As Chief Executive of Uniting Communities, Simon Schrapel AM (MPolAdmin ’05) has been unafraid to place his organisation – one of the largest not-for-profit community service providers in Australia – at the forefront of rigorous public debates to improve fairness.
“I believe it’s a role that an organisation devoted to social justice and equity is obliged to make,” says Simon. “It has long been my ambition to ensure this organisation is more than just a strong charity and provider of quality services to those in need – but to also be a powerful advocate that takes assertive action to enforce positive change.”
Having initially trained and worked for a decade as a social worker, then spent another decade in government departments forming and implementing policy and social service programs, Simon eventually decided to pursue his passion for engaging with public policy by furthering his qualifications at Flinders University. Studying a Masters degree in Policy and Administration provided him with a deeper appreciation of the sophisticated political processes that guide public policy formulation.
“I decided it was time to make the move from being a practitioner to a public policy facilitator,” explains Simon. “I had a growing desire to steer change within big systems that would result in better social justice and equity outcomes for those most vulnerable and excluded in our community”
Simon says the course taught him about the complexity of public policy and legislation, and its wide-ranging influence – which only made him more determined to make a difference in how public policy gets effectively implemented.
“I don’t abide that a charity is only in a position where it picks up the broken pieces of a social system that is not working properly. I believe it has to play a leadership role and exert influence, to instil change that ensures better, fairer outcomes for people who need public support and access to opportunity and the resources to achieve a good life.
“My studies at Flinders certainly taught me more strategic ways to steer such policy reform, and underlined the need for strong advocacy voices to drive change.”
Simon joined Uniting Communities as Chief Executive in mid-2010, building on the organisation’s history and reputation as a progressive agency for social change, reconciliation, and fostering compassionate, resilient communities.
His success has seen Simon awarded a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2017 for significant service to the community – especially his commitment to supporting children and families through social welfare organisations, programs and initiatives. He is especially proud to have been a foundation member of the National Implementation Working Group for the Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children.
He has also served as President of the Australian Council of Social Services, chaired the Child and Family Welfare Association of Australia, SACOSS, Families Australia, the Council for the Care of Children, Anti-Poverty Week and Foodbank SA, together with a host of other peak organisations and government advisory boards at a State and National level through his career.
“I see that my leadership role is also about inspiring other leaders to take action, and this is one reason why I’ve contributed to many other collaborative ventures across the social and human services sectors,” says Simon. “I’m not just interested in the growth of our organisation, but to the prevention of problems and causes of inequality and hardship through marshalling the concerted efforts and resources of coalitions.
“By working together, we can change the fundamentals that affect people and ensure fairness. Therefore, we all have to be brave enough to speak out against bad public policy and laws, because there is a sense of urgency about the need for change to address inequality, discrimination and injustice.”
Simon Schrapel AM was awarded a 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award for his distinguished contribution to social justice locally and nationally through welfare organisations, programs and initiatives.