Australians are facing an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis, with soaring rents, rising utility bills and financial pressures leaving many households unable to meet basic needs. UnitingCare Australia is calling on political leaders from all parties to take urgent action to address immediate pressures while also tackling systemic drivers of inflation.

“Too many Australians are being left behind. This is not just a question of economics; it’s about fairness, dignity and the kind of society we want to be,” said Claerwen Little, National Director of UnitingCare Australia.

“The current crisis calls for bold leadership and compassionate policies that ensure everyone receives support they need, when and where they need it.”

UnitingCare Australia is urging leaders to prioritise two key measures:

1. Ensure a strong and adequate safety net
   – Align income support payments with the actual cost of living, ensuring all Australians can meet essential needs.
   – Index payments to inflation to preserve their real value over time.
   – Ensure that all older Australians, including full pensioners, have access to quality aged care services.
2. Strengthen community support services
   – Provide sustained, indexed funding for critical services such as emergency relief, homelessness, aged care, disability, children and family, and crisis support.
   – Expand service capacity to ensure no one is turned away in times of need.

To make this vision sustainable, we must also tackle systemic drivers of inflation and ensure the equitable distribution of wealth and economic benefits across the population. Addressing structural issues alongside strengthening support systems will ensure fairness, foster economic stability and empower individuals to participate fully in society.

“In a country that values fairness, we must do better to ensure that every Australian shares in the wealth of our nation and economy” Ms Little added. “We must align our economic policies with the values of equity and care.”

UnitingCare Australia’s call to action comes as the cost-of-living crisis continues to deepen, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as those relying on income support, families experiencing financial hardship, and older Australians dependent on care infrastructure.

“Investing in a strong safety net and resilient community services is not just about addressing today’s crisis—it’s about building a fairer, stronger Australia for tomorrow,” said Ms Little. “

This is the chance for political leaders to demonstrate the values that unite us as a nation.”

About UnitingCare Australia

UnitingCare Australia is the national body for the Uniting Church’s community services network and an agency of the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia. We give voice to the Uniting Church’s commitment to social justice through advocacy and by strengthening service provision.

The UnitingCare Network is the largest network of social service providers in Australia, delivering 5.8 million interactions annually across 1,600 service locations in urban, rural and remote communities, with over 55,000 staff and 17,000 volunteers.

Media Contact – Anna Page | 0432 560 975 | annap@nat.unitingcare.org.au