SOCIAL ISSUES—SOCIAL INCLUSION WEEK

Senator Wright, pursuant to notice of motion not objected to as a formal motion, moved general business notice of motion no. 565—That the Senate—

 (a) notes that:

  (i) 19 November to 27 November 2011 is Social Inclusion Week, and

  (ii) Social Inclusion Week aims to help Australians feel valued and to give people the opportunity to participate fully in society;

 (b) recognises that:

  (i) many Australians face isolation and exclusion associated with financial disadvantage, poor educational attainment, poor physical and mental health, lack of accommodation, lack of access to transport, unemployment and rental stress,

  (ii) building relationships and networks within local communities, workplaces, families and friends can address isolation and exclusion by supporting people who may be unable to help themselves, and

  (iii) the entire community will benefit from addressing poverty, improving educational, transport and employment services and enabling all people to participate fully and with dignity in community life; and

 (c) calls on the Government to:

  (i) collaborate effectively across all tiers of government to encourage people who are otherwise isolated and excluded to connect with networks and groups within the community, and

  (ii) address the needs of marginalised people through equitable provision of basic services and adequate levels of welfare.

Question put and passed.