Report reveals nation’s progress
A report, revealing the nation’s progress in economy and employment, was launched last week in Brisbane by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing and Social Inclusion, Mark Butler. Mr Butler confirmed the report, titled How Australia is faring, showed the nation’s economy continued to “defy international trends”.
A report, revealing the nation’s progress in economy and employment, was launched last week in Brisbane by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing and Social Inclusion, Mark Butler.
Mr Butler confirmed the report, titled How Australia is faring, showed the nation’s economy continued to “defy international trends”. However, 640,000 Australians still reportedly faced “complex and multiple levels of disadvantage” each year.
“With a strong economy comes the opportunity to ensure all Australians are able to share in our nation’s wealth.
“It shows Australians are doing well in a number of areas with more Australians finishing school, older people being employed at higher rates than ever before, high and increasing life expectancy,” Mr Butler said.
But while Australia has made good progress in many areas, the report also showed the nation’s continued prosperity was reliant on everyone who can participate in society having the resources and opportunity to do so.
“For the about 5% of Australians, some 640,000 people, facing severe levels of disadvantage, we need to do more,” Mr Butler said.
“In the past few years we have made substantial investments in mental health reform, reducing homelessness and we have looked to change the way we deliver services to citizens in our most disadvantaged communities.”
Mr Butler added the report would help guide continued investment as a nation in areas including health and disability, employment, reducing financial stress, education, access to services, housing, public safety, and community engagement.
How Australia is faring and associated fact sheets are available here.
