For our parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles
Australia has the knowledge, skills and capability to deliver a world class aged-care system. Instead, a royal commission uncovered systemic abuse, neglect and substandard care. Fixing residential aged care is a priority. But how can we do this?
Demand for food relief up by 50%
A new report has found that 65 per cent of young Australians are experiencing food insecurity and go without food at least once a week. Each year, Foodbank releases a report into food insecurity in Australia, and as you can probably imagine 2020 paints a dire picture.
Not-for-profits target of increased cyberattacks
In light of the ransomware attack on cloud software provider Blackbaud – which has many not-for-profits as its clients – legitimate questions are asked about data protection and privacy, and how well protected the social good community is.
Equality still a long way off
COVID-19 has left more women than men disadvantaged. A picture is emerging that shows unemployment, lowered incomes and underemployment, less secure work, greater household and family demands, and the crisis that is domestic violence.
Jobs, jobs, jobs – and housing
The government is urged to invest in social housing projects to get the economy back on the rails. During the GFC it kept tradies in jobs and offered many a secure roof over their heads. Now, new data shows that construction could start almost immediately on thousands of homes.
New Zealand child wellbeing at all-time low
As regular visitors to New Zealand and with a deep and abiding love for our Pacific neighbours, a recent UNICEF report came as a shock. The report on child wellbeing had New Zealand a long way down the list (35 out of a total of 41) among the world’s wealthiest countries. What is happening?
Australian Mint releases “donation dollar”
The Royal Australian Mint is releasing a “donation dollar” coin designed to be given to charitable cause. It is the first Australian $1 coin to feature a colour other than gold and will be the first coin purposed for “giving” rather than “spending”.
Deterioration of young people’s mental health
The number of young people seeking help from mental health services has soared since the beginning of the pandemic. Organisations are putting more staff on to keep up with the demand. Governments have announced extra funding for mental health and experts warn of long-term effects. What’s going on?
Struggling in Australia without help
Would you really want to be an international student in Australia? Government officials and business analysts most certainly seem to think so as they enthusiastically encourage a new cohort to fly in. Ask a student however, and you’re more likely to hear a definitive NO.
Foreign aid cuts hurt charities
As charities struggle to stay afloat during the pandemic, signs are appearing their trouble is exasperated by years of foreign aid slashing. The government is increasingly keen to protect its own national interests and its hurting the world’s most vulnerable.
