Economic Reform Roundtable is an historic opportunity says ACOSS

THE Economic Reform Roundtable must be open to meaningful reform that lifts living standards for those falling behind and makes Australia a better place, according to Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) CEO Cassandra Goldie.

“This roundtable is an historic opportunity to make Australia a fairer, better country, both for people and for the planet,” Dr Goldie said.

“We must move beyond sectoral interests and build consensus around solutions to lift the living standards of our community, especially those with the least. 

“Discussions about productivity cannot be separated from discussions about the kind of society we want to live in. Many members of our community have experienced an unprecedented fall in their living standards – and they need meaningful reform.

“We are hopeful that everyone in the room will bring ambition, along with a spirit of collaboration and curiosity, to the discussion over the coming days. We cannot afford to waste this opportunity.”

ACOSS has proposed a range of policy options to strengthen social services, support the community sector to innovate, streamline social security and broaden the income tax base by removing opportunities for people with high incomes to avoid tax via private trusts and property tax concessions.

ACOSS is also calling for reforms that improve employment opportunities, especially root and branch reform of a failing employment services system and boost access to social housing. ACOSS will also urge strong climate targets and investment to deliver faster benefits to households, reducing energy prices and consumption. 

“We must better prepare and train people for jobs and support people on low and modest incomes to secure affordable, accessible and energy efficient housing,” Dr Goldie said.

www.acoss.org.au

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