One week before the Federal Budget, UnitingCare Australia is gearing up to rapidly assess budget announcements and provide advice to its members and the wider Uniting Church.

“Our Christian mandate is to consider the impact of the budget on the most disadvantaged and vulnerable Australians,” said National Director Claerwen Little.

“This year we will be watching closely for measures that impact on employment, women and children, First Peoples, aged care reform and lifting people out of poverty.

“We will be looking for measures that uphold dignity and hope for all.”

“We know that stable and secure work can improve social inclusion, health and wellbeing for people and communities. Improving employment outcomes for people who have been or are at risk of being long-term unemployed is a priority for services across the UnitingCare network. We continue to call for an adequate social safety net and income support system that is accessible for all people when they need support the most.”

“For people trying to live on JobSeeker there is almost no affordable rental housing. Rising rents are pushing thousands of vulnerable Australians into homelessness. We urgently need to build more social and affordable housing so that everyone people has the prospect of a healthy and stable life.”

“The entire budget impacts on First Nations people. New measures are required to support the lasting systemic change that has been urged by the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and UnitingCare Australia. This was highlighted recently by the lack of progress in implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

“In aged care reform some of our priorities are access, choice, transparency and sustainability. As part of the Australian Aged Care Collaboration, UnitingCare Australia is looking to the Prime Minister to deliver on his promise of major long-term reform. Read the sector’s fifteen point plan and background report.

“Aged care reform needs to be fully aware of the needs of older First Nations people.

UnitingCare Australia strongly supports First Nations people in an aged care pathway which includes making specific and adequate provision for the diverse and changing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

UCA members interested in the budget are encouraged to visit and like the UnitingCare Australia Facebook page where initial responses will be posted on Budget night. https://www.facebook.com/UnitingCareAustralia