Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens, today addressed a panel session at the National Access to Justice and Pro Bono conference in Sydney and outlined the Australian Government’s commitment to working with the not-for-profit sector to implement the Government’s social inclusion agenda.
Dr Stephens highlighted the often complex issues that need to be addressed for people requiring legal services.
“People accessing legal services often face significant barriers in their daily life, and legal needs are often just one of their many issues”, Dr Stephens said.
Dr Stephens also highlighted the importance of joined-up service delivery in addressing the needs of Australians facing both legal and non-legal issues.
“Genuine outcomes that address the needs of those experiencing social exclusion over the long term can only be delivered through forging strong connections between policy and service delivery.”
“We know that effective services and programs ‘wrap’ services around the individual, Dr Stephens said”.
Dr Stephens commended the not-for-profit sector for their valuable contribution to social inclusion and their role as advocates, and praised the ongoing efforts of volunteers within the legal services sector.
Further information on social inclusion activities and the outcomes of the Australian Social Inclusion Board can be found at www.socialinclusion.gov.au.
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