Survey identifies social justice concerns in Corangamite

A WIDE-RANGING survey by the Salvation Army has identified the major social justice concerns in the federal electorate of Corangamite.

Held for the second time, the National Social Justice Stocktake (NSJS) involved more than 16,000 people from all demographics across every state and territory being surveyed.

In Corangamite, the top five social justice issues are:

• Housing affordability and homelessness
• Mental health
• Access to health care
• Financial hardship and inclusion, and
• Alcohol and drug misuse.

According to the Salvation Army’s report, 74 per cent of people identified housing affordability and homelessness as an issue in the community in Corangamite and 26 per cent identified it as an issue for themselves.

This is much higher than the result recorded in the 2022 Social Justice Stocktake of 48.5 per cent for housing affordability and 34 per cent for homelessness.

“The best estimates available suggest there are around 829 people experiencing homelessness in Corangamite alone and there is an unmet housing need of 2,900 dwellings,” the report stated.

The people in Corangamite nominated mental health as the second-biggest issue both in terms of the community and for themselves.

At the last stocktake, mental health was identified by about 59.2 per cent of people in Corangamite, and the Census found 10 per cent of people in the electorate reported being diagnosed with a long-term mental health condition, including depression or anxiety.

“The stocktake was born from hearing the challenges the community were experiencing and felt were being ignored,” the Salvation Army general manager of policy and advocacy Jennifer Kirkaldy said.

“These reports focus on practical information and practical actions that can be taken to address the most pressing issues in our communities.”

She said the Salvation Army released the stocktake to coincide with World Day of Social Justice on February 20.

“It is very clear that Australians care about social justice and this report is a tool to help empower solutions-focused conversations between Australians and the people who are seeking to represent us.”

Ms Kirkaldy said participants in the NSJS had sent a clear message they were ready for action but also that they were not sure how they could be part of the solution.

“These reports provide a way forward for anyone worried about social injustice either by working with our political leaders, collaborating within our community groups or workplaces or just by ourselves.

“Every one of us can make a difference and if we work together, we can transform Australia.”

For the full NSJS report on Corangamite, head to salvationarmy.org.au/socialjusticestocktake/vic/corangamite