Anti-poverty week statement shows low income households struggling hard

The QCOSS Annual Poverty Statement reveals low income households are experiencing high financial stress as they cope with the escalating costs of essential items. The statement is released today as part of Anti-Poverty Week.

“We keep hearing that there isn’t a cost of living crisis because average wage growth is outpacing increases in the Consumer Price Index,” says QCOSS Director Mark Henley. “However, the cost of essential items and basic needs are rising much faster than CPI.

“Almost half of all households where the main source of income is government pensions and allowances experienced financial stress three or more times in the last 12 months. This is double the rate of the general population.

“This financial stress includes not paying utility bills on time, going without meals, being unable to heat your home, only being able to afford second hand clothing or seeking assistance from community or welfare organisations.

“For people surviving on the Newstart allowance 79 per cent experienced three or more financial stress indicators in the last 12 months. Wage growth for low income households is slower than for high income households in Australia,” says Mark.

The QCOSS Annual Poverty Statement says reducing inequality and building skills, motivation and opportunities for low income earners will deliver Queensland increased productivity of up to $11 billion.

“Research shows that societies with a smaller gap between rich and poor have better overall health and social outcomes,” says QCOSS President Karyn Walsh. “We urge the adoption of a Fair Queensland Plan and commitment of funds to implement targets in it.

“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.

For 50 years QCOSS has strived to promote social justice through working to eliminate inequality and disadvantage. The Queensland Council of Social Service represents 650 organisations and individuals throughout the state.

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