What is Social Inclusion?

The Australian Government’s vision of a socially inclusive society is one in which all Australians feel valued and have the opportunity to participate fully in our society. Achieving this vision means that all Australians will have the resources, opportunities and capability to:

• Learn by participating in education and training;
• Work by participating in employment, in voluntary work and in family and caring;
• Engage by connecting with people and using their local community’s resources; and
• Have a voice so they can influence decisions that affect them.

The Government’s statement on social inclusion, A Stronger, Fairer Australia sets out the Australian Government’s vision and strategy for social inclusion, now and into the future.

Social inclusion recognises that many Australians are excluded from the opportunities they need to create the life they want, and can become trapped in spirals of disadvantage caused by family circumstances, low expectations, community poverty, a lack of suitable and affordable housing, illness or discrimination – often leading to leaving school early, long-term unemployment and chronic ill-health. Some people are at greater risk of multiple disadvantages, such as jobless families, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and mental illness, vulnerable new migrants and refugees, those with low incomes and people experiencing homelessness. The costs of this social disadvantage are high – to individuals, communities and the nation.

The Government’s social inclusion policies recognise that while every person is ultimately responsible for making a go of their lives, not everyone begins at the same starting point and some people strike setbacks or crises during their lives. The social inclusion agenda aims to give every Australian the help they need to access the support and opportunities our society has to offer.