Future of Work

Movers Randerson, R.

That this Synod,

noting the encouraging drop in unemployment to a national rate of 8.3% (740,000) as at May 1995, but

noting nonetheless existing doubts that the estimated 5% rate will be achieved by the year 2000, and that even if achieved 5% is an unacceptably high figure, and

being mindful that work is ideally an opportunity for all who are able to use their God-given gifts in the service of others and as a means of attaining mature fulfilment in living,

therefore

(i) calls on Government, as part of its social obligation, to examine solutions to the problem over and
beyond existing programs, such possible solutions including:

(a) increased national investment in such areas as education, health, housing, the needs of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the environment and public infrastructure, the costs of such investment to be offset by anticipated savings in welfare and increased taxation revenue;

(b) sharing the amount of work available among the whole work force, not merely by shorter hours
where appropriate but by time out for long service leave and/or retraining, the costs of such leave to be met by monies currently being paid to the unemployed;

(c) new concepts of work and remuneration so that voluntary and unpaid domestic work be regarded
equally with paid employment, and that traditional concepts of wage and welfare be merged into a broader system that offers an income sufficient for livelihood to all;

(ii) encourages Anglican parishes, social service and social justice agencies to explore ways of promoting
such new concepts, in partnership as appropriate with other churches, community agencies, trade unions, the business community, politicians and policy-makers.

[The Right Reverend R. Randerson – 7-7-95]

Resolution year: 1995
Resolution number: 71/95