A Framework for Social Inclusion

The following sets the framework for the social inclusion agenda:

• the Government's national statement on social inclusion – A Stronger, Fairer Australia which sets out the long-term vision and strategy for the Government's social inclusion agenda;
• development of the Social Inclusion Principles which underpin the government's social inclusion agenda by providing guidance on how to take a socially inclusive approach;
• the Government's inaugural Social Inclusion Conference, held on 28 and 29 January 2010;
• the Australian Public Service (APS) Social Inclusion Policy Design and Delivery Toolkit, which guides public service policy officers to design, develop, coordinate and deliver programs and policies which better meet the needs of disadvantaged groups and places;
• the establishment of the Australian Social Inclusion Board in May 2008, bringing together community leaders with significant networks, experience and knowledge to contribute to the development of new and practical ways of helping Australia's most disadvantaged people. The Board has met on a number of occasions at different locations throughout Australia;
• the provision of advice and evidence by the Board to the Government on a range of issues related to social inclusion, including the latest research papers on jobless families, breaking cycles of disadvantage and governance for location based initiatives; and a submission to the Government's 2012 consultation on the future of employment services;
• the development of a measurement and reporting framework for social inclusion to identify areas where extra effort is required and identify successes that can be built on; and
• the development of an initial report on social inclusion in Australia through the Social Inclusion in Australia: How Australia Is faring report and a compendium of social inclusion indicators.