Major Church Providers

Background

The Major Church Providers Group represents four of Australia's largest Christian churches living out their commitment to people and communities.  The Anglican, Catholic, and Uniting Churches and the Salvation Army share a concern that each person has access to the means and opportunity for a dignified life, and belongs, is valued by, and can contribute to their community.  

Established in mid 2005 to develop detailed proposals and participate in ongoing negotiations around implementation of the Federal Budget initiatives, the Major Church Providers Group has continued to work in partnership with governments, other social service providers and organisations, and all men and women of good will towards a fair and equittable society for all.

Joint Media Releases

• People with disability deserve a 'fair go' - Joint Media Release - 6 September 2011
• Major church groups call for a ten year plan to overcome poverty - Joint Media Release  - 28 August 2010
• Major church groups seek action on community mental health - Joint Media Release - 28 July 2010

Community Sector Industry Issues Forum -18 February 2010 in Canberra.

The Forum was hosted by Anglicare Australia, Catholic Social Services Australia, The Salvation Army and UnitingCare Australia and was open to all organisations in the community sector. (More..)

Issues

The Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on Social Services in Australia (Nov 2008)

We are deeply concerned that the deepening impact of the global financial crisis will impact most harshly on those Australians who are the least able to weather the gathering storm on their own, Many Australians who did not enjoy the prosperity of the recent boom, will bear the greatest impact of the bust.

Further, as organisations assisting some of Australia's most disadvantaged individuals, families and communities, our capacity to assist is also affected by factors beyond our control. Inefficient government funding processes, a downturn in investment returns or donations, and rising demand for services all conspire to deprive some people and communities from receiving the assistance that they deserve.

In November 2008, in response to the global financial crisis, we gathered some of our major social service providers at Parliament House Canberra to participate in a Summit on the Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on Social Services. Arising from that Summit, and from the deliberations that have followed it, we have prepared this report in order to offer recommendations directly to government.

It is our hope that through swift and cooperative action, some Australians will be spared some of the effects of the global financial crisis.

Joint Recommendations

• Joint Recommendations Paper, Averting the Social Impact of the Global Financial Crisis, Anglicare Australia, Catholic Social Services Australia, UnitingCare Australia and The Salvation Army - February 2009 

Issues Papers 

• An Issues Paper prepared by Access Economics for Catholic Social Services Australia, Anglicare Australia, The Salvation Army and UnitingCare Australia   - November 2008 

Media Releases

• Major Church Providers' Financial Health and Well Being Forum - 30 March 2009

• Employment Package Timely and Positive - 24 February 2009

• Major Church Providers Are Ready To Act On Today's Stimulus Package - 13 February 2009

• Major Church Providers Urge Resolution Of Stimulus Package - 13 February 2009

• Major Church Providers Say Stimulus Housing Initiative Worthwhile - 6 February 2009

• Additional Emergency Relief Funding Welcome - 6 February 2009

• Major Church Providers welcome the Federal Government's $42 billion nation building and jobs plan - 3 February 2009

• Major Church Providers Welcome Meeting With Deputy Prime Minister - 27 January 2009

• Major Church Providers Ask COAG to Discuss Impact of Financial Crisis on Social Services - November 28 2008

• Canberra Summit to Highlight Impact of Economic Crisis on Social Services - 26 November 2009

• Major Church Leaders call for Crisis Response Now  - 26 November 2008