Our forgotten poor

Welfare organisations are also hearing from families and singles struggling with the cost of health care, particularly dental health. An estimated 40 per cent of Australians are unable to afford dental care when they need it, and more than 500,000 are on waiting lists around the nation for general dental care from public dental services.

Even on measures such as unemployment — which is, officially, at a record low — we can see a schism between the bright picture painted by ABS data and the daily grind of life on the margins for our clients. Australians who have low levels of education, experience chronic ill-health, have insecure housing or live on a limited income.

For many of these people, life is a constant merry-go-round. A lack of joined-up programs and services (compounded by a "one size fits all" approach) means that people cycle through program after program, oscillating between welfare and work, with no sustainable pathway out of poverty.

At a time of unprecedented economic prosperity, these figures and stories are galling. Four weeks out from an election, Australians face important choices over the future fairness of their country.

Poverty, disadvantage and exclusion are not simple to explain or address, but this shouldn't prevent us from working to achieve a more inclusive approach.

It is time for all political parties to support national action, with targets to reduce poverty and disadvantage in areas such as health, education, welfare, housing, services, work and wages.

Twenty-two of the world's 30 OECD nations have approached the challenge of disadvantage by adopting action plans, involving cross-departmental work, targets and deadlines. It's time we followed suit.

All political parties should:

• Tackle the needs of disadvantaged Australians in their political and economic commitments to voters.
• Support greater investment in services to deliver benefits through social spending to all Australians.
• Endorse the creation of a national anti-poverty plan to reduce the causes and levels of poverty and disadvantage.
• Address specific needs for reform and funding for community services, health, housing, law and justice, indigenous disadvantage, work and welfare.

Now is the time for politicians to take a pledge to ensure a fair go for all Australians.