#BuildBackBetter

The Uniting Church in Australia has outlined a set of principles and key actions that will guide the way to a better future as Australia recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

UCA President Dr Deidre Palmer said the COVID-19 pandemic had highlighted the stark inequality and disparity in our Australian society and exacerbated the disadvantage faced by our most vulnerable people.

“In recent days, we have seen thousands of people around our country stand against inequality, specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the pressing need to address deaths in custody and the calls for Voice, Truth and Treaty.”

“It is a reminder that as a nation we must better.”

“As Australia looks to a post-COVID-19 world, we have a unique opportunity to renew our vision, to reimagine policy and to find creative ways to rebuild a nation that is just for everyone,” said Dr Palmer.

“One of the key learnings in this time of crisis is how deeply we are connected to one another, how deeply we depend on each other. What we have seen clearly is that we are only as strong and healthy as the most vulnerable members of our society.”

Dr Palmer commended the Federal and State Governments for their collaborative leadership in ensuring Australians were kept healthy and those impacted economically could access support.  

“It has shown us that when we make sacrifices for the well-being of the whole society, everyone benefits.”

The document, Build Back Better: A Just Recovery, Post-Covid-19, draws upon the Uniting Church Vision for a Just Australia based on our belief that each person is created in the image of God and deeply loved by God.

As Christians, we see in the life and mission of Jesus, God’s call for abundant life for all people and the renewal of the whole creation.

The Assembly has drawn the document together with input from across the Church, including from our agencies delivering community services on the ground, our Uniting Aboriginal Islander and Christian Congress (UAICC) and others working in the area of justice.