JobKeeper Legislation and its impact on the community sector

Written on the 16 April 2020 by SAFCA

JobKeeper Legislation and its impact on the community sector

Dear SAFCA,

Requesting your input re: JobKeeper Legislation and impact on community sector.

It is really important that you complete this ACOSS survey. This survey collects information about your organisation and funding which is critical for advocacy, and is informed by the new legislation, the rules and our engagement with decision makers. 

The JobKeeper legislation passed the parliament last week and the rules have now been written. We welcome the fact that all charities, regardless of size, need only show a drop in overall revenue of 15%, not 30% or 50%. This will help some of you, but not others. 
 
We are very aware that even with the 15% test, for some, this will not secure the help you need and some of you continue to face significant job losses and service cuts. ACOSS has been urging the Government to remove from the revenue test in the rules "specific purpose funding, including under government grants" and made this clear in all our engagement with Government. 
 
We will continue to push Government on this issue, and we're asking for your help to do so with this survey. The rules can be changed at any time by the Treasurer, and we are continuing to advocate for a fairer revenue test. We need your help to show the impacts on your organisation.

Some of you may have completed the ACOSS survey about the JobKeeper payment last week.  This gave terrific information to ACOSS and the whole COSS network to assist in our lobbying.  

This survey is just as important and we need as many organisations to complete it as possibly can. It is critical for our advocacy, and is informed by the new legislation, the rules and our engagement with decision makers.

To assist, can you kindly:
1    Complete this short survey today if you can and by no later than midday Friday 17th April 2020.
2    Forward this survey onto your members to complete by no later than midday Friday 17th April 2020.

Thank you for your assistance. We continue to work actively to secure the best outcome we can from the JobKeeper legislation for our members, and for the community as a whole.