By Gladys Barreta
Housing affordability and access to health care are the top concerns for the community, according to the most recent National Social Justice Stocktake Report (NSJSR).
The Salvation Army has released its second NSJSR, providing insight into the most prevalent issues, broken down by nation, state/territory, and individual electorates.
Social justice in Hawke identifies 71.3 per cent of housing affordability and homelessness as key issues in the community.
Access to health care was introduced in this year’s NSJSR for the first time and has appeared in the top five issues in the vast majority of electorates.
In Hawke, 57.4 per cent identified access to health care as a top issue in their community.
Salvation Army spokesperson, Major Warren Elliot said the NSJSR is used to guide discussions with politicians and agencies, helping to highlight the common concerns of communities.
“Every issue has something people can do to make a difference, and often that’s about talking to their local politicians and highlighting their problems,” he said.
“Or it could be donating or volunteering. If you see a homeless person on the street, buy them a coffee.
“This report isn’t all negative; it also provides ways in which we can move forward to improve situations in these areas.”
Major Elliot said that, down the track, 10 per cent of total housing could be social housing stock to alleviate pressures on housing affordability and combat homelessness.
“When people feel safe in their homes, their mental health improves as well,” Major Elliot said.
“When people are experiencing poverty, their mental health is affected as well. It’s a snowball effect.
“This is a call to action across the community to recognise these issues and get involved to make a difference.
“We are better together, and if we can combine our efforts, we can make a difference in these issues we are facing.”
