Social Inclusion

Above: Penny with artist, Kathie Curtis and her wonderful painting "Flowers" (acrylic on canvas).

As we are marking this year’s Social Inclusion Week, it is a good time to think seriously about those members of our community who are living in the margins and not fully on the page.

While many of us are blessed, and can be thankful for that, there are many who are not.  During this special week in the calendar we are reminded of those people who are not as fortunate, who are disengaged, disadvantaged and unable, temporarily or more long term, to find a way back in.

Senator WRIGHT: I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

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

To coincide with Anti-Poverty Week, Greens spokesperson for Social Inclusion, Senator Penny Wright, is calling on Australians to think about why so many of us are now affected by poverty and severe hardship and how this fits with Australia being the land of the 'fair go'.

Greens Senator Penny Wright this evening made her inaugural speech, setting out her vision for a “kinder, fairer” Australia that addresses “the growing gulf between those who are doing well and those who are not”.

“I want to see an inclusive Australia – where all people can participate fully and achieve their best,” she said.

“Services such as good quality public transport, housing, health and education allow everyone to share the benefits of living in a community and having their basic needs met.