A range of Australian Government departments collaborate on the social inclusion agenda to deliver programs and services that support social inclusion outcomes for disadvantaged Australians.  This webpage lists the social inclusion units set up in different government departments.

The Social Inclusion Unit (SIU) was established in December 2007 in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C).

The SIU reports to the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister and performs a strategic policy advisory and coordination function across government on social inclusion, including areas of place based disadvantage and not-for-profit sector reform.  The Social Inclusion Unit also provides support to the Australian Social Inclusion Board.

The Unit is made up of a number of specific work groups:

• Applied Research, Locational and Data Analysis provides research and statistical support to the Unit.  It conducts data analysis on social inclusion issues, including areas of place based disadvantage and is developing an indicator framework for social inclusion. 
• Policy, Strategy and Coordination Section works collaboratively across PM&C and key agencies to provide strategic policy advice on the national social inclusion agenda.  Early priority areas include jobless families with children and children at greatest risk of long term disadvantage, as well as linked agendas on homelessness, people living with disability or mental illness and closing the gap for Indigenous disadvantage.
  
  The section also monitors and coordinates advice on other Government reform areas related to social inclusion, through avenues such as Cabinet and Budget submissions, COAG and the government’s response to recommendations from the 2020 Summit.
• Not-For-Profit Sector Reform works closely with departments across Government to provide strategic policy advice and coordination to the Government on the not-for-profit sector reform, with the aim of working together and strengthening local communities.  This includes tax and regulatory reform and reducing red tape, and the development of a National Compact with the Not-For-Profit Sector. The section also provides advice on philanthropy, corporate engagement, social innovation and volunteering.
• The Board Secretariat provides support to the Australian Social Inclusion Board, including arranging Board meetings, Board correspondence and communication.  The Secretariat assists the Board with specific projects, research and consultation.  The section also coordinates input from other areas of the Unit and other Government agencies in relation to the Board’s work.

Phone 02 6271 5271
Email socialinclusionunit@pmc.gov.au

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations - Social Inclusion and Participation Group

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) plays a central role in the implementation of the Australian Government's Social Inclusion Agenda.  The policies, programs and services that sit under the DEEWR portfolio affect a person's early years, education and working life.  The portfolio has policy responsibilities for early childhood, education, skills development and training, employment and workplace relations. It also includes the Office for Youth which works across Government in the interests of young people.   

In August 2008 the Social Inclusion and Participation Group was formed within DEEWR to develop social inclusion and participation policies for disadvantaged groups. The  Social Inclusion Branch within this Group provides support and advice to the Minister for Social Inclusion, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion, Senator the Hon Ursula Stephens.  The Social Inclusion Branch also runs the Innovation Fund which is a $41 million fund over three years for projects to assist the most disadvantaged job seekers.

Enquiries:  enquiry@socialinclusion.gov.au
Phone 1300 363 079
Text Telephone for the hearing impaired (TTY): FreeCALL TM 1800 554 609
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
GPO Box 9880 CANBERRA ACT 2601
www.deewr.gov.au

Attorney-General's Department – Social Inclusion Division

Policy, legislation advice and programs related to human rights, legal assistance, Indigenous law and justice and native title

Enquiries: maryann.brooke@ag.gov.au
http://www.ag.gov.au/