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Transform funding for community services in Queensland

This year, following sustained advocacy, QCOSS and the sector won longer term contracts and higher indexation rates. These significant wins will deliver much needed change to employment conditions in the community service sector.

Refresh the QCOSS Community Sector Reform paper through engagement with the Queensland community services sector

Meals on Wheels Rocky.jpg

 Meals on Wheels Rockhampton 

For many years, QCOSS member organisations have advocated to improve government procurement processes that impact service delivery. As part of QCOSS’ pre-budget papers for 2023-24, “Strengthen the sustainability of the sector” outlined a range of measures to achieve this. In response, a Queensland Government budget announcement outlined the “Procurement Principles for Social Service”, which will include service agreements with default five-year initial terms. This is a significant win for the sector. 


Queensland Government agencies will work with the sector via the Social Services Category Council Industry Reference Group to develop guidelines, policies and procedures to support the ongoing implementation of these principles over time.

Secure a commitment to reform the model for calculating indexation that better reflects the increased costs incurred by community organisations

 Play Matters Ipswich Hub 

The indexation rate for 2024-25 was initially announced at 3.75 per cent, as per the 2023-24 budget update. Due to increased service delivery costs, QCOSS member organisations raised concerns that this rate of indexation would place community service organisations under continued financial stress. The Queensland Government recognised this and increased NGO indexation for 2024-25 to 3.94 per cent.

Engage with the Queensland Government and support efforts of the Commonwealth Government to secure a clear pathway for reform that is consistent with QCOSS reform objectives by 30 June 2024

 Launch event for the Domestic and Family Violence Peak 

 L to R:
Karyn Walsh (CEO Micah Projects), Ria Wong (DFV Services Cluster Lead, Micah Projects), Beck O'Connor (Queensland's Victims Commissioner), Aimee McVeigh (CEO QCOSS), Emma Iwinska (CEO Women's Health and Equity Queensland), Brodie (Program Manager, YFS), Nadia Bromley (CEO Women's Legal Service Queensland), Amie Carrington (CEO Domestic Violence Centre Inc) 

In December 2023, QCOSS welcomed the establishment of the NFP Sector Expert Reference Panel, by the Commonwealth Government, and the development of the NFP Blueprint to ensure a strong future for Australian charities. In our submission to the Department of Social Services, we called on the Australian Government to commit to a vision that seeks an NFP service system that is sustainable and human rights respecting.


In addition, QCOSS advocacy helped secured the following sector funding:

  • an additional $3 million per annum ongoing for 32 sexual assault services and women’s health and wellbeing services from 1 January 2024

  • funding to respond to domestic, family and sexual violence was boosted by $36 million in 2024-25. This is a 20 per cent increase in funding to DFSV service providers across the state, to meet increasing demand and pressure on services

  • a further funding commitment of $154.4 million was made to secure the 20% uplift over four years to support domestic, family and sexual violence services

  • $2.22 million in funding for a domestic and family violence specialist homelessness service to operate a new shelter in Mossman.

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