Social service providers 'need to multi-task'

The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) says efforts to improve social inclusion in Australia need to address problems in housing, employment, health and education at the same time.

The ACOSS national conference begins in Melbourne today - and will be addressed by Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard tomorrow.

ACOSS has released results of a survey it commissioned, which show 84 per cent of Australians believe the gap between rich and poor is growing.

Executive director of ACOSS Andrew Johnson says the conference will be focusing on how to close that gap.

"What are the policies and practices and programs we need to ensure that every Australian does have access to a decent standard of living," he said.

"What we know from this poll and many previous polls is that every Australian deserves and should have access to a fair go, and that's supported by a vast majority of the population."