Social Inclusion Starts with Government Action: Greens
23 November 2011 at 2:48 pm
Senator Penny Wright – the Greens spokesperson for Social Inclusion – moved a motion in the Senate yesterday to commemorate Social Inclusion Week and remind Australians “that we all benefit from a fair and inclusive society.”
Social Inclusion Week – the last week of November – is about encouraging communities to reconnect and be inclusive of all cultures and groups, and aims to help Australians feel valued and to give people tho opportunity to participate fully in society.
Senator Wright told the Senate said that it is important to acknowledge that despite the wealth in Australia, many people are facing isolation and exclusion.
She said social inclusion is everybody’s responsibility – but it is government policies that really lay the groundwork for addressing current inequalities.
"At a time where some Australian CEOs are being paid millions, many individuals and families are living on the margins and children are experiencing intergenerational disadvantage and poverty,” said Wright.
"Social inclusion is not just about income. It is also about Australians being able to live out their full potential and participate in society, and for this we need reliable infrastructure and appropriate social services.”
The motion was passed in the Senate without opposition. Social Inclusion Week runs from Saturday 19 to Sunday 27 November in 2011.
