Spotlight on Poverty in Australia

Purpose

Anti-Poverty Week supports the Australian community to have an increased understanding of poverty and to take action collectively to end it. It is supported by a diverse network of individuals and organisations who share this purpose and have been active each year, since 2002.

Many church and faith-based agencies that established Anti Poverty Week are still financially involved and their evidence-based research and advocacy work is valuable to Australians in all States and Territories and nationally – Anglicare, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, Uniting Care and Uniting Communities SA. 

The key message is: Poverty exists. Poverty hurts us all.  We can all do something about it.  It is one of hope, not despair.  

In 2022, Anti-Poverty Week is being held from the the 16th to 22nd of October.   

	ACOSS One in eight people in Australia, including one in six children are living in poverty, a new report released on the eve of Anti-Poverty Week has found, as cost of living pressures continue to put households under strain. Read: One in eight people in Australia are living in poverty | ACOSS published 14 October 2022 Report: Poverty in Australia 2022: A snapshot | © Australian Council of Social Service and UNSW Sydney 2022
	Foodbank The Foodbank Hunger Report 2022 revealed that 2 million households in Australia have run out of food in the last year due to limited finances.  This has meant 1.3 million children lived in food insecure households during that time. Read: Hunger in Australia - The Facts Report: Foodbank Hunger Report 2022
	St Vincent de Paul ‘Violence against women and children is completely unacceptable,’ National President Claire Victory said. ‘Every day, the Society’s members are witness to the immediate and enduring impacts of violence against women and children, and to their strength and resilience in overcoming adversity,’ Read: Media Release - St Vincent de Paul welcomes National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children |  St Vincent de Paul Society 17 October 2022
	The Salvation Army Financial difficulties can affect anyone. Help and hope is available. Check: Free Resources for those facing financial difficulties.

Senate Inquiry into the extent and nature of poverty in Australia

Submissions due by Friday 3 February 2023.

On 7 September 2022, the Senate referred an Inquiry into the extent and nature of poverty in Australia to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 31 October 2023. 

The terms of reference are available online. 

Submissions are invited addressing some or all of the terms of reference.

The Committee prefers to receive submissions electronically. See the Parliament of Australia website for details. 

16- 22 October 2022

During Anti-Poverty Week, YOU can help fight poverty & hardship. 

2022 is the 20th anniversary of acting on poverty. 

This year, a range of major reports will be released as well as State, Territory and Federal events during Anti-Poverty Week 16-22 October. 

Visit the 2022 Website Page Here  and check for more information on the Week.

Access the Updated Promotional Kit Here  

You can also checkout the

• Raise the Rate for Good and 
• Everybody’s Home campaigns