NATIONAL: Australia must legislate to end poverty

The St Vincent de Paul Society is calling on the Albanese Government to create official poverty measures and set specific targets to reduce poverty, with a focus on children. Marking Anti-Poverty Week from October 11 to 17, the Society noted that unofficial estimates based on household income suggest poverty affects 3.7 million Australians, including 757,000 children under age 15.

St Vincent de Paul Society National President Mark Gaetani said it is a national disgrace that over three-quarters of a million children lack the stability, safety, and opportunities they deserve. Gaetani stated that because children do not earn an income, current unofficial measures may hide or understate their hardship. He said the country needs standard indicators to track whether children have sufficient food, secure housing, and access to healthcare, education, and community participation.

The Society is urging community groups, businesses, and other organizations to advocate alongside them for government change. Currently, Australia lacks an official national measure of poverty.