Brotherhood Comment November 2004

Brotherhood Of St Laurence

Description

ISSN 1320 8632A REGULAR UPDATE FROM SOCIAL ACTION AND RESEARCHNovember 2004Reading the signsProspects for social investment2004 will be remembered as an aberration, or a mere lapse into Certainly the election showed the the year of decisive election fiscal irresponsibility as many have importance of an approach to victory of the returning Howard said. We think these sorts of social social policy which makes sense Government. But what will it mean investment in infrastructure may in economic terms. Interest rates for Australian social policy? Here well point the way towards a new were undoubtedly a factor raising the implications of the victory social policy future for Australia. the issue of credibility of economic are less clear. After a campaign in management. Australians clearly which all parties made unparallelled We think this because these sorts have a deeply ingrained fear of commitments in the social policy of new social commitments reflect social promises which might arena, many have interpreted the a larger global trend. We have undermine economic strength. election result in terms of people tried to capture this trend in the voting for themselves. We believe notion of a shift from a welfare Here, the social investment state that judgment is too simplistic. state to a social investment state. reveals an emerging integration of As Perkins, Nelms and Smyth social with economic policy. Fiona We should not forget that this was (2004) have shown, ...

Informations

• Publié par: Mephor
• Nombre de lectures: 23
• Langue: English

Extrait

A
R E GULAR
UPDATE
FROM
SOCIAL
AC TION
AND
RESEARCH

ISSN
1320
8632 November
2004

Reading
the
signs Prospects
for
social
investment 2004 will be remembered as an aberration, or a mere lapse into Certainly the election showed the the year of decisive election  fiscal irresponsibility as many have importance of an approach to victory of the returning Howard  said. We think these sorts of social social policy which makes sense Government. But what will it mean  investment in infrastructure may in economic terms. Interest rates for Australian social policy? Here  well point the way towards a new were undoubtedly a factor raising the implications of the victory  social policy future for Australia. the issue of credibility of economic are less clear. After a campaign in  management. Australians clearly which all parties made unparallelled  We think this because these sorts have a deeply ingrained fear of commitments in the social policy  of new social commitments reflect social promises which might arena, many have interpreted the  a larger global trend. We have undermine economic strength. election result in terms of people  tried to ca ture nd in the   voting for themselves. We believe  notion of a p  shift  t f h r i o s  m tr   e a welfare Here, the social investment state  that judgment is too simplistic.  state to a social investment state. reveals an emerging integration of A s Nelms social with economic policy. Fiona We should not forget that this was  2 s 0  P 0 e 4 rkin, and Smyth  indeed a ‘social policy campaign’,  () have o   n s s h e own, ther u e n  i d s     t a h n e     Stanley’s invaluable campaigning on  as we had hoped it would be.  n e e m e e d r   g f i o n r  g  a c  reinv n e s st us m   e a n r t o  in capacity-c th hi e l   d n h ee o d o   d f   o y r e  i a n r v s  e i s s t  e m x e e nt m  i p n l   a t r h y. e    e O a f r   ly  No doubt the parties were responding to evidence of changing  e b n u a il b d l i e n  a g l   l s   e i r n v d i i c v e i s d   u w a h l i s  c a h  n w d  i f ll a   milies c s o uc u h rs  s e, p   e w n e d   i d n o g    s n o o l t e   l w y  a b n e t c  t a o u   s j e u   s i t t i   fy  expectations in the electorate. It certainly seemed to mesh with the  t b o e   n p e a fi r t t s i   c o i f p   a A te u   s a t n ra d l   i s a h ’s a   r e e c  i o n n  t o h m e i   c c w e i r l t l  ai p n a l y y     o h f e f l  i p n s    t d h o e l   l c ar a   s t e e   r if m   s w ;  e  b k u n t  o it w     ANU opinion polling showing majority preferences for quality  resurgence. This is not to negate that investments in the infant years, social services over tax cuts (Wilson  t f h u e n   c n ti e o ed n   s f   o o r f     t a h   e w  r el e f d a i r strib a u te ti ,  v b e  ut to  i a n n   d s   c s h o o  f o o li r n th g,     w in il   l a   p pa pr y  e o n f t f i   ceships  & Breusch 2004).  e st argue that redistribution has to be economically as much as socially. Nor should we forget the  t r o e   f t r h a e m  u ed n   d i o n  u a b   t w e a d  y a   s w p h i ic t h i   o c n o s n   n o e f  c a t l s l    c It a  f n u  s rt h h o e w r    h h e o lp w s     m th u e c   h c   a t s h e e     w fa h i e l n u   re w   e  very significant social policy  ra commitments made by the  A h u a s r t e r   a i l n i   a t n h s e     t b o e  c n o e n fi t t r s i   b of u   t p e r  t o o s   p a e n ri d t   y.  t w o i   ll m  c a o k s e t     s u u s  c d h  o s w oc n i   a t l h  i e  n t v r e a s c t k m . ent  Howard Government. There  s will be an increase in the rebate Continued next page for the scheduled fee in order to increase bulk billing by doctors. There will be a one billion dollar Contents investment for infrastructure in our schools, both public and Building
on
our
stre ngths:
Research
and
services
integration
at
BSL 4–5 private. There will be important Saver
Plus:
An
experiment
in
matched
savings 6 new commitments to vocational training, including especially the Widening
horizons:
Training
parents
in
career
 and
 transition
support 7 extension of the Youth Allowance Investing
in
quality
aged
care:
Under standing
social
as
well
a s
physica l
nee ds 8 to trainees. This list could go on. Refugees
and
soci al
exclusion 9 Our view at the Brotherhood of Involving
and
engaging
citi zens:
 The
Doveton
&
Eume mmerring
Neighborhood
Re newal
program 10 St Laurence is that the social policy n rch promises from all parties at the last S L p e e ar a n k i i n n g g

