Anti-poverty priorities

Our flagship publication, the State of the Family report will be launched on 31 October. It focuses on employment and its title: Position Vacant? When the Jobs Aren't There is particularly apt.

The lead essay of the report argues that the 2016 federal election slogan of "jobs and growth" perpetuates the myth that employment is a simple equation: one person plus one job equals long-term employment. But for people looking for their first job, for those who need support to re-enter the workforce, and for people whose positions have been made redundant due to industry disruption, it often seems the jobs just aren't there.

If we had a view that people could live well, and make a real difference to the wellbeing of others, without necessarily having a job then the shortage of job opportunities might not be so crucial. But too much of our common culture is all about being a consumer and having a job. So the fact that there isn't a real plan to create the work we expect people to do is a big part of the poverty trap.

Adequate income is increasingly under threat. Social Services Minister Christian Porter told Sky News that spending more money on welfare was not the answer, after a number of not for profits called for an increase to the Newstart payment. Currently, Newstart is a mere $528.70 a fortnight for singles and $477.40 each for couples.

Anglicare's research shows us that people on Newstart spend 122 percent of their income – going backwards from day one, and are likely to be in housing stress and face food insecurity.

They experience living standards that are falling even further.

Our research shows that the failure to lift the basic income will erode the capacity of people to find work, look after their family, and have any reasonable quality of life.

There are not enough jobs, social security payments are too low, and affordable housing is simply out of reach for far too many people on low incomes.

So, our #AntiPovertyPriority is to challenge those who think that it's realistic to eat, pay rent, and job seek on a Newstart payment.

Out #AntiPovertyPriority is to look at creative ways in which we can offer dignity and a chance to participate for those who miss out on basic education and training.

Our #AntiPovertyPriority is to develop about ways for all governments, the community sector and private companies to contribute to solutions to Australia's housing crisis.