UnitingCare Australia is calling on the Morrison Government to use the Federal Budget to deliver for all Australians.

“We know that Budgets are a statement of a government’s priorities and plans. They are an opportunity for a government to share their vision and strategy for our country”, said National Director, Ms Claerwen Little.

“So, in Tuesday’s Budget we urge the Morrison Government to ensure that all people are included. The Government has an unprecedented opportunity to deliver measures that will make a difference not just now, but as part of Australia’s future economic recovery.

“We’re looking for measures that ensure every person can live with dignity, no matter their circumstances.

“Specifically, we continue to call on the Government to invest in the care workforce, major transformation of aged care, access to services in all communities, and real justice for our First Peoples.

“Investing in the care workforce is a significant way the Government could help those who want to work, find work. A care career is both rewarding and part of a rapidly growing sector.

“But it’s not all about having a job. There are many people who make a valuable contribution in other ways. Whether it is caring for children, older parents, caring for Country, or so many other forms of unpaid care, we must ensure that the Government values these roles as much as other employment.

“UnitingCare Australia welcomes the Budget announcements thus far in childcare, funding for homelessness services and women’s health. But there is still more work to be done and we wait with anticipation for the Government’s comprehensive response on Tuesday night”.

The UnitingCare network is one of the largest networks of community services in Australia, supporting 1.4 million people every year across 1,600 sites in urban, rural, and remote communities, with over 50,000 staff and 30,000 volunteers.
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.
The UnitingCare Aged Care Network supports approximately 97,000 older people, comprising 8.5% of total residential beds and 10% of Home Care Packages nationally