WA HAS NO PLACE

Western Australia

FOR POVERTY

Western Australia

Poverty and inequality are rising rapidly in Western Australia — and given our wealth and values, that’s not okay.

Every West Aussie deserves a fair opportunity to live a good life: one with security, belonging, and real possibility. But for too many people, poverty is putting that out of reach.

No Place for Poverty exists to change that — alongside people like you.

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West Australians are living in poverty (1 in 7 people). Without action, this number will continue to grow.

Source - Child Poverty in Australia 2025

Real Stories

These are some of the stories of real people experiencing poverty in ways that are overlooked, but not uncommon, in WA.

Laura

Single Parent, Carer.

After becoming a full-time carer for her daughter with severe disability, Laura now lives below the poverty line on carer payments. Her story reveals the hidden challenges many families face while doing everything they can.

Did you know that single parent families are up to 35% more at risk of experiencing poverty than couples?

Sharlene

Aboriginal Woman, Working Poor.

After seeking school support for her granddaughter, Sharlene's journey led to becoming WA's first Noongar financial counsellor. Despite working full-time, supporting her family and rising costs mean she still cannot get ahead, showing that employment alone does not always protect against poverty.

Did you know that 4 in 10 people in poverty are living in wage earning households?

Len

Older man, Experienced homelessness.

An unexpected injury at 58 changed everything for Len. After a lifetime of work, he faced debt, depression and homelessness, showing how quickly life can shift and how the right support helps people rebuild.

Did you know that the accessibility of housing is at its lowest rate in 75 years?

Alison

Older Woman, Housing Vulnerability.

A cancer diagnosis, divorce and caring responsibilities reshaped Alison's life at 66. Now reliant on a disability pension, she lives with constant housing insecurity, revealing how quickly stability can shift later in life and how fragile housing can be for older Australians.

Did you know that a disproportionate number of people in poverty suffer from disabilities?

Damien

Aboriginal Man, Intergenerational Poverty.

Growing up in intergenerational poverty, Damien experienced homelessness at a young age. While working and receiving income support, he still struggles to move forward, highlighting how systems can keep people stuck despite their efforts to change.

Did you know children who grow up in poverty are over 3x more likely to experience poverty in adulthood compared to those from wealthier backgrounds?

Kim

Youth, Experienced Child Poverty and Homelessness.

After losing her mother as a child and her father in early adulthood, Kim was pushed into homelessness at 20. Navigating poverty while pursuing education, her story shows the lasting impact of loss and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.

Did you know most young Australian university students are ineligible for income support, and those who qualify must make do on benefits at least 45% below the poverty line?

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Why we need to act

No Place for Poverty exists to make change. We work with communities to show what a good life truly requires and help people take steps that make a real difference. Together, we can remove barriers and create a good life for everyone in WA.