At OneBridge, we walk alongside individuals and families navigating homelessness, poverty, and complex life challenges. Over the years, we’ve seen first hand how traditional health systems—despite best intentions—often struggle to reach those most in need.
Specialist community nurses, social workers, and outreach teams are often the first and only point of contact for people facing multiple vulnerabilities and complex circumstances. Yet the services they provide are not backed by a sustainable, long-term funding model here in Australia.
OneBridge founder, Sonia Martin, believes it’s time to change that.
Introducing the Health and Social Access Scheme (HASAS)
As part of OneBridge founder, Sonia Martin’s Churchill Fellowship recommendations, Sonia is proposing a new approach: the Health and Social Access Scheme (HASAS). This would provide ongoing, permanent and reliable funding for community based nurse-led and integrated health and social support services in communities where people are most at risk of being left behind.
This includes (for example):
- People experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness
- Individuals and families living in poverty
- Young people facing complex life circumstances
HASAS would sit alongside existing health programs by recognising the unique role of outreach health teams working beyond mainstream health services together.
Why This Matters
Many of the individuals we at OneBridge support, are managing a combination of health conditions, trauma, housing instability, and social isolation. These are not issues that resolve quickly, and the care required must be ongoing, flexible, and embedded within the community.
Short-term grants and pilot programs can help spark innovation, but without continuity, services are lost, relationships are disrupted, and outcomes are compromised.
A HASAS funding model would create stability—not just for service providers, but more importantly, for the people we care with. It would allow us to build long-term trust, improve health outcomes, and work in partnership with current existing health and social systems, increasing the health and wellbeing of Australians.
Hear More About the Vision
In Sonia Matin’s most recent ABC Radio National Changing Australia interview, she discusses the gaps in access to care and why a sustainable, inclusive model like HASAS is so urgently needed:
🎧 Listen to the interview here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/radionational-breakfast/changing-oz-sonia-martin-creating-more-equitable-health-system/105255124
A Path Forward
We believe this is a moment for thoughtful, evidence-informed change. One that supports every Australian with complex needs and gives nurses and support teams the tools to continue their work with consistency and specialist care, in every corner of Australia.
We welcome conversations with policymakers, providers, and partners who share this vision for a healthier, more inclusive Australia.
Let’s work together for a fair go for all.
