I visited Queensland this week and was in Goodna, a Brisbane suburb yesterday.This is an area which is facing many challenges including the lack of affordable housing, increasing debt (particularly owed to pay day lenders who charge outrageous interest rates), increasing demand on emergency relief to help with basic necessities like a roof over a families/individual head, and many other factors impacting on the quality of life of its residents.
Sitting around the table were people from various agencies across the state, many church based, others community driven, who are dedicated to making a difference - chipping away at the inequality that exists in our world - including in a developed, prosperous country like Australia. The experience of many Goodna residents stretches across the state, and this country.
If we listened to the media we would believe that all Australians are benefiting from a period of positive growth - the most recent national unemployment rate announced this week is 4.5%, our dollar is strong against the 'greenback' and many industries are experiencing a 'boom'.
In such a period of prosperity, why do the people of Goodna, and many within our communities struggle to keep 'their heads above water'?
As we face an election year, much is spoken about the responsibilities of the socially excluded ... participation, mutual obligation, taking responsibility etc are raised as if they are the solution. Perhaps we need to look at what responsibility which lies at the feet of the socially included - you and me.
What do you think?
