12 December 2023

Relationships Australia recognises the indivisibility and universality of human rights and the inherent and equal freedom and dignity of all. [...] The recommendations in this submission are grounded in our experience and expertise as community-based providers of mental health services, as well as relationship services, and our observation of the immediate and persistent effects of COVID-19 and the measures taken to combat it. [...] Recommendation 3 (relationships – DFV) Implement the recommendations made in the ANROWS DAHLIA-19 report.26 Recommendation 4 (poverty) That Australian governments recognise the human rights implications of poverty, particularly during and in the aftermath of disasters, and that it is caused by the interplay of systemic and environmental factors. [...] Conclusion Implementation of the recommendations in this submission will achieve two goals: recovery from the multi-faceted consequences of COVID-19 and the measures taken to curtail its spread, and preparation to ameliorate the intensity and duration of the adverse impacts of future disasters. [...] Through a combined effort, and with a dedicated focus on the needs of individuals, families and the community more broadly, governments and the community sector can together assist people to manage the uncertainty that continues to surround the pandemic, and focus on thriving into the future, whatever it holds.