Summary

UnitingCare Australia’s 2025-26 Federal Budget submission puts forward three high-impact proposals to ensure community wellbeing, resilience and opportunity for all:

1. Building a stronger and more flexible care and support system
2. Nurturing safe and resilient communities
3. Delivering an aged care system that serves all older Australians

Prioritising safety and wellbeing is essential for creating a more tolerate and resilient society, while investments in the aged care system are necessary to ensure that it can adapt to meet current and future demands.

Together, these efforts will disrupt cycles of disadvantage, enhance community cohesion and wellbeing and ensure that every Australian can age with dignity and respect.

The Backstory

As Australia navigates the complex challenges of a cost-of-living crisis, investment in forward-thinking policies and initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing and economic resilience is crucial.

13.4% of Australians live below the poverty line,
with many unable to access consistent care and support.

Rising inflation and constrained wage growth have significantly impacted Australians’ ability to meet essential needs like food, healthcare and housing. Heightened financial hardship across the community has also resulted in diminished levels of social cohesion and community wellbeing. With so many in our community feeling the strain, implementing approaches that not only address immediate pressures but also lay the groundwork for lasting stability, resilience and positive change is vital.

1 in 4 households now rely on emergency services
as living costs outpace incomes.

The Government’s continued commitment to the care and support economy is essential to ensure access to services that directly address the pressures facing Australians today, while also building resilience for tomorrow. A well-resourced care sector acts as a protective shield for those most affected by the rising costs of living and through prioritising investment in critical supports, the Government can enhance individual and community resilience to weather future instability without risking further hardship.

45% of Australian households report a decrease in trust and social cohesion,
with lower-income areas feeling the greatest impact.

Investing in human services is ultimately about cultivating long-term social wellbeing, cohesion and resilience to nurture healthier, more connected communities—an outcome favourable in both social and economic terms. To achieve this, ensuring that people have access to the support they need must remain the Government’s highest priority if we are to build a future that is stable, equitable and capable of serving the complex and evolving needs of all Australians.

UnitingCare Australia’s 2025-26 Pre-Budget submission presents a vision for a balanced, resilient society in which individuals, communities and the economy can thrive. Central to this vision is the creation of a robust and adaptable care and support system that will allow Australians to maintain high standards of living and ensure capacity to meet rising demand for services and supports. Investment in preventative and place-based initiatives focussed on improving safety and access to existing programs and services is also crucial in strengthening community resilience and wellbeing. Equally vital is ensuring continued investment in a sustainable aged care system to enable our ageing population to live with security, dignity and respect. These proposals offer practical pathways to a more compassionate and inclusive society—where economic stability and social support go hand in hand to ensure that all individuals and families have the resources they need to thrive.

30% of care and support providers face viability challenges without indexed funding, putting essential services at risk.