2021-22 Pre-Budget Submission to the Australian Government
In this submission, SVA recommends a series of targeted investments to increase the social impact of existing government spend and extend the reach of programs that improve wellbeing in Australia.
Written in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021-2022 Pre-Budget submission to the Australian Government outlined the determination needed in all areas of social policy to ensure Australia’s most vulnerable people and communities thrive. The submission recommends a series of targeted investments which would increase the social impact of existing government spend, and extend the reach of programs which have been shown to improve social outcomes, wellbeing, prosperity and inclusiveness to Australians.
The Four key areas explored in the submission are:
- Partners in Recovery: A Resilient Charities Fund
- Social Impact Investing, including recommendations around a Commonwealth Office of Social Impact Investing, Outcomes Funds, an Impact Investing Wholesaler, Social Enterprise Early-Stage Funds, and next steps for Social Impact Investing in Australia
- Education and the Early Years, including recommendations for developing ‘The Connection’ to grow excellence in regional, rural and remote education, a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Years Intermediary, and details of Intensive early education and care trials for children experiencing significant family stress and social disadvantage
- And a recommendation that the Australian Government retain JobSeeker and other payments at a higher level, as part of a suite of income support measures, to ensure that all Australian families can access and provide the essentials needed for their children to thrive.
