Inclusive, progressive, connected
Canberra is more than an economy – it’s an inclusive community where we want everyone to share in the benefits of a good life.
We are investing in people to build a more inclusive community and tackling persistent disadvantage so that all Canberrans can look to the future with hope and optimism.
Our commitment to social inclusion encompasses people of all cultures, races, genders, sexualities, ages and abilities. We are a stronger community when every individual is respected, valued, heard and empowered to meet their full potential.
Investing in our people is just as important as investing in Canberra’s infrastructure and services.
We are a thriving city, but there are still too many people doing it tough. That’s why the 2019 Budget makes a strong investment in early intervention to improve social connectedness, strengthen families and help end the stubborn disadvantage that continues through generations.
Reducing family violence, cutting the number of people coming into contact with our justice system, strengthening support for people with disability and acting to protect children and young people at risk will help build a brighter future for all Canberrans and see our community continuing to be even more inclusive in the years ahead.
In 2019-20 we’re progressing our commitment to social inclusion with programs addressing the causes of disadvantage:
- strengthening families so that we can reduce homelessness and family violence
- keeping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families healthy and together
- fully funding our share of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and maintaining mainstream services so people with a disability have the support they need
- growing the social inclusion of older people so that they are recognised as valued members of our community and enabled to lead productive and active lives
- improving support networks to reduce the number of people coming into contact with the justice system
- improving social connectedness and inclusion to reduce the rate of suicides in our community, and
- ensuring young people and workers share in our city’s prosperity by equipping them with the right skills to thrive in a changing workforce.
Our commitment to social inclusion encompasses people of all cultures, races, genders, sexualities, ages and abilities.
Wellbeing indicators
A strong economy is fundamental to delivering a good quality of life for Canberrans. But it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we are developing a set of Wellbeing Indicators for the ACT. The final Wellbeing Indicators will be launched on Canberra Day in 2020 and the Government will then report against these each year as part of the annual Budget process.
One of Canberra’s greatest strengths is our inclusiveness and our willingness to recognise and respond to the diverse needs of everyone who calls our city home. The development of these indicators will ensure we keep up this focus on inclusion so that the quality of life and wellbeing of Canberrans keeps growing as our city does.
Related
Media release: Investing in a more inclusive Canberra
Social Inclusion Statement2.0 MB