The Australian Council of Social Service has urged the Federal Government to consider the "disturbing" findings of its newly released survey of almost 1000 organisations in the community services sector, ahead of the much-anticipated announcement of further Budget measures.
The largest survey of frontline agencies reveals that 80% are failing to meet soaring levels of demand with current resources and funding.
The survey found that legal services were the worst affected, with 72 per cent of organisations revealing they could not meet demand.
The 2014-15 budget confirmed the previous government’s pledge of $15 million for legal aid would not be delivered this year.
That money was earmarked for family law and issues affecting Indigenous Australians.
"This survey is the early alert. It's the way governments can hear the true reality of the lives of individuals and families as we go into the Christmas period", said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.
Those in need being left behind
Katy Brownless has been transferred from one youth community service to another since she was 3-years-old.
The 28-year-old is still being treated for Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and has been hospitalised for long periods of time.
The public housing resident is now at the cut-off age for accessing help from Weave Youth and Community Services in the inner Sydney suburb of Waterloo.
"A lot of the youth community services have waiting lists", she explained. "So they can't afford to keep looking after young people who have passed that criteria".
The non-profit organisation has helped her with work experience placements, provided counselling and assisted with managing daily life and study commitments.
"I feel really daunted now. I don't know what community service I'm going to have next year, nor do I know whether I will be able to still afford TAFE".
Weave CEO Shane Brown says the service can only support about three quarters of the people who apply for help and has a counselling waiting list of 40 people.
"There's this myth that people on benefits have it easy. No one I have met wants to be on a benefit", he said.
"We have to pick up the pieces and find enough money and support to get them through and pay their rent and find enough food."
Last year Weave had to reduce its education and juvenile justice services, after losing state funding.
Mr Brown is concerned that the centre is increasingly forced to rely on corporate donations to make up the shortfall, saying he is frightened by proposed Budget measures affecting his sector next year.
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