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"Unacceptable" number of children in Poverty: The Smith Family

16 October 2018

Commenting on the Poverty in Australia 2018 report published today by the Australian Council of Social Service in partnership with the University of New South Wales, The Smith Family CEO Dr Lisa O’Brien says the number of children living in poverty in Australia today is “unacceptable”.

“How is it that our nation is so prosperous, yet 1.1 million young Australians under the age of 24 are still living below the poverty line?” Dr O’Brien said. “If we really care about the future of our nation’s children, surely we’d all agree that this staggering level of poverty is simply unacceptable.”

The latest ACOSS poverty report confirms the number of children and young people growing up in poverty is not declining and needs urgent action.

“As a country, we’re not making inroads into reducing child poverty and yet it is in all of our interests to do so. For every child who isn’t supported to overcome the challenges they face, the social and economic costs are a burden we must all bear,” Dr O’Brien said.

“Child poverty reduction must be a key policy priority for Australia. Our nation’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a step towards this. The Smith Family would welcome a clearer national framework from the Australian Government about how the SDGs will be implemented over time – with a particular focus on reducing poverty for children and young people.

“Ensuring access to quality education from the early years is key, with additional supports for children at risk of falling behind or disengaging from school altogether. This includes access to post-school pathways into further study, training or work.

“The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program is helping highly disadvantaged young Australians to achieve educationally. Four in five young people on our program are in further study, training or work a year after leaving the program. Learning for Life expanding to reach 56,000 children by 2020, with support from the Australian Government, the business community, and the wider public who sponsor the education of students on the program.  Yet the need is so much greater.

“Child poverty is not good for anyone. We can stop poor children becoming poor adults. A stronger collective commitment from governments, civil society, business and the community will achieve this.

“Ultimately, our nation benefits when all children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are supported to become thriving, productive citizens. My hope is that the findings in this report and Australia’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, will spur our individual and collective action to do what’s right for our young people, and for our nation as a whole.”

Follow Dr Lisa O’Brien on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrLisaOBrien

Media Enquiries: Louise Merrillees, Media Advisor | 0422 018 522 | louise.merrillees@thesmithfamily.com.au