At a time often marked by division, new research shows Australians are united in their concern for those doing it tough. More than nine in ten people want stronger action to reduce poverty, with most believing the system — not individuals — is to blame.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence’s (BSL) new report, Perceptions of Poverty in Australia, reveals widespread concern about the changing face of poverty. The study surveyed 2,651 people across the country, with analysis by social trend researchers at 89Degrees East and Essential Research.
The findings show that essential workers, single parents and older Australians are among those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Many are struggling with health, housing, education and employment challenges that keep them trapped in poverty.
BSL Executive Director Dr Travers McLeod said the research highlights that fairness remains a core Australian value.
“People in Australia don’t want others to be living in poverty,” Dr McLeod said. “People should be able to eat healthily, have a secure roof over their heads, access to education and job opportunities. Unfortunately, despite Australia’s wealth, that simply isn’t the case.”
Dr McLeod said BSL works with people across the country who face impossible choices every week — from nurses dealing with housing insecurity to young people struggling to find support while trying to build a future.
The report shows that 70 per cent of Australians agree that struggling to afford the basics doesn’t mean someone is lazy, but that the economy isn’t working for everyone. Three in four people believe inequality is rising, and most are concerned that poverty is weakening democracy.
BSL is calling on the federal government to adopt official poverty measures — a Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and a monetary poverty measure — as recommended by the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee and supported by the Australian Council of Social Services.
Dr McLeod said that while poverty is often linked to money, it also includes barriers that limit people’s ability to make choices and participate fully in society.
“Australia doesn’t measure poverty. We should,” he said. “Official measures are the critical first step in supporting governments and decision-makers to best address poverty in Australia.”
An MPI would track poverty across health, housing, education, employment and social participation, helping governments target support more effectively. Almost 160 countries already have official poverty measures.
Key findings from the report include:
- 94% of people believe it’s important to support those experiencing poverty.
- 76% have been affected by cost-of-living pressures.
- 60% support poverty reduction measures to ease those pressures.
- 75% believe inequality is rising.
- 55% say inequality is weakening democracy.
- 55% believe government has the greatest responsibility to reduce poverty.
Dr McLeod said improving the lives of Australians begins with measuring poverty properly. “By tracking and reporting on key metrics, we can start to improve outcomes and see real change,” he said.
