Policy and advocacy
We share research, lived experience and frontline insights to make sure the right decisions are made by government and others in positions of power.
Meeting needs and addressing underlying causes
Everyone needs someone to turn to in times of crisis. For many people, that can be their family, their community, government services, or falling back on their savings. But for some people, this is not always possible. At Mission Australia, we provide immediate help and support for people in crisis. At the same time, we advocate to governments and other leaders to improve policies that address the deep rooted causes of problems that people and communities can face.
Advocacy means speaking up for what's right
We use evidence and amplify the voices of people we work alongside to build awareness and inspire change. With the right policies in place, everyone should have a safe home, no one should live in poverty, and all people should have the opportunity to live a good life.
Through evidence-based research and real-life stories from our services and the people we support, we inform and influence decision-makers.
What we’re advocating for
The outcomes we're seeking through our policy and advocacy work:
Everyone has a safe and affordable home where they can thrive
Ensure no one lives in poverty
Young people facing adversity are not left behind
- Significantly boost the number of social and affordable homes to 10% of all housing stock to meet the need in the community.
- Mandate a portion of affordable homes in all new large-scale apartment developments across Australia.
- Create a $500 million Homelessness Prevention Transformation Fund to finally end homelessness.
- Raise the rate of Jobseeker and other income support payments to at least $82 a day.
- Increase financial payments through Commonwealth Rent Assistance and ensure that it remains an effective payment for those struggling to pay rent.
- Legislate an end to child poverty and make children a priority in the Measuring What Matters national wellbeing framework to drive community action.
- Fund 15,000 youth tenancies across Australia each year for homeless young people.
- Construct ten 40-unit Youth Foyers to support young people’s housing and education, training or employment needs.
- Fund services for young people to recover from alcohol and other drugs misuse, particularly residential services and aftercare supports.
Explore our policy submissions
Collaborating for stronger outcomes
We work with organisations, campaigns and coalitions like:
- The Possibility Partnership
- Home Time
- The End Street Sleeping Collaboration
- The Constellation Project
- The Australian Alliance to End Homelessness
- Everybody’s Home
- Raise the Rate
- End Child Poverty
- Act for Children
We are members and supporters of a number of national and state-based peak bodies including:
Helping to inform government policy and community attitudes is a big job. By working together, we create greater and lasting change.
