NO PLACE FOR
POVERTY
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WA HAS NO PLACE
FOR POVERTY
Everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their potential and live a fair life, here in our beautiful state of Western Australia.
But right now, poverty is robbing more and more of our people of fair opportunity, hurting us all and our collective future.
It’s time we took a closer look at what’s happening.
Poverty in Western Australia has been increasing for some time and is showing no signs of slowing down. From 2014 to 2022, the poverty rate rose from 8.7% to 12.8%.
Source - Child Poverty in Australia 2024
or 358,000 people, of which over 90,000 are children
(that's more than 1 in 7).
The number of adults and children living in poverty is expected to keep
growing, unless something changes…
POVERTY HAPPENS WHEN WE ACCEPT
THE STATUS QUO
In many ways, poverty is about more than just money.
It's also about how we see ourselves and each other. It's about this place we call home, how we show up for each other and ultimately, how much we care. Poverty is a choice we make. We can choose to end poverty in WA.
Real Stories
These are some of the stories of real people experiencing poverty in ways that are overlooked, but not uncommon, in WA.
Poverty is what happens when we give up on the people and places around us. It’s when we accept that not having enough is okay for some of us.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA HAS
NO PLACE FOR POVERTY
Not In Our Hearts
We believe in a fair go for everyone. Many of us want to, and believe, that we can do better.
“In a wealthy state like WA, I think we have the resources to support those who are struggling. That's a place I would like to see WA be."
—Dane,Geraldton
“For such a rich state, the levels of poverty and food insecurity in WA are unconscionable. I think I read that 120,000 children in WA regularly go hungry. How do those children stand even half a chance of focusing and learning effectively when they don’t have enough to eat?”
—Kate,Geraldton
“It's extremely disappointing that in a country as wealthy as Australia we have increasing homelessness and people going without food to keep a roof over their head. Telethon is clear proof that there are many people in our community who will help. However, this requires leadership and sadly it's questionable whether Government will provide it.”
—Kim,Perth
“I am really concerned about the inequality in WA. Low rent homes are rare, while small 3 x 2 houses are selling for a million dollars in suburban Perth. I am also concerned that there is not a widespread understanding of this wealth gap”.
—Bec,Perth
"It's heartbreaking to see families struggling with the basics—food, housing, and dignity. Everyone deserves a chance to thrive, not just survive. Poverty isn't just an economic issue; it's a matter of justice and humanity."
—Michael,Broome
"I think it’s hard for people to comprehend that poverty can exist in towns as affluent as Margaret River, but the reality is that people are doing it tough in every corner of the country right now. We’re all in this together and need governments, business and communities to genuinely work together to find solutions."
—Jess,Margaret River
"Young people are struggling so much more than the previous generation. It’s frightening to imagine how our lives will unfold if Australia continues down this path, especially for those who are worse off".
—Fatima,Perth
“As a community we need to keep showing up. It’s that simple. When our young people test us, they are really saying help, we need to know you care. Every yarn is important and every day matters. We all have a role in breaking the cycle of poverty.”
—Desiree,Broome
“In a state that generates so much wealth it is awful to see so many people living in poverty for no fault of their own. I worry for the children living in poverty and the lifelong impact it will have on their lives”.
—Kate,Perth
—
Not In Our Economy
Our shared economic resources could eliminate poverty in WA. We make policy choices at a state and federal level that keep our fellow Western Australians in poverty. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
We Have The Money
We are the wealthiest state in one of the wealthiest countries.
But this wealth is not distributed very equally, and we are seeing growing inequality in Australia.
People on the lowest incomes who were already unable to cover the essentials are feeling the rising cost of living the most.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
But We Don't Use It
The simplest and single biggest step to address poverty is to raise income support payments.
These payments cover things like unemployment assistance, disability support payments, age pension and parenting support payments.
When they're too low, the lack of money becomes a significant barrier to things like getting a job, being healthy, having secure housing, and undertaking training and education.
Source: The Australian Institute
In 2020, We Saw What Was Possible
From March 2020 to March 2021, the COVID supplement payment instantly thrust most people receiving income benefits out of poverty. This was the first time WA had seen a substantial change to benefits in over 20 years... and then it went away.
We Can't Afford An Unfair System
Income support payments are generally all spent on the basics and largely spent in the local economy providing a local multiplier effect (aka a positive knock-on effect).
Once people can cover the basics the demand for government funded support services drops away. Resulting in savings to the government budget.
And Not In Our
Potential
In other words, reducing poverty leads to better lives and
communities for everyone — without adding costs, just unlocking
potential. On every level, it makes sense for us to end poverty in
WA.
What would a fairer, more equitable system do for our WA community?
The most impactful change that could be made that would rapidly create a fairer, more equitable social support system, allowing people the opportunity to reach their potential, is to raise the rate of our currently extremely low, income support level.
Increased spending boosts our local economy
Additional income received by people on lower incomes is often spent quickly. During COVID, the introduction of the $550 Coronavirus supplement led to a significant increase in household spending, especially on local goods and services. This, in turn, boosted production and employment, creating a positive economic multiplier effect.
Source: How government payments to the vulnerable can multiply to create economic growth for everyone
Reduced inequality
During COVID (2020-21), temporary government income supports lifted average household incomes and reduced income inequality. COVID income supports helped the lowest 20% more significantly than other groups. However, the removal of COVID income supports during 2021/22 led to an increase in income inequality.
Source: Inequality in Australia 2023: Overview – Poverty and Inequality
A more stable, contented society
Grossly unequal societies tend to experience greater political and societal instability and unrest. At the same time, societies that are more economically equal promote harmonious conditions which lead to greater levels of personal and societal benefits.
Source: Jetten, J., et al (2022), Consequences of economic inequality for the social and political vitality of society
More community connection
84% of people believe the gap between those with high and low incomes is too large. People who are struggling financially are much less likely to feel a great sense of worth and belonging in Australia, and much more likely to feel pessimistic about the future.
Giving children a better start to life... and their future
Curtin University research estimates the child poverty rate in WA to increase from 11.8% in 2022 to 15.2% in 2024. This will put nearly 21,000 more children into poverty in WA resulting in an estimated 111,000 WA children (and their families) living in poverty.
More people entering the workforce
Of the 3.4 million people who did not have a job in March 2024, the most important factor was 'finding a job that matches skills and experience'.
Source: Barriers and Incentives to Labour Force Participation
Better mental health
69% of people living below the poverty line suffer from at least one chronic mental health issue compared to 26% of the general population.
Better physical health
84% of people living below the poverty line suffer from at least one chronic physical health issue compared to 50% of the general population.