u o p n
: t
T h r e
a j n o s b l :
a S t t i u ng d
r e e n s t
e plac c e h
i m nt e o n
a ts d ,
voca learnig
and
resea 1 1 2 1 election are unlikely to have been ar cy Employing
you ng
workers:
What
do
we
need
 to
learn? 13

www.bsl.org.au
oNevbmre
2004

1

Reading
the
signs Prospects
for
social
investment from page 1 The investment paradigm, then, conundrum of particular force is allows us to break through the whether it is possible to encourage prejudice that economic dynamism simultaneously ‘aspirational’ is somehow incompatible with individuals and also a common good. fairness and equality. No one can be certain at this In terms of future social policy, point whether the 2004 election a great imponderable remains the result marks a new beginning in extent to which Australians do or Australian social policy. At the do not want greater solidarity. At Brotherhood we welcome the the Brotherhood we are privy to Howard Government’s new social many public gatherings and policy commitments and would meetings where people express their like to see them as a sign of a opinions on this matter. Here the turn towards a new social policy election appears to have sparked paradigm based on investment some considerable national soul and having all Australians sharing searching. Are our values changing? in the benefits of economic Are Australians becoming more or development. Just how this unfolds less generous? Some complain of will depend as much as anything ‘affluenza’, others of lack of on the sets of dominant values income, still others of loneliness which emerge from our current and social isolation. A moral round of national soul-searching.

Research
and
publications
on
line www.bsl.org.au Keep track of the Brotherhood’s Consult current research projects grouped current and under our three key themes: back issues Brotherhoo • Creating sustainable economies Comment   • Ending poverty through an (PDF files). inclusive society • Social governance and Catch democratic processes up with Changing P Search the on-line database 8-page bulletins produced to of Brotherhood publications. document the impact of increased Many recent publications can be costs and reduced services on downloaded as PDF files. people on low incomes.

Brotherhood Comment is published three times a year by the Social Action and Research Division of the Brotherhood of St Laurence. The Brotherhood of St Laurence works for the well-being of Australians on low incomes to improve their economic, social and personal circumstances. It does this by providing a wide range of services and activities for families, the unemployed and the aged. It also researches the causes of poverty, undertakes community education and lobbies government for a better deal for people on low incomes.

