Emergencies and recovery

The Select Committee on COVID-19 was established to inquire into the Australian Governments response to the pandemic. The committee received almost 550 submissions from both organisations and individuals who shared their experience and concerns regarding the government’s response.

The Salvation Army’s submission focused on the impact of COVID-19, particularly for those experiencing increased disadvantage such as women, young people, those experiencing family violence and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our submission also discussed the opportunity COVID-19 presents to address the structural drivers of disadvantage in Australia.

The Salvation Army’s submission has made recommendations to allow basic needs to be met, the ability and opportunity for a better life, certainty for the future and to ensure no one is left in need.

Our submission shared the stories of individuals as they navigated the significant changes the outbreak has caused as well as the experiences of the Salvation Army services who are working alongside others in response to their increased needs. 

The Committee’s first interim report was released in December 2020 and made six recommendations. A second interim report was released in February 2021, providing minor updates to the Senate.

The Salvation Army acknowledges that the impact of COVID-19 will be felt for many years to come and will continue to work with the government build on their response.