Lead experts

Mission Australia has a long history of speaking out about poverty and disadvantage. As part of Our Strategy Towards 2020, we aim to become a recognised thought leader by our peers in the sector, government, the media and wider community.

A national voice for change
In 2011 the need to identify and respond to social needs in a more focused manner led to the formation of our Social Advocacy and Public Affairs Unit. As a result, our voice has grown stronger.

In 2011 we backed poker machine reform and welcomed plans to establish an Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, having lobbied for sector reform.

Mission Australia also pushed for welfare reform, particularly better support for people on the Disability Support Pension to join the workforce. And we helped shape reforms to the mental health system through our involvement with the Minister for Mental Health’s Expert Working Group.

Knowledge experts
Our Research and Social Policy Unit (RSPU) is key to our capacity to advocate for a fairer Australia and develop evidence-based services. RSPU works with universities, other community service providers and government agencies on research and policy projects. Its reports and submissions help inform government, business, the media and community about social issues and ways to address them.

In 2011 RSPU made 11 submissions and undertook over 100 projects, including:

• National Survey of Young Australians 2010:
  A record 50,000 young people took part and the results sparked wide discussion about concerns such as body image, family conflict and stress, as well as national issues like the environment, alcohol and drugs, and crime, safety and violence.
• The Michael Project:
  Our research into homelessness continued through this innovative service model in Sydney. Our 2011 findings from The Michael Project homeless initiative reaffirmed that homelessness is a complex problem that needs holistic solutions that address literacy, work and mental health.

MACSIMS – a clearer picture
To deliver effective programs and gain a thorough understanding of the needs of those we support, we created Mission Australia’s Community Services Information Management System (MACSIMS).

MACSIMS enables our Community Services staff to easily record, access, share and edit client records. It also helps us to identify where support is needed, inform social policy and provide evidence for advocacy, service planning and tenders.

• Learn more in ‘Our research and advocacy’ section of our Annual Report.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan

Our vision for reconciliation is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be restored to a place of equity, dignity and respect.

• Learn more in the ‘Our Reconciliation Action Plan’ section of our Annual Report.

Learn how we deliver Service Excellence

Further information

• Chair and CEO Report
• Summary of our year
• Mission Australia Annual Report 2011 (including our Concise Financial Report) 
• Mission Australia Financial Report 2011

By striving for best practice and involving our clients and communities in service development, we will deliver better outcomes for disadvantaged Australians.

Working smarter
By working smarter we will be more effective, better serve people and deliver value for money for all our stakeholders.

Sustainable growth
By focusing on new business that is financially, socially and environmentally sustainable, we will strengthen our capacity to help Australians in need.

Go back to Annual Report 2011