Older Australians should have the chance to age to their full potential and be afforded the right support when and where they need it. Responding to the proposed recommendations from the Royal Commission’s Counsel Assisting, UnitingCare Australia National Director, Ms Claerwen Little echoed widespread calls for change. “The time for change is now. […]
Category Archives:
Rising rates of child poverty loom in wake of pandemic
As the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact communities, the number of children and families living in poverty is set to escalate. “Too many children and families in Australia are at risk of living in poverty and suffering long-term disadvantage” said UnitingCare Australia National Director, Ms Claerwen Little. “Even before […]
A budget of hope – but not for all
UnitingCare Australia commends the Government’s commitment to creating jobs and the unprecedented recovery efforts in tonight’s budget. Yet, despite record spending and investment, millions of Australians are still at risk of deepening disadvantage. “We are disappointed that the Government has not taken this moment to raise the base rate of JobSeeker and provide confidence […]
It’s time for everybody in Australia to have a home
In a joint letter to the Prime Minister, coordinated by the Everybody’s Home campaign, UnitingCare Australia has joined more than 300 organisations to call for significant Commonwealth investment in social housing. Dear Prime Minister, It’s time for every Australian to have a home I am writing to you on behalf of more than 300 […]
UnitingCare Australia calls for equal pay, funding certainty
As we mark Equal Pay Day, UnitingCare Australia warns that the gender pay gap will widen and essential community services will be cut, unless the Government commits to ongoing funding for fair and equitable wages. A decision by the Fair Work Commission in 2012 saw the introduction of an Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) in […]
UnitingCare Australia renews calls for solution to homelessness
As the economic and social impacts of the coronavirus crisis continue to be felt across communities, it is more important than ever that individuals and families have a home. Marking National Homelessness Week, UnitingCare Australia is renewing calls for a national housing and homelessness plan, including a substantial investment in social housing. “During […]
Joint statement: National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day
As communities across Australia mark National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), UnitingCare Australia and UCA Redress Ltd have affirmed their commitment to progressing truth telling to shape a better future for the First Peoples children and young people of today. “Our children are our future, […]
OPEN LETTER – Ensuring every child can thrive
Dear Prime Minister, Our COVID response and the leadership demonstrated by Australian communities and governments has shown what can be achieved when we band together to realise a common goal. Now, as we move to the next phase of the COVID recovery we need to bring the same determination to nurturing our most precious […]
New Closing the Gap Agreement a historic step forward, but must be backed up with action and funding
The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) and UnitingCare Australia have welcomed the new Closing the Gap Agreement announced today, but have urged governments at all levels to back up their stated commitments with comprehensive action, including dedicated funding and policy reforms that reflect the priorities identified by First Peoples. “The new […]
Open letter to the Prime Minister: COVID-19 National Response Plan for People Sleeping Rough
Dear Prime Minister, We write to you regarding the urgent situation concerning homeless people sleeping rough and COVID-19. Australia has led the world in its crisis response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included an extraordinary achievement in temporarily sheltering an estimated more than 7,000 homeless people who were either sleeping rough or at […]