Anti-poverty week statement reveals who is doing it tough in Queensland

The QCOSS Annual Poverty Statement released today as part of Anti-Poverty Week reveals that large sections of the Queensland population are experiencing poverty.

“Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland had an unemployment rate three times that of the general population,” says QCOSS President Mark Henley “The unemployment rate for young people across Australia is more than double that of the general population. And despite the economic boom from mining unemployment in Queensland is rising.

“People on an aged or disability pension are also at a high risk of poverty because of the low level of income available to meet everyday cost of living expenses. Over two million people in Australia receive the aged pension and an estimated 900,000 people are on a disability support pension. These provide only $344.50 per week to live on,” says Mark.

Underemployment is also a significant issue with part-time and casual workers wanting to work more hours but can’t. Women and young people comprise the majority of underemployed people. In May 2011, there were 180,000 underemployed Queenslanders

“More and more Queenslanders are turning to community and social service organisations for help with many more people being turned away,” says QCOSS Presdient Karyn Walsh.

“Support provided by community organisations increased by 7 per cent. There has been a 6 per cent increase in the number of times people were turned away after requesting assistance due to a lack of available resources. And there was a 73 per cent increase in demand for financial services from the previous year.

“QCOSS urges the adoption of a Fair Queensland Plan and commitment of funds to implement targets outlined in it. Such a plan would include a long term strategy to ensure that Queenslanders in poverty get the support they need.

“Such a plan would include a long term strategy to ensure that Queenslanders in poverty get the support they need. This should include a fair, targeted concessions framework and investment in prevention and early intervention, education and training. These initiatives would give Queenslanders experiencing or at risk of poverty opportunities to earn a fair income and support themselves and their families,” says Karyn.

Mark Henley 0448 075 087, Karyn Walsh 0413 619 785

Mark Jeffery 0419 732 583, Ian Wynne 0414 643 122

Jenny Whitworth 0417 779 819