Minister for Social Inclusion, Mark Butler today acknowledged a new study from Catholic Health Australia (CHA) which encourages governments to consider the long-term health impacts of all policies and practices to deliver a more socially inclusive Australia.

CHA’s study, ‘The Cost of Inaction on the Social Determinants of Health” recommends the Australian Government endorse the World Health’s Organisation’s ‘health in all policies' approach, to close the health gaps between the most disadvantaged and least disadvantaged people in society.

“Australians generally have a good standard of living compared to other countries. However evidence suggests that about 1 in 20 Australians experience multiple disadvantages that affect their ability to participate fully in Australian society,” Mr Butler said.

“Having a job, a roof over your head and a good quality education generally leads to better health outcomes.”

Key health experts, led by CHA, have called for the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs to consider these issues.

“The Senate Standing Committee has received representations on the issue and will consider the matter for their work program for this year,” Mr Butler said. The Senate Committee will be able to draw on this study as well as international contributions, including those made through the World Health Organisation and the Rio Political Declaration of 2011 which confirmed Member States’ commitment to take action to address the social determinants of health.

“The Gillard Government is committed to a fair and just Australia in which all Australians have the resources and opportunities they need to participate fully in the nation’s social and economic life,” Mr Butler said.

Our track record includes helping more than 6,000 very long term unemployed Australians find work through the Wage Connect subsidy, building over 18,000 new social housing properties to provide stable housing to those who most need it, and investing to launch a National Disability Insurance Scheme which will provide better services to some of the most vulnerable Australians.

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To view the full media release, select the link below:

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr12-mb-mb047.htm