Anglicare WA visits Australian Parliament

Anglicare WA's CEO, Mark Glasson along with Sara Kane our General Manager of Advocacy and Strategy, and Ryan Willis, Social Media Content Creator, joined WACOSS staff for a visit to the Australian Parliament in Canberra from 1-3 September 2025.  

The visit provided an opportunity to meet new Federal Ministers, Shadow Ministers, and Advisers in relevant portfolios, along with WA Members of Parliament, to discuss the challenges faced by the Western Australian community and share policy and systemic solutions to address these issues. 

Key concerns at the forefront of the discussion,

• Cost of living, 
• Food security, 
• Income management alternatives, 
• Social cohesion,
• Climate change, and the
• Housing crisis. 

We presented a range of social policy solutions related to Anglicare WA's advocacy areas, and the government appeared receptive to solutions, including 

• Housing, 
• Cost of living, 
• Family and domestic violence prevention, and
• Recognition and justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

Some of the proposed solutions included; 

1. Increasing the rate of income support, 
2. Sharing successful relational practice projects, 
3. Highlighting the benefits of child-parent centres and youth foyers, 
4. Exploring tax reform ideas, and 
5. Sharing a financial well-being strategy. 
6. There was also a recognition of the importance of listening to and safeguarding Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. 

A significant focus was also placed on family and domestic violence solutions, particularly those involving boys and men, challenging gender stereotypes, and ending the normalization of violence.  

Members of Parliament and Advisers were open to re-examining the current government system, removing barriers to support services, and pursuing what the government can do to promote a good life for people and enable communities to thrive.