In the lead up to the holiday season, we are excited to release the program for FRSA’s Child Inclusive Practice Forum, which will be held on 18-19 February 2025 in Canberra. More information about the Forum is here.
At the same time the abstract review process is coming to a close for FRSA’s National Conference 2025 and we anticipate releasing the program early in the new year. We received a record number of abstracts this year and, as always, we know we’ll be able to deliver a rich and engaging line-up of presentations. We had promised to let those authors who had submitted abstracts know the outcome before Christmas. We are on track to do that with emails scheduled to go out next week.
This week the Government released the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) 2024-25 and with it the increased probability of a March Federal Election in 2025. I’ve been reflecting on ACOSS Acting CEO, Edwina MacDonald’s response. She said “The Government talks about ‘unavoidable spending’ as a negative while the Opposition calls for spending cuts. The reality is public investment in essential services is the only thing keeping jobs and incomes growing right now. It would be irresponsible to slash public spending and leave people to fend for themselves….” Edwina’s words resonate as we head into the holiday season with so many families struggling. I sincerely hope that next Budget both sides of Government can recognise the importance of investing now to lift people out of poverty and create a fairer and, frankly, more humane future for all Australians.
I wish to also acknowledge the death of former Federal Liberal MP and Minister, the Hon Kevin Andrews last weekend. During his political career spanning over 30 years he did spend almost four years as Shadow Minister for Families, Housing and Human Services (8.12.2009 – 18.9.2013) moving over to Minister for Social Services when the Coalition won the election that year. He held that position through until 23 December 2014 during which time he had a keen interest in the family and relationship services sector. My condolences to his wife, Margaret and family.
This is a busy time of year for our sector and I hope all our readers manage to have some rest, respite and good times with friends and families over the festive season.
The FRSA National Office will be closed from COB Tuesday 24 December 2024 and will reopen on Thursday 2 January 2025. Contact details during this period will be available on our website – frsa.org.au.
I wish you all a safe and restful holiday season. We look forward to reconnecting with you all in 2025!
