Advocacy
We speak up for better health and social services in Australia.
We push for change to help everyone live well, especially those who are less often heard. We listen to what people in our communities need. When we see gaps in health services, we work with government and other organisations to make positive changes.
Areas of focus
How we help
Address inequalities
We help make sure everyone has equal access to good health care
Influence policy
We act to improve policies and systems that affect people’s wellbeing
Fight for funding
We focus on securing funding for community-based health services
Build partnerships
We build strong partnerships to strengthen our impact
Speak up
We use our voice for the issues that matter most to our communities
Protecting people from business-related financial abuse
We need stronger safeguards to protect people when businesses are used to cause financial harm. This hidden form of abuse leaves victims with devastating debts and few pathways to justice.
Submissions
January 2026
Federal inquiry into Australia’s youth justice and incarceration systemRead the full submissionOur submission, informed by our work with First Nations Communities and young people, recommends:
- the need for whole-of-family early intervention
- support for scalable, self-determined Community‑led responses and programs
- cross-government collaboration that enables holistic responses to youth offending
- greater investment and support for approaches that address generational trauma
The Committee will report by 31 March 2026
July 2024
Federal inquiry into drugs and alcoholRead the full submissionBased on our 50 years helping people with medication dependence, we showed the need for:
- support services across Australia
- better training for doctors
- increased awareness of medication risks.
July 2024
Federal inquiry into financial services and financial abuseRead the full submissionOur counsellors understand how government systems need to change to protect people, especially women, from financial abuse. We suggested changes to:
- tax systems
- Centrelink processes
- banking rules
- support programs.
July 2024
Victorian family violence rolling action planRead the full submissionWe explained how financial abuse affects families and recommended ways to:
- spot the warning signs
- prevent abuse
- help people affected
- raise awareness.