Sharing the Wealth of the Lucky Country - 2012 ACOSS Conference
5 January 2012 at 1:03 pm
Registrations have now opened for the 2012 ACOSS National Conference to be held in March in Sydney.
This year’s theme is ‘Sharing the wealth of the lucky country’ – and as with previous years it promises to be the premier national event for policy-makers, researchers and those engaged in social services or advocacy.
The theme of this year’s conference was inspired by Australia’s material wealth – in contrast with large parts of the world that are in recession.
According to conference organisers, “Australians’ material wealth is booming but the proceeds are not being equally shared. New research shows that inequalities are rising in Australia. While the post-tax income of the poorest households is actually falling, the richest Australian households continue to earn more and more.”
The conference, says ACOSS, will be a chance for participants to reflect on what must be done to ensure Australia remains the fair and inclusive society.
Conference highlights include a panel of young leaders discussing contemporary challenges to the sector and their visions of youth engagement, social action, advocacy and policy development and the “Imagining Australia in 2030” session where a panel of distinguished Australians (including Rebecca Huntley, Eva Cox and George Megologenis) will outline their vision for our country’s future.
ACOSS have also invited the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader to present their visions for improving equality and fairness and addressing the great wealth divide.
Along with a diverse range of speakers, there will be session topics on
- tax and welfare reform
- workforce participation
- the rising cost of living
- housing affordability
- child wellbeing and
- improving health outcomes in Australia.
The conference will be held on 29-30 March 2012, Australian Technology Park in Sydney.
Early-bird discounts are available until the 20th of January.
Online registrations can be made by visiting the conference page on the ACOSS website or contact ACOSS Events Officer Louise Stanley; louise@acoss.org.au or (02) 93106202.
