[Greens-Media] Anti-poverty strategy needed to reduce child poverty

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

12 November 2013

Anti-poverty strategy needed to reduce child poverty

The Australian Greens said today that the development of a national anti-poverty strategy, including action to increase Newstart and help single parents, is fundamental to reducing the rate of child poverty in Australia.

"Reports today that more than 17% of Australian children are living in poverty are a cause for great concern and national shame," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on families and community services said today.

"Child poverty has increased by 15 per cent since 2001, and I have no doubt that low levels of Newstart, welfare to work, inadequate job services and the continuing punishment of single parents has contributed to this worsening trend.

"Exposing children to poverty can have lifelong implications, and makes it harder for them to do well at school and find employment later in life. 

"The Greens are committed to tackling poverty and addressing the range of underlying factors that contribute to it, while the Coalition have abolished the Social Inclusion Board and are planning to axe the school kids bonus and the meagre $4 a week supplement payment, further punishing vulnerable people. 

"Australia needs a National Anti-Poverty Plan, to lead a multifaceted approach to reduce disadvantage in the community. This means addressing the underlying causes that continue to trap people in poverty, such as housing affordability, access to health services and adequate levels of income support. It is urgent that Newstart is increased by $50 per week and payments for single parents are boosted. Children of single parents on Newstart are living in poverty, action is needed to ensure this doesn't continue.

"All sides of politics should commit to reducing poverty in Australia," Senator Siewert concluded.