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A fairer Australia for all
Mission Australia has a long history of speaking out about poverty and disadvantage. The valuable experience gained working in the field over the past 150 years, coupled with the expertise of our people, places us in a strong position to advocate for a fairer Australia for all.
Today we are increasingly using our influence in the sector and our relationships with government and business representatives, as well as our media profile and community connections, to stand up for disadvantaged Australians.
Advocates for change
Becoming a recognised thought leader is part of Our Strategy Towards 2020 to bring about change, particularly with regards to affordable housing, homelessness and workplace participation as well as supporting disadvantaged young people and families.
In recent times we have helped shape reforms to the mental health system, pushed for welfare reform, worked with other housing providers to safeguard the National Rental Affordability Scheme and backed poker machine reform.
 Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Mission Australia also strongly supports reconciliation. We were the first welfare organisation in Australia to launch a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Our RAP is a strategy to help reduce the gap in living standards between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
Knowing there is strength in numbers, we actively encourage our staff, friends, supporters and partners to help advocate for a fairer Australia – particularly through Mission Australia's Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn Group.
Our advocacy work is coordinated by Mission Australia’s Social Advocacy and Public Affairs (SAPA) team, and heavily relies on the work of our Research and Social Policy Unit (RSPU).
Our research work
Working across each of our pathways, RSPU is key to our capacity to advocate for a fairer Australia and develop evidence-based services. In partnership with universities, other community service providers and government agencies, this unit examines and reports on issues affecting disadvantaged Australians, unmet needs in our communities and programs that work well.
RSPU’s regular reports and submissions not only enable Mission Australia to plan and develop our own best-practice services, but also informs government, business, the media and community about social issues and effective ways to address them.
Each year our research unit undertakes around 100 projects, among them:
 The National Survey of Young Australians
Since 2002, this survey – the largest of its type in Australia - has been giving young people a voice, sparking community discussion and informing governments, educators and social policymakers.
If you’ve yet to take the You’re Probably Wrong test, try it out before you read the results.
 The Michael Project
Running for three years until late 2010, this project aimed to improve the lives of homeless men by simultaneously addressing their health, accommodation and other needs, such as literacy and computer skills.
The resulting Michael Project research component is providing evidence for policies and services, including Michael’s Intensive Supported Housing Accord Service (MISHA) – an integrated housing-first program in Sydney’s Parramatta.
Stay informed and in touch
Download our Policy Submissions, Social Policy Reports or find out about upcoming Social Policy Seminars:
For more information about our advocacy work, email
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