National poverty measurement

The problem

In Australia, over 3.3 million people—including 761,000 children—are living below the poverty line.

Yet, astonishingly, our government lacks a clear definition of income poverty, leaving us blind to the true extent of this crisis. Without a national measure, we cannot accurately track or address the suffering of millions of Australians.

This oversight perpetuates a cycle of neglect, where policies fail to target those in need, and resources are misallocated. Establishing a clear definition and measure of poverty is a moral imperative. By acknowledging the reality of poverty, we can implement effective strategies to lift people out of hardship and build a more equitable society.

The solution

The time for ignorance is over. We must demand that our leaders define and measure poverty accurately, so we can begin the critical work of eradicating it.