Three in four welfare recipients live in poverty, new report finds
A report found 3.7 million Australians, including 2 million on welfare, cannot afford basic needs.
A new report from the Australian Council for Social Service shows about three out of four people on JobSeeker, youth allowance or parenting payments are living in poverty. About 2 million welfare recipients and 750,000 children cannot cover essentials like food and housing.
The number of long-term unemployed has jumped about 20% since 2019 and doubled since the global financial crisis. The government has raised pensions by $6,500 yearly, boosted JobSeeker by $4,700 annually, and increased rent assistance by more than 50% since 2022.
Advocates are pushing for JobSeeker to rise from 41% to 60% of the minimum wage. This week the government announced an extra $4.7 million for food charities and relief services.
- 3.7 million Australians
- Total in poverty
- 2 million
- Welfare recipients in poverty
- 750,000
- Children affected
- $4.7 million
- Relief funding announced
Why it matters3.7 million Australians are stuck below the poverty line despite government support, pushing calls for bigger welfare increases.
AustraliaAbout 2 million Australians on welfare payments and 3.7 million total in poverty face daily hardship with inadequate government support.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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