UnitingCare Australia, the national body representing Uniting Church community service agencies, has welcomed the recommendations of the Interim Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee’s report. The report highlights the urgent need to address economic exclusion and calls for action in the federal budget to support the most vulnerable members of our community.

“This report provides a comprehensive strategy to address economic exclusion, poverty, and social disadvantage in Australia. The recommendations, if implemented, would provide vital support to the most vulnerable members of our community,” said National Director, Claerwen Little.

“Across our national network of social services, we see the devastating impact of poverty and disadvantage on the lives of individuals and families every day”.
UnitingCare Australia welcomed the report’s recommendations to increase the base rates of JobSeeker Payment and related working age payments, as well as to increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance, reflecting policy proposals put forward in the 2023-24 Pre- Budget Submission.

“The Committee’s report echoes what we have been saying for many years – that addressing poverty and disadvantage requires a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach. We urge the government to take concrete steps to address these issues in the upcoming federal budget,” Ms Little said.