Australian Greens pay tribute to retiring ACOSS President Lin Hatfield Dodds

Election 2010

Major church groups call for a ten year plan to overcome poverty. 20 August

UnitingCare's Election Report Card released. 19 August

Both Major Parties fall short on Social Policy Commitments. 19 August

A report card on Aged Care election promises. 18 August

UnitingCare Australia applauds the Greens in calling for a Children's Commissioner. 17 August

Coalition's Job Commitment Bonus not the answer to tackling Long-term Unemployment. 17 August

New lease of life for social services welcome. 9 August

Greens aged care policy offers action and vision. 8 August

Help for vulnerable teenagers welcome. 2 August

UnitingCare Australia launches Key Social Policy Priorities for the 2010 Federal Election at Parliament House. 2 August

Compulsory widespread income management will not address disadvantage. 28 July

Major church groups seek action on community mental health. 21 July

Draft Child Protection Standards welcome but independent National Children's Commissioner needed. 7 July

Time for Action on Gambling. 23 June

Vulnerable Australians miss out because of red tape. 31 May

Budget 2010: Election is now the best chance for the Government to deliver on its Social Inclusion Agenda. 11 May

2010 Budget priorities for action. 10 May

UnitingCare Australia calls for Ministerial Taskforce following Henry Review. 2 May

Australian Greens pay tribute to retiring ACOSS President Lin Hatfield Dodds

20 May 2009

The Australian Greens offered a tribute to retiring ACOSS President Lin Hatfield-Dodds yesterday, with Senator Rachel Siewert describing her as: "a great Australian and a passionate advocate for social justice."

"Lin brings a strong sense justice and compassion to everything she tackles, and calmly, but with a strong sense of purpose and priority, seeks to negotiate the best and fairest possible outcome for disadvantaged Australians," said Senator Siewert.

"She has played a crucial role in building ACOSS up to be a strong and united national organisation that could speak with clear voice for the community services sector and their clients during a difficult period."

"Lin spoke out strongly against the excesses of misguided government policies such as Work Choices, Welfare to Work and compulsory income quarantining," she said.

Lin has been instrumental in the social sector reaching out and forming alliances with industry, unions and others in the wider non-government sector to advocate on wider issues in the national interest - including the Australia Fair campaign and putting the issue of 'climate justice' for low-income families most affected by rising energy costs on the agenda."

Lin has stepped down from the ACOSS Presidency to spend more time with her family while her father deals with cancer, but continues in her role as National Director of Uniting Care Australia - one of the largest community service organisations in Australia.

"Lin Hatfield Dodds is one of those rare individuals who combine a great brain with an enormous heart - she truly makes a difference," concluded Senator Siewert.