Australia's welfare snapshots

Many different supports and services are critical to the welfare and wellbeing of individuals and their families. The Australian Government and jurisdictions contribute spending to a wide range of community services, provided by public and private organisations.

Access to safe, affordable and suitable housing is essential to wellbeing. Housing assistance may help people unable to access appropriate housing on their own. Government-funded services may support those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

Participation and engagement in education from an early age are essential for a person’s development and help establish foundations for academic and life success. Higher education levels are associated with better employment, income, health and life satisfaction.

Having a job helps people support themselves, their families and communities. Some people may have difficulty finding work or developing skills to improve employability, and may receive help from government employment services. Government payments support those unable to fully support themselves or those who would benefit from financial assistance at certain life stages.

Social support from other people and services can be vital in times of need and can contribute to connectedness though interactions between people. It can be formal care, or informal care from family, friends or the community.

A person’s experience of crime can affect their wellbeing. People in contact with the justice system may experience negative effects on their health and welfare. Governments work to protect the safety of the community and those at greater risk of harm, for example services designed to protect children from harm.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, welfare is closely linked to health and good health is more than the absence of disease or illness. It is a holistic concept that includes physical, social, emotional, cultural, spiritual and ecological wellbeing, for both the individual and the community. Similarly, social determinants such as education, employment, housing, access to services and community safety all influence welfare for Indigenous Australians. Contextual and historical factors are also particularly important for understanding the welfare of Indigenous Australians.