New Community Partnerships Announcement Welcome

Catholic Social Services Australia Executive Director, Frank Quinlan has welcomed the principles articulated in Labor's Strong Communities Partnership, released today.

Mr Quinlan said today's announcement acknowledges that community organisations are central to the well being of the nation.

"We are not simply outsourced providers of government programs, but partners who are able to use government funding to achieve the goals consistent with the values of both church and community organisations and with government policy objectives," Mr Quinlan said.

"Government, and through them communities, benefit at all levels from the involvement of community organisations.

"Services delivered by our agencies include aged care, community care, disability services, drug and alcohol services, employment and vocational programs, family relationship services, housing, mental health, residential care and youth programs.

"We are close to the people we serve. Every day we work with people in metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.

"We welcome today's announcement and look forward to further details of this initiative," Mr Quinlan said.

Catholic Social Services Australia provides services to over a million Australians each year.

21 November 2006

CONTACT: Judith Tokley 02 6285 1366 / 0408 824 306