Ahead of the upcoming federal election, the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) has developed a series of briefing papers covering key social inequities that need investment and policy reform.
Based on recent evidence-based research projects, CSI’s papers provide non-partisan evidence and recommendations for improving education and health equity; social, digital, and financial inclusion; homelessness; social enterprise and impact investing.
While each paper includes its own central argument, there is a common theme – that good policy can address, and enable improved access to, services that are required to mediate social inequities.
“There are a number of social policy priorities that need urgent attention in this upcoming election, and the research we’re presenting from leading social impact experts define clear roadmaps for tackling some of the issues holding our country back,” said CSI UNSW Research and Evaluation Director, Associate Professor Graham Brown.
“This isn’t an out-of-reach wish list; these are actionable recommendations developed with expert contributions from across all four of CSI’s centres for a new or incumbent government to create real impact within health, education, inclusion, homelessness, and social enterprise.
“To create equity and excellence in our education system, we need to empower schools to redefine success and support the whole learning ecosystem to be inclusive; as we must similarly improve health equity where issues of access and appropriate care need to be addressed so no one is left behind.
“Inclusion – in this case social, digital, and financial – should be a priority to build on recent government support. Long-term solutions within pandemic recovery must be implemented to ease increasing costs of living and uncertainty, along with targeted policy action and investment to secure affordable housing for those who need it.
“Government should also have a role in supporting social enterprises that can make significant contributions for a more equitable society but are limited by a lack of funding and public policy direction.”
The full briefing papers can be found at www.csi.edu.au/briefing-papers. CSI is making its experts available to media and politicians ahead of the election for further background on current social equity insights and recommendations.