The number of Australians living in poverty has swelled to one-in-seven people, representing 81,500 Tasmanians, according to a new ACOSS and UNSW Poverty & Inequality in Australia report released to mark Anti-Poverty Week.
TasCOSS CEO, Ms Adrienne Picone, said the most recent figures that showed 14.2% of the population were living in poverty are cause for concern.
“This represents an increase of 16% since the previous report — 13-times the rate of population growth — largely attributed to the removal of pandemic support payments,” Ms Picone said.
“Combined with a steep rise in rental costs of 36% since the pandemic, Tasmanians are being pushed beyond the brink.
“Of shocking concern, one-in-six (18,900) Tasmanian children are living in poverty. This is unacceptable in a country as wealthy as Australia, and must serve as a wake-up call to the Tasmanian Government as it frames its upcoming November Budget priorities.
“The onus is on our state and federal governments to work together to enact critical policy solutions which will lift Tasmanians out of the cycle of poverty and enable them to access opportunities many of us take for granted, like education, training and employment.
“Incomes are not keeping pace with the rising cost of the essentials, be it affording groceries, paying for health care or energy bills.
“We call on the Albanese Government to set income support payments at a liveable rate so everyone can keep a roof over their head and put food on the table, and ensure adequate, long-term funding for the essential community organisations working alongside them.
“Safe, secure and affordable housing is the bedrock from which you can improve your life and livelihood.
“It is vital governments reassess the social housing pipeline in Tasmania, with current targets not meeting the projected level of need.”
Want to find out what events and activities are on during the Anti-Poverty Week? Visit antipovertyweek.org.au/events to get involved and lend support.