Editors Picks
17 June 2023
RECONNECTING LIVES - ONE TAX DEDUCTION AT A TIME
A LEADING drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in NSW has launched an urgent appeal for funding, leading up to the end of the financial year.
Tax deductible donations form a vital support for Odyssey House NSW and contribute to transforming the lives of those affected by drug and alcohol dependence.
Odyssey House NSW acting CEO David Kelly says substance dependence is a serious condition which people often need professional support to overcome. Without support, individuals and families find it far more difficult to break the generational cycle of addiction.
“Our services are designed to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for individuals and families impacted by drug and alcohol use,” Mr Kelly said.
In the 12 months to June 2022, 40 percent of Odyssey House NSW clients from all programs needed support to manage a dependence on alcohol. Almost half (45%) of clients in Odyssey’s residential rehabilitation programs reported a dependence on methamphetamines.
“We know that supporting clients to withdraw from alcohol or drugs can be the simple part,” Mr Kelly said. “The harder part of a person’s recovery journey is working through the underlying factors that make people turn to alcohol or drugs to cope.
“Our case workers work with our clients to address the underlying factors – such as co-existing illnesses and mental health concerns, traumas, and stresses in their lives.”
Mr Kelly said funds received from the appeal would support Odyssey to hire more case workers across its residential rehabilitation and community programs. Case workers work closely with clients to develop personalised treatment plans that meet each client’s needs and goals.
“Without our case workers, there is no Odyssey. They are the heart and soul of what we do. They help reconnect individuals to lead the positive lives they desire, and reconnect families and communities.
“Please use the opportunity of the end of the financial year to donate to Odyssey. However large or small, you’re helping us to make long-lasting changes in people’s lives.”
Donate by 30 June to Odyssey House NSW via https://give.odysseyhouse.com.au/tax23
About Odyssey House NSW
Since 1977, Odyssey House NSW has developed extensive trauma informed rehabilitation programs to provide education and support for those wishing to address the physical, mental, social, and economic harms related to their substance use.
The organisation's team of professional staff help clients identify and address the underlying causes of their substance use such as trauma, domestic violence and mental health issues — to improve their wellbeing, parenting skills, family relationships, social connections, numeracy, literacy and employment prospects.
Odyssey House NSW’s programs include withdrawal services; one-on-one assessment and treatment by psychologists and counsellors; group therapy; residential rehabilitation; and free education at Odyssey College.
Odyssey has developed 19 holistic rehabilitation programs and a network of 13 residential and community sites across Greater Sydney, the NSW Southern Highlands and Blue Mountains.
As part of treatment, clients can be referred to receive free education at Odyssey College, which is registered with the Department of Education. The college provides structured learning in subjects from mathematics to art and vocational training to help clients embrace opportunities for lasting change in their lives.
People seeking support to recover from alcohol or drug dependence can refer themselves or others to Odyssey House NSW by calling 1800 397 739 (select option 2) or email referral@odysseyhouse.com.au
13 June 2023
DOCTORS WANT ALCOHOL DRINKING REGULATED
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has criticized the influence of the alcohol industry on government health strategy. The RACGP called on the Albanese Government to prioritize community safety and wellbeing over the interests of Big Alcohol. This follows research that found industry submissions to the National Alcohol Strategy consultation relied on dubious evidence, exaggerated the benefits of moderate drinking, and downplayed the link between alcohol and violence. RACGP President Dr. Nicole Higgins urged the government to regulate the alcohol industry similar to the tobacco industry, emphasizing the need for unbiased public health policy and protection against misleading industry tactics.
11 June 2023
$710M TO ADDRESS SKILLS SHORTAGE
THE graphic skills shortage in NSW will be addressed by a new $710M investment in vocational training providers.
It means more providers and more qualifications for more regions will feature in the 2023-24 skills provider contracts.
The State Government investment will allow 556 approved providers to deliver subsidised training in priority qualifications that address the skills needs in NSW.
The single biggest investment is being directed to TAFE NSW, receiving more than two thirds of the total funding under these skills provider contracts. This meets the entirety of the TAFE application for funding.
Capacity has been increased for qualifications in emerging industries as skills for the jobs of the future, including in Wind Power Generation and Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology.
New contracts will increase capacity in the Diploma of Nursing in Sydney and now for all regional areas for increased demand in hospitals and aged care.
Providers are being funded to allow for the state-wide coverage of Certificate III and IV School Based Education and Support, and Diploma of School Based Education and Care.
This funding also means the Diploma of Applied Technologies, advanced engineering and advanced electrical qualifications will become more accessible.
08 June 2023
FUND CALLS FOR GIG WORKER SUPPORT
SUPERANNUATION fund HESTA has called for mandatory employer Super Guarantee (SG) contributions to be included in minimum standards for gig workers to prevent future poverty. HESTA has called for legislative changes to secure super rights for gig workers and strengthen oversight by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to ensure proper super payments by employers. The focus is on gig work in the care economy, particularly in health and community services, where online platform employment is becoming more prevalent.
08 June 2023
BUSINESS CONCERN OVER IR CHANGES
THE proposed industrial relations (IR) changes by the Australian Federal Government could have various consequences, says Business NSW. These include a surge in grocery prices, an increase in cash-in-hand work, and higher costs for major events. Business NSW expressed concern about the reforms, stating that they will permanently alter the operations of over 840,000 businesses in the state. Key concerns for businesses are the Same Job Same Pay provisions and changes to entitlements for casual employee.
08 June 2023
EASIER MANAGEMENT OF LAND TAX
THE NSW Government has expanded its MyServiceNSW Account platform to include the management of land tax obligations. People can now seamlessly access and manage land tax alongside other services such as driver license renewal or applying for cost-of-living support. Through the MyServiceNSW Account, users can view or manage land tax, lodge returns, request exemptions, access assessment notices, and set up payment plans. They can also opt-in for digital notifications, reducing delivery time to just 48 hours.
08 June 2023
SYDNEY WATER SAFE FROM SALE
THE NSW Minns Government has passed the Constitutional Amendment (Sydney Water and Hunter Water) Bill 2023, protecting Sydney Water and Hunter Water from privatization. The amendment to the Constitution Act ensures that these state-owned corporations and their main undertakings remain in public ownership and cannot be sold or disposed of.
