Introduction
Social justice remains one of the most pressing concerns in Australia, affecting individuals and communities in numerous ways. Issues such as poverty, housing insecurity, unemployment, and social exclusion continue to challenge our society. The Salvation Army's 2025 Social Justice Stocktake provides a comprehensive look at these challenges, offering practical steps toward solutions. This initiative brings together the voices of over 16,000 Australians from across the country to highlight what matters most to them.
Through this report, we gain insights into the issues impacting everyday Australians and explore actionable solutions that individuals, workplaces, and communities can implement. The Salvation Army's goal is clear: to empower individuals and leaders to take meaningful action toward a more just and equitable society.
Understanding the Social Justice Stock take
The 2025 Social Justice Stock take is the second of its kind, following up on previous efforts to track and address social injustices in Australia.
The stock take serves three key purposes:
Identify Social Issues:
Understanding what problems Australians are facing in their local communities.
Measure Their Impact:
Recognizing how these issues are affecting individuals and families nationwide.
Propose Solutions:
Providing practical, evidence-based recommendations to drive positive change.
The findings have been compiled into 160 reports, covering every federal electorate, each state and territory, and a national report summarizing the key insights for Australia as a whole. These reports provide invaluable data, practical guidance, and actionable steps to create tangible change.
Key Social Justice Issues Identified in 2025
- Housing Affordability and Homelessness One of the most alarming findings from the 2025 Stocktake is the growing housing crisis in Australia. Rising rental costs, a shortage of affordable housing, and increased homelessness have left many individuals and families struggling to secure stable accommodation.
Renters are facing extreme financial pressure, with rental costs rising faster than incomes.
Homelessness rates have surged, particularly among young people, older Australians, and families with children.
The demand for emergency housing and social housing continues to outstrip supply.
Potential Solutions:
Investment in affordable housing programs and government-subsidized rental assistance.
Stronger tenant protections to prevent unfair evictions and rent hikes.
Expanding homelessness prevention services and emergency shelter support.
- Cost of Living and Financial Hardship Australians have expressed growing concerns about the rising cost of living, with many struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, healthcare, and transportation.
Over one-third of Australians report financial stress due to high inflation and stagnant wages.
Essential services and utilities have become unaffordable for low-income families.
More Australians are turning to food banks and financial assistance programs for help.
Potential Solutions:
Implementing fair wage policies to keep up with inflation.
Expanding access to financial counseling and emergency relief programs.
Strengthening government support programs to help families in need.
- Employment and Job Security While Australia’s unemployment rate remains relatively low, job insecurity and underemployment are growing concerns.
Many workers are stuck in casual or contract-based employment, lacking job security and benefits.
Youth unemployment remains a major issue, leaving young Australians without career opportunities.
Wage stagnation has made it difficult for workers to keep up with the rising cost of living.
Potential Solutions:
Expanding access to vocational training and apprenticeship programs.
Enforcing fair work policies to provide job security and protections for casual workers.
Supporting businesses that offer livable wages and stable employment opportunities.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Mental health has emerged as a top concern among Australians, particularly in light of recent global and economic challenges.
1 in 5 Australians experiences mental health challenges, but many struggle to access support.
Long wait times and high costs prevent individuals from seeking necessary mental health care.
There is a need for stronger workplace mental health policies to support employees.
Potential Solutions:
Expanding Medicare-funded mental health services and crisis support programs.
Providing mental health education in schools and workplaces.
Increasing investment in community-based mental health resources.
- Social Exclusion and Discrimination The 2025 Stock take highlights persistent issues related to racism, gender inequality, and social discrimination in Australia.
Marginalized communities continue to face barriers in employment, education, and social participation.
Women and gender-diverse individuals report lower wages and workplace discrimination.
First Nations Australians continue to experience systemic disadvantages.
Potential Solutions:
Strengthening anti-discrimination laws and workplace diversity policies.
Promoting equal pay and career advancement opportunities for all genders.
Supporting First Nations-led initiatives that empower Indigenous communities.
What Can You Do? Practical Steps for Change
The Salvation Army encourages all Australians to take part in social justice initiatives, whether on an individual, community, or national level.
- Get Informed
Read the Social Justice Stock take reports for your local area.
Stay up to date on social justice issues through reputable sources.
Engage with Your Community
Support local organizations and charities working on social justice initiatives.
Attend community meetings and forums to discuss pressing issues.
- Advocate for Change Contact local politicians and urge them to support social justice policies.
Sign petitions and join campaigns calling for legislative change.
- Support Ethical Practices Choose to buy from businesses that uphold fair labor and ethical sourcing.
Encourage your workplace to adopt inclusive and socially responsible policies.
- Volunteer and Donate Give your time to homeless shelters, food banks, or mental health helplines.
Make donations to organizations fighting poverty, discrimination, and injustice.
Conclusion:
Together, We Can Make a Difference The Salvation Army’s 2025 Social Justice Stocktake is more than just a report—it’s a call to action. The findings reveal that while social justice challenges persist, practical solutions exist and are within our reach. Whether it’s advocating for fair wages, supporting mental health initiatives, or helping a neighbor in need, every effort counts.
While the challenges may seem overwhelming, change is possible when individuals, communities, and leaders work together. Let’s take this opportunity to drive meaningful progress and build an Australia where fairness, equality, and dignity are accessible to all.
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