JUNE 2021

Welcome to the latest news from the BSL Research and Policy Centre (RPC). Financial wellbeing and COVID-19, employment of people with disability, support for children on the autism spectrum, aged care issues and the impact of the federal Budget on child poverty are featured below.

You can read more about our current work at www.bsl.org.au/research and also browse our policy submissions. 

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REPORT: HOW COVID-19 AFFECTED FINANCIAL WELLBEING

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the financial wellbeing of many, exposing existing risks and inequalities. In our second report we explore its impacts on vulnerable Australians, identifying some of the social structures that helped or hindered them.

Read the report by Emily Porter and Dina Bowman  Shocks and safety nets: financial wellbeing during the COVID-19 crisis (PDF, 549 KB) 

View a webinar discussing the findings (58 mins)

Our project, Financial lives in uncertain times, is supported by ANZ through the ANZ Tony Nicholson Fellowship. The first report examined financial wellbeing in Australia across the two years before the COVID-19 crisis.

Catch up on the earlier report All in it together? (PDF, 513 KB)

POLICY: DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY MUST SUIT THE CHANGING LABOUR MARKET

Decent work – not just any job – should be the goal of Australia’s National Disability Employment Strategy. Achieving this will require integration with broader economic development initiatives as the labour market changes. Also vital is intentional support for employers to recognise and take up the capacities of people with various disabilities.

Read our Submission to the Department of Social Services re the National Disability Employment Strategy (PDF, 356 KB)

POLICY: QUESTIONS ABOUT PROPOSED SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM

While consistent support for children on the autism spectrum is desirable, BSL has concerns about the proposed budget model and planning process. We recommend more consultation with families and carers, as well as careful assessment of a pilot, to develop a model that meets children’s needs and goals and aligns with the intent of the NDIS.

Read our response to the NDIA re Interventions for children on the autism spectrum  (280  KB)

ARTICLE: HOW TO RETAIN OLDER WORKERS IN AGED CARE

Improved job quality would enable longer working lives in the aged care sector. Older workers told us that time and task pressures cause stress, reducing job satisfaction and their desire to stay in this essential workforce.

Access the article by Aaron Hart, Dina Bowman and Shelley Mallett in the Journal of Aging & Social Policy, ‘Time for good care and job quality: managing stress among older workers in the aged care sector’

Catch up on the authors' report Improving the health of older aged care workers (PDF, 437 KB)

WEBINAR: REFLECTING ON THE FEDERAL BUDGET AND CHILD POVERTY

WEBINAR: ADDRESSING RISKS OF SELF-NEGLECT AMONG OLDER PEOPLE

Difficulties navigating My Aged Care and delays in receiving a home care package put some older Australians at risk. BSL’s Critical Interim Support pilot demonstrates how case managers can build the trust of vulnerable individuals and help them access immediate support.

Watch the Merri Creek Health webinar about older adults and self-neglect, featuring BSL researcher Amber Mills.

​The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) is a social justice organisation that works to prevent and alleviate poverty across Australia. You are receiving this email as you have previously subscribed to the BSL Research and Policy Centre e-newsletter. To unsubscribe, please click on the link below.