2


November
2004

Paul Smyth [phone] [e-mail] References Perkins, D, Nelms, L & Smyth, P 2004 (in press), After neo-liberalism: the social investment state?, Social Policy Working Paper, Brotherhood of St Laurence and Centre for Public Policy. WiIson, S & Breusch, T, ‘After the tax revolt: Why Medicare matters more to middle Australia than lower taxes’, Australian Journal of Social Issues , vol. 39, no.2, pp.99–116.

Diary
date

Brotherhood of St Laurence Annual General Meeting Tuesday 23 November 6.30 – 8.30 pm at Dallas Brooks Convention Centre 300 Albert Street, East Melbourne A light supper and beverages will be served afterward. RSVP (for catering purposes) to <[e-mail]>.

Published in November 2004 by Brotherhood of St Laurence 67 Brunswick Street Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065 Australia ABN 24 603 467 024 Telephone: [phone] Facsimile: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail]

www.bsl.org.au

From
the
General
Manager,
Social
Action
and
Research

After almost twelve months at there were just 10 print articles the BSL, two things stand out in and 3 broadcast interviews. a great year for Social Research and Action at the Brotherhood Having such an effective campaign of St Laurence. The first is SAR’s capacity is obviously terrific for involvement in an impressive BSL the organisation but is particularly federal election campaign. The good for the research team. second has been our upgrading Knowing that your research output of our research interface with the will see the light of day and at the services areas of the organisation, right political moment is a great driven by the conviction that incentive. A notable initiative was advocacy and services thrive best the promotion of Stephen Ziguras when they are well integrated. to the position of Social Policy Coordinator. Besides his vital media The BSL in fact provides a more role as an advocate, Stephen also or less unique site for social collated our research on policy policy research in Australia. There issues into a ‘Call to the Parties’ are many social policy research and then into an analysis of the centres around Australia, but parties’ policies. The ‘Call to the what is different about SAR is Parties’ document was downloaded its location within a major non- 650 times, and the analysis of the government service provider. parties’ policies 726 times. Equally This fosters a research agenda energetic and no less significant which is both closely attuned was the lobbying of key players to the political process and also and here there were numerous relevant to the needs of those we meetings and interventions. exist to serve. Our advocacy gains power and legitimacy when it is Now that the election is over, grounded in the experience of we are carrying out a detailed our services. Our services thrive evaluation. Our determination when they reflect research which is to maintain the campaigning is at the cutting edge of policy momentum and in this issue you and program development. will find Stephen’s reflection on doing advocacy at the BSL. Campaigning highlights Translating our research and Services research services experience into the election The other big initiative in 2004 has campaign was the work of our been to set about embedding our remarkably effective BSL media and research work in the experience communications team. The ‘Vote of our services. We have set for Someone Else’ posters which up a Services Research Unit, appeared all around Melbourne and coordinated by Janet Stanley. The the dynamic web page ‘Advance aim is to build a research culture Australia Fairly’ had great impact. across the organisation. Services In the first week of the campaign, groups meet with SAR researchers the web site had 30,408 hits; by to develop a strategic research the election it had 113,429. In agenda which not only captures terms of media, there were 99 the program development interests print articles and 21 broadcast of service providers but also interviews. The significance of this sets the service experience in the engagement might be gauged by context of social trends and policy comparison with the same period debates. Exemplary achievements in the previous year—admittedly so far have been in the areas of not an election period—in which employment services, refugees and

www.bsl.org.au

early childhood. In this issue Janet outlines her approach to this task. Also in this issue In the broad area of social investment, this Comment includes interim evaluations of two services initiatives: the Saver Plus matched savings program, winner of the Prime Minister’s Victorian Large Business Award for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships, which offers an incentive for low- income families to save to meet education expenses, in partnership with ANZ; and the Parents as Career Transition Supports (PACTS) program equipping parents to help students make employment and training choices. On the theme of social exclusion, Janet Taylor outlines her recent research concerning refugees and social exclusion, undertaken in association with the BSL’s Ecumenical Migration Centre, and documented more fully in Migration Action . Sandra Hills indicates priority areas in aged care research and policy development. On social governance, Janet Stanley provides an update of the neighbourhood renewal project in Doveton- Eumemmering, as an example of community capacity building. The BSL is an extraordinarily dynamic, diverse organisation filled with creative people with a critical edge to their work. We look forward to building on these strengths as we develop future plans. Paul Smyth [phone] [e-mail]

