UnitingCare Australia brought together 18 leaders from across its national network at Parliament House on 29 October 2025 for its annual CEO Advocacy Day. This flagship event engages directly with federal decision-makers to champion the vital role of not-for-profit community and social service providers that support people to reach their full potential. 

“Our providers are on the ground every day supporting people in their communities. It’s important that we bring these stories to the forefront for our federal leaders in Canberra — to share the voices of those who are too often unheard in community services,” said Ms Jude Emmer, CEO of Wesley Mission Queensland and Chair of the UnitingCare Aged Care Network. 

Representatives from the UnitingCare network met with key Ministers, Shadow Ministers, and parliamentarians connected to portfolios overseeing the services delivered by network providers. 

The event coincided with the final days leading to the commencement of the new Aged Care Act on 1 November – a timely occasion for aged care providers to engage directly with key political leaders as they prepare for the incoming reform.  

“Our Network providers have been actively preparing for the new Act, and engaging with politicians is vital to ensuring shared accountability and a successful transition as we navigate this period of change together,” said Ms Emmer. 

With pre-budget submissions on the horizon, these discussions provided an opportunity to call for a new, human-centred productivity agenda — one that recognises inclusion, wellbeing and sustainability as the true drivers of growth. 

“Productivity isn’t just about doing more with less, it’s about creating the conditions for people to thrive,” said Ms Emmer. “Evidence shows that preventative investment in health, education, social services and community infrastructure delivers long-term returns by strengthening participation and resilience.” 

“If we want to secure Australia’s future prosperity, we need to rethink what productivity really means,” she added. 

We thank the members of Parliament for taking the time to meet with our network and look forward to continuing constructive discussions that keep people and communities at the heart of policy decisions shaping our sector. 

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.

Through advocacy and by strengthening service provision, UnitingCare Australia gives voice to the Uniting Church’s commitment to social justice.

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.