Australia’s largest community services network says tonight’s federal budget will deliver vital initiatives to improve safety, support and wellbeing for millions of Australians. 

“Ahead of the budget we called on the Government to prioritise policies that improve the wellbeing of those who need it most. We called for action to keep women safe from violence; urgent funding for care and social services; and continued support for older Australians,” said UnitingCare Australia National Director, Claerwen Little. 

“Across all our services we see people reaching for support more than they ever have before, and people reaching for support who never have before. 

 “So tonight, we welcome the measures that will make a difference to thousands of individuals and families across the country.” 

The UnitingCare Consortium has delivered the pilot Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) program since October 2021, supporting almost 60,000 individuals over that time. Of the people supported, over 95% are women and 80% are self-referred. 

“We are pleased that the EVP trial has been extended until July next year. This program is delivering positive, often life-saving outcomes for people. Although it won’t solve the current domestic-violence crisis, the program does provide a crucial support that was not previously met in the service landscape. The new and permanent Leaving Violence Payment will be absolutely critical to keeping thousands of women safe,” said Ms Little. 

“We also welcome the much-needed investment in community services. The additional funds for emergency and food relief, financial counselling and related measures, will make a difference to the people we support every day. 

“Whilst the increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance and $300 energy supplement will go some way to providing help, those on income support payments are still held back. 

“We welcome the commitment to fund a pay rise for aged care workers and the extra $87 million for workforce, recognising the important role they play in caring for older Australians. We also welcome the 24,000 homecare packages announced tonight, but we remain deeply concerned for the 50,000 Australians still waiting.  

“More work is needed to ensure every older Australian can access the care they need, when they need it. Aged care reform is unfinished business, and we call on the Government to introduce the new Aged Care Bill to Parliament as soon as possible. Our services are struggling without certainty and need a clear way forward.  

UnitingCare Australia has put forward a practical roadmap for implementation of the new Aged Care Act, as well as a comprehensive submission to the Aged Care Taskforce on financial sustainability.  

“Creating a better, fairer future that prioritises wellbeing starts with making people-focussed policy decisions today. We look forward to working with the Government to continuing to strengthen the policies that ensure all people can reach their potential”. 

About UnitingCare Australia 

UnitingCare Australia is the national body for the Uniting Church’s community services, the largest social services network in Australia. The UnitingCare network supports 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. It is the largest network of not-for-profit aged care providers nationally, supporting 97,000 older people, comprising 8.5% of total residential beds and 10% of Home Care Packages nationally. Over 80% of our workforce and 60% of our services recipients are women. 

Media contact – Anna Page, 0432 560 975, annap@nat.unitingcare.org.au 

National Director, Claerwen Little, is available for interviews in Canberra.