Australian leaders have been ignoring ageing carers, people with complex disabilities and others facing social exclusion, according to Anglicare. That is one of the conclusions of a report released by Anglicare yesterday.
"2010 State of Sydney report: The depth and diversity of social exclusion' looks at the difficulties facing three groups of people in Sydney; people using Anglicare's Emergency Relief, African refugees and ageing parents caring for their disabled children.
The research shows that single parents, people who are single, Indigenous or have a disability all experience deep social exclusion in Sydney.
According to the report, social exclusion is "a complex and multi dimensional process. It involves the lack or denial of resources, rights, goods and services, and the inability to participate in the normal relationships and activities, available to the majority of people in a society, whether in economic, social, cultural or political arenas. It affects both the quality of life of individuals and the equity and cohesion of society as a whole'.
"Where is the social inclusion agenda that the Government promoted a few years ago? It seems the poor and marginalized won't even get a mention in the lead up to this year's election as both parties race to capture the hearts and minds of middle Australia," said Anglicare Sydney CEO Peter Kell.
Some of the other findings of the report are:
· More people are seeking assistance from Anglicare's Emergency Relief services because of multiple and complex issues;
· Refugees are struggling to find secure housing, income, employment and experience discrimination; and
· Ageing parent carers experience poor levels of well being and disconnection from their local communities.
"Just because peoples' needs may not be visible doesn't mean they are not legitimate " all Australians should be concerned at the lack of clear policy to help those at the margins," Mr Kell said.
The report makes a number of recommendations on areas like refugee housing and in-home respite care and transition care plans.
"A holistic and flexible policy response at both a federal and state level is required for each of these socially excluded groups," Mr Kell said. "The needs of the most marginalised and deprived people in our nation are being pushed aside. Let's make sure we live in a nation where everyone counts."
