The report makes recommendations to the government to improve economic inclusion and inform decision making. It outlines what the Committee considers to be the areas where more action is required to give Australians the opportunity to participate and engage in society and to build a stronger safety net to assist people who need support. The report provides 13 recommendations. These aim to improve economic inclusion and help the Australian Government's decision making for the 2026–27 Budget.

The analysis and recommendations in the report build on those provided to Government ahead of the 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 Budgets.

Key priorities

• Addressing the adequacy of income support payments
• Housing and rental stress
• Family Payments and Child Support
• Employment services reforms
• Poverty measurement
• Deep and persistent disadvantage.