Thanks to ACOSS for this new report and your important advocacy in this space. These findings echo what we’re seeing every day at the charities we feed across the country – people on income support payments are being forced to live in poverty. We support the call to #RaiseTheRate to reduce poverty, which directly impacts household food security.
New research from the Poverty and Inequality Partnership led by ACOSS & UNSW shows that people receiving JobSeeker are 5 times more likely than the general population to experience multiple material deprivation. Multiple material deprivation is when a person lacks two or more essential items because they can’t afford them – essential items such as medical or dental treatment, or a secure home. “People receiving income support are experiencing multiple material deprivation at rates that far exceed the general population,” said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie. “This tells us that JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and related payments are so woefully low that people can’t afford the basic essentials of life.” “In its upcoming Budget, the Federal Government must raise income support payments to liveable levels, fix employment services, boost social housing and enact a jobs, services and training plan to reduce long-term unemployment. These policies will go a long way to reducing poverty and material deprivation across Australia.” #PovertyinAustralia #AusPol #Raisetherateforgood Read the report at: https://bit.ly/3V0R9R0