It is a guest list that is not often found: When Social Affairs Councilor Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (VP) invited people to his farewell party on Thursday evening, both Volkshilfe boss Erich Fenninger and Salzburg’s deputy governor Marlene Svazek from the FPÖ were present. Representatives of almost all stripes were there before Hattmannsdorfer left for Vienna. He becomes general secretary in the Federal Chamber of Commerce and enters the National Council.
There was great skepticism three years ago when the country’s social welfare department, which was traditionally run by social democrats, was taken over by a black man. This is also reported by several people who work in the social sector. “From day one there was excellent communication with us, we had the feeling that we were really being listened to,” says one. The dynamic with which projects were implemented was “remarkable”.
“I see myself as a manager”
Hattmannsdorfer also wanted to be seen as a “bridge builder” at the press conference on the occasion of his farewell. The location – the inclusion café “Many People” on Linz Pfarrplatz – was not chosen by chance: “As a strong business location, we cannot leave anyone behind, especially not the socially disadvantaged.” The 44-year-old is given good references when it comes to the topic of inclusion: Housing programs for people with disabilities, employment models. All of this was “actually addressed” under his aegis, is what we hear in the social scene.
In the area of nursing, Hattmannsdorfer saw himself “as a manager” and always accompanied measures with data collection – “three years later, we are the federal state that has recorded a 30 percent increase in those starting training.” Measures such as nursing scholarships and recruitment from third countries, for example from the Philippines, and in the future also from North Macedonia and Colombia, have “proven to be absolutely necessary”.
Speaking of third countries: With the credo “German, work, respect” Hattmannsdorfer wanted to show “a clear edge”. The requirement to speak German, value courses and, last but not least, the benefit-in-kind card for asylum seekers polarized people.
Jasmine Chansri, managing director of Volkshilfe Oberösterreich, admits that people did not always agree on this topic – but “there was always a willingness to have discussions”. What is particularly pleasing for Chansri is that the Upper Austrian model, unlike in Lower Austria (“It is inhumane”), has been adapted to people’s needs.
Hattmannsdorfer also admits that the focus on dialogue was important in the design: “I am grateful for input, nobody can know everything.” In social policy, the aim must be to “achieve maximum consensus”.
