The Southern Branch Christmas Lunch was held on 12 December, 2024, at Christie Downs Community House.
When I was asked to give a talk about poverty I thought long and hard about what to say. I had a lot of ideas running through my head. How to make it meaningful and not boring. How do a talk to people who have experienced poverty firsthand or are currently experiencing poverty. Do not believe all the media tells you. They have a personal stake. We have rich people held up successful and something to aspire to be. Why? Why does anybody need more money than they can spend in a lifetime. Should not success be about a good life with health, friends’ family and good experiences and kindness to others. We are told successful businesspeople make good leaders because they know how to make money. They know how to make money for themselves I want someone who helps make others prosperous.
Homelessness is not normal. Having emergency food services is not normal. Poverty is a choice. Not a choice by those living in poverty as some would have you believe. It is caused by corporate greed and government inaction.
We get told there is no money but this is a lie there is plenty of money it is going to those who already have money.
Australia is the second-wealthiest country in the world in terms of wealth per adult, but its poverty rate has become entrenched at a high level. It is currently 14th highest out of 36 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.
When there is a crisis companies make even more money while you are told to pull your belt tighter.
Australia’s biggest companies made nearly $100bn in ‘crisis profits’ amid Covid and Ukraine war Corporate profits hit an all-time high in 2023. Profit margins were at levels not seen in decades.
In figures released in 2020 the Australian Bureau of Statistics said company profits jumped by a massive 14.9 per cent in the quarter, while the total wages-and-salaries bill for workers fell by a record 2.5 per cent.
That meant the labour share of income has fallen below 50 per cent for the first time in decades, while the profit share hit record levels.
Yet a 2022 study found that 3.3 million people in Australia live below the poverty line, including 761,000 children.
Poverty is not just caused by individual circumstances but by major inequalities built into the structure of Australian society. Some of the main causes of this inequality and poverty are access to work and income, education, housing, health and services.
While the definition of poverty relates to low-income levels, poverty is caused by more than a lack of money. Poverty is human-made and is caused by injustice. The unfair treatment of people means they have unequal access to resources, opportunities and services. This power imbalance also means they are unable to voice their concerns or contribute to the decisions that impact their lives. This is how the vicious cycle of poverty continues.
The effects of poverty are devastating. A child born into poverty can have a very difficult life. Their family may not have enough resources to meet their basic needs. They may miss out on eating healthy food, having a safe home and going to school. If they do attend school, they may feel shame or embarrassment about not having school supplies or the same resources as their peers. This may impact their ability to make friends.
Low-income families often experience financial stress, which may harm their relationships and mental health.
In areas with a lack of affordable housing, people experiencing poverty may be forced to live in cramped or unsafe housing.
Poverty also leads to terrible health outcomes. A person living in extreme poverty has poorer physical and mental health and a lower life expectancy.
That is why we encourage you to join us at the Anti-Poverty Network SA Southern Branch.
Anti-Poverty Network SA 