on disconnections until 30 June 2020. TCS059 Other - PPE
Access to appropriate PPE for personal care of people in their own homes and community health settings
Identification and communication of required PPE for personal care setting, Access to that appropriate PPE, Communication of appropriate PPE requirements with clients to allay fears/concerns. Peaks and employers to clarify with staff and service users appropriate use of PPE.
[] TasCOSS has developed the below resources to assist the peaks network and the sector: Information on PPE - https://tascoss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Issues-Summary-%E2%80%94-PPE.pdf Clarification on essential services - https://tascoss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Issues-Summary-%E2%80%94Essential-Services.pdf []
Completed.
ID#
Category
TCS058 Other - Prisoners
TCS044 Other - Service Delivery
Issue / Impact
Suggested solutions
Actions to date/feedback
Concerns that prisoners are especially vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 – they reside in close confinement and many have underlying health conditions.
10 recommendations provided for appropriate prisoner accommodation.
Government has made some announcements in relation to prison populations, but longer-term reform and advocacy issues Completed. remain.
Ensure a Tasmanian representative on the Home Delivery Working Group (HDWG)
TasCOSS is represented on this group.
[] National Coordination Mechanism for COVID-19 - Home Delivery Services for Vulnerable People.
Status/date raised
Completed.
[] TCS064 Poverty / Financial Access to healthy food for Tasmanian children - Due to sudden Hardship job losses, families not usually affected by food insecurity were faced with not being able to provide meals and other basics for their families. At the same time there was a reduction in numbers of students attending face to face schooling, and subsequently access to breakfast programs and the school canteen. This has markedly impacted on children's eating during the day leading to reduced health and wellbeing and ability to learn.
Nutritional breakfast and lunch programs be provided in all 15/07/20 - DoE has confirmed funding to TSCA for 2020-21 FY to support schools with food plans. A submission on food Tasmanian public schools. A starting point could be primary security has been presented to PESRAC. Work with DCT on food security is continuing. schools. 25/06/20 - Department of Education advises school initiatives including the provision of take home food packs and Continued funding from Department of Education for TSCA's school/canteen staff working with community organisations to provide food to families in need, have supported the student health initiatives. wellbeing of their families during the pandemic. Longer term impacts will emerge over time and the Department will work with the TSCA to promote the importance of access to nutritious food at school, as an action under the Physical Wellbeing and the Environment Action Plan. This may also provide the opportunity to learn and share from schools that have a sustainable, whole school approach to nutritious food – including breakfast programs and provision of healthy lunches.
RPN Needs Assessment completed.
05/06/20 - RPN Needs Assessment. [] TCS009 Women & Children Parents and carers unable to access food and other essential items.
A statewide letterbox drop from the government with helpful information and contact numbers for services and supports.
17/06/20 - No further issues have been reported since supports to address need were put in place. TasCOSS and SCC to continue liaising to report further concerns and advice.
RPN Needs Assessment completed.
05/06/20 - The primary need arising in respect of this issue is access to information about emergency relief and support services. The State Control Centre is leading work to ensure information about emergency relief and support services is available, including on the coronavirus.tas.gov.au website and other sources. 08/05/20 - State Control Centre Recovery Team liaising with relevant agencies. 30/04/20 - Department of Health has identified they are working on a list of services to be distributed through LGAs. Some Members of Parliament have been conducting letter box drops in their electorates with this type of information. TCS011 Women & Children Reduced access to terminations.
Remove restrictions from surgery lists
Health
[] 22/07/20 - DoH advises patients are able to travel interstate for a range of medical procedures including surgical terminations. If eligible, this can be organised through the Patient Transport Assistance Scheme. Patients are required to comply with quarantine requirements upon return to Tasmania, relevant to their circumstance.
RPN Needs Assessment completed.
17/06/20 - Coronavirus-related restrictions exposed the barriers to accessing terminations, including a requirement (during the lockdown and hospital closures on the north-west coast) for all women in Tasmania needing this procedure to travel to Hobart. Reductions in elective surgery meant reductions in surgical lists so less availability of the procedure. A further barrier is interstate travel restrictions on women and doctors meaning late term abortions are not accessible. 22/05/20 - Restrictions on the performance of elective surgeries have now been lifted. 08/05/20 - SCC Recovery Team to refer to relevant agency for advice. 22/04/20 - Escalated to the Recovery Partners Network (RPN) and awaiting further information. TCS061 Youth
Maximise support offered to young people by allowing youth centres to accommodate up to 20 young people from 9 June 2020 (in line with returning to face to face schooling).
Youth Centres to accommodate up to 20 young people from 9 June 2020 when all students have returned to face-to-face school.
Allowing young people to access a youth centre, is similar to Youth Centres would need to comply with Worksafe the number of young people in a classroom and is not likely to Tasmania requirements for businesses and organisations. increase the risk of coming into contact with COVID-19. It will provide young Tasmanians with support options a week earlier as they navigate their way through a range of social and economic issues as a direct result of COVID-19. []
[] 05/05/20 - Under Gatherings Direction No. 11 (www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/resources), youth centres are allowed to operate for up to 20 attendees (not including staff). Each premises must not have a density of greater than 1 person per 4 square metres of floor space. This means that the operator of a premises must not allow persons to enter or stay on the premises if the size of the premises is insufficient to allow for 4 square metres of space for each person (the four square metre rule). 22/05/20 - RPN Needs Assessment.
Completed.
ID#
Category
TCS024 Youth
Issue / Impact
Suggested solutions
Actions to date/feedback
Status/date raised
Young people in the NW not connecting with online services.
Provide other options for support such as text-based platforms for counselling.
14/07/20 - Laurel House has resumed face-to-face counselling and advises it does not have the same reliance on online services.
Completed.
Laurel House was successful in receiving funding to develop an online platform to better connect with younger cohorts, which was requested by their clients as a preferred way to connect. []