There’s an urgent call to help those in poverty, as new figures reveal a soaring number of Australians living below the line.
According to exclusive numbers accessed by 9News, the high cost of housing remains the most significant driver of financial hardship.
For mother-of-three Angela Finch each day is not about spending or saving but struggle and survival.
Since the survey period jobseeker and rent assistance rates have risen but welfare groups say they need to go higher.
“We must fix the adequacy of social security that is the income floor that protects you,” ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie said.
Helping families out of poverty is a challenge.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said a jobseeker was about $4000 a year better off since Labor came into government.
“That builds on cheaper medicines, more bulk billing, fee-free TAFE, five per cent deposits,” she said.
Keeping up with rents is the biggest challenge as housing remains the biggest driver of the cost of living.
During the recent economic roundtable, a key topic discussed was how to connect job-seeking Australians with the numerous businesses in need of employees.
“We are aware that there are employers in need of staff and individuals searching for jobs – our focus should be on developing an employment services system that successfully places people in sustainable positions,” stated Goldie.
