By Denis Hay
Considering the Australian Council of Social Service’s (ACOSS) Five-Year Impact Strategy 2023-2028, it is crucial to explore how a fair economy, the end of poverty, inclusive communities, and a sustainable climate are interlinked and can be achieved through strategic initiatives. The research underscores the significant benefits of these interconnected goals.
Economic Fairness and Poverty Reduction
Economic fairness is foundational to sustainable poverty reduction. Fair Trade practices, for instance, provide stable prices and better market access, significantly contributing to sustainable poverty alleviation (Ruben, 2008). This approach emphasizes equality and highlights the inseparability of poverty reduction and environmental sustainability (Barrett, 1995). Additionally, Fair Trade’s positive impacts on social and economic development contribute to improved and diversified livelihoods, enhancing well-being and reducing poverty (Mare, 2008).
Inclusive Communities and Development
Inclusive communities play a pivotal role in driving social and economic development. They foster internal solidarity, and self-development, and harness the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of diverse groups, including immigrants (Guo-Brennan & Guo-Brennan, 2019). These communities create diverse knowledge arenas, improve workforce training, and address gaps in social determinants like health and education (Benner & Pastor, 2016; Mitton & Mundorf, 2007).
Climate Change and Economic Development
Addressing climate change is integral to sustainable economic development. Integrated approaches include stimulating economic growth, and technological change, and reducing barriers to sustainable development (Goklany, 2007). Strategies like green growth, eco-innovation, and low-emission development promote sustainable development while addressing environmental concerns (Kaushiva, 2016; Sáez-Martínez et al., 2015).
Economic Fairness in Community Development
Economic fairness in community development enhances livelihood opportunities, promotes land tenure, community empowerment, and leads to more just income distribution (Saglie et al., 2020; He Shu-rong, 2009). It is linked to increased satisfaction in employment, education, and income, crucial for harmonious and sustainable community development (Barrett, 1995).
The interconnectedness of a fair economy, poverty eradication, inclusive communities, and a sustainable climate is clear. By focusing on these areas, we can forge a path towards a more fair and sustainable future.
Question for Readers: “How can we, as individuals and communities, contribute to building a fairer economy, ending poverty, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring a liveable climate?”
Call to Action: Join the movement for change! Advocate for fair trade practices, support inclusive community initiatives, and embrace sustainable lifestyle choices. Your actions today can shape a better tomorrow.
References:
Resourcing Inclusive Communities
2023 Named Hottest Year on Record
2023 Australia Liveability Census
Free Trade Agreements Australia
[textblock style=”6″]
Denis Hay: At 82 years young, I stand as a testament to the enduring power of dedication and belief in social justice. My journey has been shaped by a deep conviction that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and that equal opportunities for thriving should be a universal right.
My beliefs are not just ideals; they are the driving force behind my active engagement in advocating for change. I am deeply concerned about the pressing issue of climate change, recognizing its urgency and the need for immediate, collective action. This is not just a matter of policy for me, but a moral imperative to safeguard our planet for the generations to come.
As an administrator of several Facebook pages, I use my platform to challenge the prevailing neoliberal ideology, which I see as a destructive force against our society and environment. My goal is to foster a political system that truly serves the people, ensuring access to essential needs like decent housing, secure and well-paid jobs, education, and healthcare for all.
In this chapter of my life, my mission is clear: to leave behind a world that is better and more just for my grandchildren and future generations. It is a commitment that guides my every action, a legacy of compassion and advocacy that I hope will inspire others to join the cause.
[/textblock]
[textblock style=”7″]
Like what we do at The AIMN?
You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.
Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!
Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.
You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969
[/textblock]
The neo-libs don’t want this, because they are infatuated with sado-economics.
They want the world run as a giant labour camp, complete with “efficiencies” and Labour market discipline as we are exposed to their miserable version of reality.
There is a lot of this behind the US and Israeli attitude toward the Gazans.
Your opening sentence says it all Denis – Economic Fairness and Poverty Reduction is not any Governments raison detre at all! It’s built into the system to ensure that there will always be some reason to blame somebody for the mere fact that they exist at all, economic slavery has never been put asunder. Checking the following guide will give you are more comprehensive view of the parsimony that passes for pension payments which is set by people who are doing very nicely indeed and have no respect for the ‘other’ at all https://guides.dss.gov.au/social-security-guide/5/2/2/10
Given the mountains of evidence regarding unrealistic pension payments which are from ACOSS, TAI and below the poverty line and have been since its very inception, when will somebody actually address the discriminatory finance system which compounds the misery of far too many people? Here is just one small sample from Robo-Debt that chugs along no questions asked anywhere https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/aug/12/prosecutors-pause-dozens-of-criminal-cases-after-services-australia-miscalculated-debts
Until we as a fully functioning society are prepared to recognise the economic value of everyone, not just some, this imbalance will never go away and we will continue to hear the lament of the not so poor hyperventilating in great numbers to maintain their ill-gotten gains.
And if I hear someone start rabbiting on about CPI I’ll scream. Again, I’m aware that in the 1990’s cumulative CPI indexation up until that time was a massive 260%, yes that right, as CPI indexation is a quarterly figure, not an annual figure. Nobody talks about that either.
While all of this conundrum may be legal, it’s certainly not fair either.