The
location
of
SAR
within
a
major
non-government
service
provider
fosters
a
research
agenda
which
is
both
closely
attuned
to
the
political
process
and
also
relevant
to
the
needs
of
those
we
exist
to
serve.

November
2004


3

Building
on
our
strengths Research
and
services
integration
at
BSL As an organisation which places demonstration anti-poverty project a high value on innovation, the  which began in November 1972. Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL)  This project took a radical new often reflects on present practices,  approach to service delivery, lessons from the past and new  moving intervention away from information to explore different  an individual counselling model ways to achieve better outcomes.  to a process which empowered Recent review of our advocacy  60 families on a low income to and social action activities has  improve their own social and resulted in a reinvigoration, led by  economic conditions. The project a highly successful public campaign  was grounded in the value position around the recent federal election.  that structural change can occur when people on low incomes are A new area of focus is how  empowered to become involved to strengthen organisational  in decision-making processes. links between research and  So past ‘clients’ became ‘staff’   practice, a major objective  in anti-poverty programs: they outlined by Professor Paul  were given power in relation to Smyth, General Manager of  resource allocation, information, Social Action and Research, in  and eventually decision-making. the strategic plan. This goal: Two researchers were employed for reflects the understanding that the life o valuation BSL research and advocacy is was base f d     t o h n e   a pr n  o a je c c ti t. o   n E  research  done best when it is grounded in our services experience. model where initial rudimentary (Brotherhood of St Laurence plans were tested and developed unpub., section 6.5, p.2). over a three-year period (Benn 1981). By the end of the second This objective is also supported  year of the project, objectives were by Cath Scarth, General Manager  being met for different families to of Community Services, who  different degrees. Some individuals emphasises the importance of  and families were gaining self- evidence-based practice, where  confidence, learning the skills service intervention is based on  of decision-making, taking back informed judgements leading  power over their lives and involving to decisions and actions.  themselves in the operation of the Centre. While these were significant Lessons from the past achievements, by the end of the The importance of the integration  third year the researchers found that between research and services was  the project’s objectives in relation highlighted for me a few weeks  to engaging participants in social ago at our weekly lunchtime  action were not being achieved and seminar, when we were privileged  that an unforeseen consequence of to have as guest speakers David  the project was the development of Scott (a past Brotherhood  a difficult organisational structure. Executive Director), Professor Connie Benn (Co-ordinator of  Whatever the project evaluation the Brotherhood’s Family Centre  showed about service effectiveness Project (1972–75)) and Tim Gilley  for the 60 families, the overall (a past Brotherhood Research  and longer term impact of this and Policy Project Manager).  innovative project was profound.  It led to a paradigm change in The seminar’s topic was the thinking and approaches to welfare BSL’s Family Centre Project, a service provision. It could be

4

oNevbmre
2004

argued that the critical ingredients were innovative practitioners who were continually informed by research, and the fact that both practice and research were grounded in a strong value base. A model for the future Representing the integration between services and research in a model is one way of understanding how this may work in practice (see Figure 1). Figure 1: Integration of services and research Service
system
Research
system Public
Academics Practitioners
BSL
researchers

Better
services
and
social
policy
&
a
stronger
base
for
social
action

On the service side, a perspective or voice is formed by the interface between the public (community) and BSL service practitioners. On the research side, a voice arises from the interface between academic (theoretical) input and BSL researchers. It is the sharing of information and knowledge development from these two voices, where practice informs research and research informs practice, which can lead to more effective service and policy outcomes and a stronger social action base for those who are presently excluded from full participation in society. The form of the interface between services and research seems to fall into three broad categories or levels, all of which can be found in the early Family Centre model.

