Victorian Election Must Back the Social Infrastructure That Keeps Communities Strong

Amplify Alliance Australia is calling on all political parties contesting the Victorian election to recognise community organisations as essential social infrastructure and commit to long-term investment in the human and social services that underpin the six foundations of wellbeing—including Jobs, Home Learning, Health, Social Justice and Social connection.

While investment continues to be made in skills, education and workforce participation, Amplify Alliance says government investment won’t deliver its intended outcomes unless the community organisations that enable those priorities are also properly invested in.  

Representing more than 240 Not for Profit organisations across Victoria, Amplify Alliance says the state’s human and social services sector is facing increasing pressure from rising demand, workforce shortages, escalating operating costs and growing administrative burden—placing the long-term sustainability of essential community services at risk.

Chief Executive Officer, Debra Cerasa said the Victorian election presents an opportunity to rethink how governments invest in the social infrastructure that enables communities to thrive.

“Community organisations don’t simply deliver services. They are the social infrastructure that help Victorians participate in education, employment and community life,” Ms Cerasa said.

“Every day, our Members support children, young people, families, older Victorians, people with disability and multicultural communities. They build trusted relationships, strengthen local capability and often prevent issues from escalating into more complex and costly interventions.”

Despite their critical role, Ms Cerasa said many organisations are being asked to deliver more while navigating increasing financial and workforce pressures.

“You can’t build stronger communities on short-term funding and rising expectations. Funding has not kept pace with operating costs, workforce shortages continue to intensify and excessive compliance requirements are diverting valuable resources away from frontline service delivery.”

Amplify Alliance is calling on all parties to commit to practical measures that strengthen the capability and long-term sustainability of Victoria’s human and social services, including:

Sustainable investment

• Longer-term funding agreements with appropriate contract indexation.
• Full funding of wage increases arising from industrial relations and workforce reforms.

Smarter systems

• Reduced red tape through streamlined reporting, procurement and contracting arrangements.
• Greater flexibility that enables community organisations to focus on outcomes rather than administration.

Stronger participation

• Increased investment in workforce development and community-based pathways that complement investment in TAFE and translate skills into secure employment.
• Stronger partnerships with community organisations and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations that support self-determination and community-led solutions.

Ms Cerasa said community organisations play a critical role in ensuring government investment delivers lasting outcomes.

“Investment in TAFE, skills and employment will only reach its full potential if it is matched by investment in the community organisations that help people access training, stay engaged and move into secure work. “

“That is how we deliver stronger workforce participation, better educational outcomes, improved community wellbeing and greater social cohesion.”

“This election is an opportunity to recognise community organisations for what they truly are. Not simply service providers, but essential social infrastructure that helps Victoria’s people, economy and communities thrive,” Ms Cerasa said.

As Victorians prepare to vote, Amplify Alliance is calling for all political parties to articulate how they will strengthen the organisations delivering essential human and social services across the state.