The Australian social inclusion agenda

Abstract

LAST MONTH we saw the first meeting of the Australia Social Inclusion Board. Members of the Board ? Ms Patricia Faulkner, Monsignor David Cappo, Ms Elleni Bereded-Samuel, Dr Ngaire Brown, Mr Eddie McGuire, Mr Ahmed Fahour, Professor Fiona Stanley and others ? are charged with ensuring that every Australian has the opportunity to be a full participant in the life of the nation.1 In government terms, this means all Australians have the opportunity to: secure a job; access services; connect with family, friends, work, personal interests and local community; deal with personal crisis; and have their voices heard.2 Monsignor Cappo has defined a socially inclusive society as ?one where all people feel valued, their differences are respected, and their basic needs are met so they can live in dignity?.3 This issue of the journal explores social inclusion from health care perspectives.