w

It
is
the
sharing
of
information
and
knowledge
development
from
these
two
voices
, where
practice
informs
research
and
research
informs
practice
, which
can
lead
to
more
effective
service
and
policy
outcomes
and
a
stronger
social
action
base.

ww.bsl.org.au

Firstly, at the ground level, this A strong theoretical framework interface can assist in understanding has been developed to guide BSL or evaluation of the effectiveness research, which is based around of the services provided and how  the themes of social inclusion, these can be amended to improve  sustainability and social governance. outcomes for the public. This level  Partnerships have been formed, can be equated with understanding  for example with the Centre the impact of service delivery on the  for Social Policy at Melbourne 60 low-income families who were  University, and with the Centre part of the Family Centre Project.  for Ageing and Community Care Research, La Trobe University. The second, and very important,  Cross-sector groups of practitioners, level is targeted at understanding  managers and researchers operate the service delivery system design  in the various fields covered by and how this can be improved  the BSL, such as employment, to achieve better outcomes for  community arts, early childhood the public. This level can be  and older people. Other planned seen in the participatory and  developments include training empowering processes adopted  in evaluation, shared student by the Family Centre. This  supervision and the establishment system design level includes  of broad trend monitoring systems. institutional relationships and partnership models, and funding Innovation and values and contract arrangements, as  The research and service integration well as internal BSL organisational  at the Family Centre appeared designs for system delivery.  to be wrapped around two other components. Firstly, the role of The final level relates to strategy  innovation and creative thinking and policy. At the Family Centre  was clearly critical. In the seminar the policy framework for the  David Scott drew attention to this eradication of poverty was  importance, quoting Donnison’s aimed at changing structural  explanation of innovation: processes rather understanding the problem in terms of individual I b n e n t o w vation s d p it r i i o n n gs a   l f   r a o ss m u  t m h p e t   i c o o n ll s i , s   ion  deficit. Thus, knowledge gained and c e h e a n  n t g r i a ng realities btween  from the impact of policy on e individu theory and p i r n a d c   t c ic a e p   a in b   l a e     c o r f  e p at e i r v c e e l i y v   ing  als can be used to inform irreverent m future policy development. how poorly conventional wisdom fits the evolving world. (Donnison BSL services are known for their 1978, in Scott 1981, p.77) innovative approaches and high- quality work. The development  Secondly, the research and practice of this skill base has always been  at the Family Centre were not informed by research, practice  undertaken in a political and knowledge gained and transferred  value vacuum where ‘hard facts’ through experience, knowledge-  are divorced from their context sharing with peers, on-the-job  (Marston & Watts 2003). All training such as student placements,  claims about understanding social and networking with other  conditions are based on sets of colleagues. However, this process  assumptions which need to be can be facilitated through more  clearly set out. The BSL’s broad formal and purposeful organisational values are clearly defined in the structures, some of which have organisation’s Vision Statement: been established this year. an inclusive, compassionate and

www.bsl.org.au

just society which challenges inequality, with responsibilities shared in connected communities and a focus on sustainability. The challenge is to work towards the eradication of poverty using the leverage of a strong organisation with strong service and research integration, a clear value base and an environment which fosters innovation. We can be inspired by the BSL’s recent history which so successfully implemented this process and left a legacy still being talked about today. Janet Stanley [phone] [e-mail] References Benn, C 1981, Attacking poverty through participation: A community approach , PIT Publishing, Bundoora, Vic. Brotherhood of St Laurence (unpublished), Strategic directions 2004–07, Social Action and Research. Marston, G & Watts, R 2003, ‘“Just the facts Ma’am”: A critical appraisal of evidence- based policy’, Just Policy , no.30, pp.32 46. – Scott, D 1981, ‘Don’t mourn for me – organise…’: The social and political uses of voluntary organisations,   George Allen & Unwin, Sydney.

oNevm

Cross-sector
groups
of
practitioners,
managers
and
researchers
operate
in
the
various
fields
covered
by
the
BSL,
such
as
employment
, community
arts,
early
childhood
and
older
people.

ber
2004



5