Research

Implications for policy

The social exclusion monitor provides benchmark data on the prevalence, depth and persistence of social exclusion in Australia.

We found that more than one in five Australians experiences social exclusion (using the latest 2016 data). For most people this experience is short.

However, importantly for social policy, more than one million Australians experience multiple barriers to full participation in society, or deep social exclusion. For many this situation will persist for three years or more.

How should policy change?

The Brotherhood of St Laurence believes that a strong economy and inclusive society should go hand in hand. Social exclusion is best addressed through economic growth policies that focus on employment together with social services, including health, housing, youth and aged-care services, that build people’s capacities to fully participate in society.

Our social exclusion monitor shows how deep social exclusion involves overlapping factors, including gender, age, country of birth, Indigenous background, health, household type, housing and education. Good policies will concentrate on these interrelated factors to improve opportunities and quality of life among disadvantaged Australians.

Reducing social exclusion can also require extra investment for some people and in some localities. Support services that are better integrated and personalised are sometimes necessary to prevent crises, such as  homelessness, and to build resilience and social connections among Australians. This approach benefits the whole community while also ensuring that those in greater need get more.

What the Brotherhood is doing

The Brotherhood of St Laurence uses the findings of the social exclusion monitor to advocate for social policy reform.

The Brotherhood has many other research projects that seek to address social exclusion. See the research themes of the Research and Policy Centre for further projects and publications.

The Brotherhood also puts its ideas into practice and runs innovative programs that aim to reduce social exclusion, including:

The social exclusion monitor is the work of the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research (MIAESR). This page was updated using analysis of Wave 16 of the HILDA Survey in December 2018.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) acknowledges and understands its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and recognises that all children and young people have the right to be treated with respect and care, and to be safe from all forms of abuse. BSL has a zero tolerance towards child abuse.
Read the official statement signed by the Executive Director.

The Brotherhood recognises the harm that family violence causes and that freedom from violence is a basic human right.
We will support our staff, volunteers, clients and the community if they experience violence.

Find out more about the work of the Brotherhood
Brotherhood Books
Brotherhood of St Laurence Communtiy Stores
BROCAP
Hippy Australia
Given the Chance

Acknowledgement of country

Australian Aboriginal flag, a yellow circle on two horizontal black and red stripes

The Brotherhood of St Laurence acknowledges and recognises the Traditional Owners of the land upon which we live and work, and we pay our respects to their Elders both past and present.

Torres Strait Islander flag, an icon of a traditional headdress on blue, black and green stripes
Building better lives since 1930
Copyright Brotherhood of St Laurence 2015
ABN 24 603 467 024
Page last updated:  Wed, 05 Dec 2018