We are the wealthiest state in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Yet, income inequality in Western Australia has reached its highest point since 2000.
Poverty levels have risen in WA from 8.7 per cent in 2014 to 12.8 per cent in 2022 and is showing no signs of slowing down.
This alarming increase means an extra 147,000 adults and children, now totaling 358,000 across WA - of which over 90,000 are children - are facing harsh realities of a broken system.
This means that one in eight Western Australians - and one in six children - are now living in poverty.
Curtin University research indicates that the child poverty rate in WA will increase from 11.8 per cent in 2022 to 15.2 per cent in 2024, putting nearly 21,000 more children into poverty.
This stands in stark contrast to the Australian government’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, including the first goal: to end poverty in all its forms, everywhere.
"We believe that poverty has no place in WA’s heart, economy, or potential." Alex Hughes, No Place for Poverty Lead.
The fight against poverty
In a significant step forward in the fight against the systemic causes of poverty, No Place for Poverty has launched. The movement reflects a commitment to ending poverty in WA by creating fairer systems and more engaged communities.
Alex Hughes, who leads the No Place for Poverty movement, said: “Poverty has been on the rise in WA for a while now, and is showing no signs of slowing down. People need help, and we all have a role to play in that.
“We believe that poverty has no place in WA’s heart, economy, or potential. This movement ultimately is a rallying cry for change and reflects our determination to create a fairer future for all.”
The movement aims to spark dialogue, inspire action, and mobilise supporters to address the systemic issues driving poverty and inequality here in WA.
Unexpectedly falling into poverty
While anyone can fall into poverty, there are groups of people who are more vulnerable. Older people, single parents, people who live alone, Aboriginal Australians, people with a long-term health condition, those with lower levels of education, or those living in a poorer region are more susceptible to falling into poverty.
Len, after working his whole life and once comfortably affording bills and rent, had an unexpected injury which derailed everything for him at the age of 58. He found himself unable to work and was reliant on government income benefits. As his debts grew, he became homeless. Len’s experience can show how quickly anyone’s life can unravel, and how they can regain stability and rebuild with a bit of assistance.
Laura (left), a single mother, with son Josh (right), cares for three other children. Their family lives below the poverty line.
For Alison, the threat of becoming homeless at the age of 66, after owning and running her own successful business, became a reality after a cancer diagnosis and divorce. She was no longer able to work due to treatment and surgeries, and became the primary carer for several of her grandchildren. She lives in constant anxiety about housing security and even small increases in rent strain her limited disability pension.
Despite having a promising career as a principal in remote WA, following a separation from her partner, Laura needed to stop work to undertake full-time care for her disabled daughter and three other children. Living on carer support payments for herself and her four children means living below the poverty line. That includes skipping meals, living in regional WA due to Perth’s high housing costs, and doing without new school clothes.
The accessibility of housing is at its lowest rate in 75 years, a contributing factor to homelessness in our state.
Statistics show that single parent families are up to 35 per cent more at risk of experiencing poverty than couples, and a disproportionate number of people in poverty suffer from disabilities. Four in 10 people in poverty are living in wage-earning households.
Systemic change is ‘crucial’
Kate O’Hara, CEO of Foodbank WA, fully supports the vision of No Place for Poverty. “We believe systemic change is crucial in tackling the growing inequality and rising poverty rates. It’s time to raise awareness and inspire action across all sectors – government, agencies, corporates, philanthropists, and communities – working together to identify and implement lasting solutions,” she said.
“On the frontlines, our Foodbank teams are seeing a steady rise in the number of people seeking assistance – many of whom never imagined they’d be in this position. Households that once felt secure are now struggling to make ends meet and keep their homes. But through collaboration and collective action, we can drive real change and ensure that fewer people fall into poverty.”
Alison, the primary carer for several of her grandchildren, lives in constant anxiety of housing security.
Ms O'Hara has been outspoken about supporting the Raise the Rate for Good campaign, to provide more support for people who are falling below the poverty line. “While there are government subsidies and welfare payments aimed at helping with the cost of living, these have not kept pace with inflation,” she said.
Raising income support payments, which cover unemployment assistance, disability support payments, age pension, and parenting support payments, can reduce the barrier to getting a job, being physically and mentally healthy, having secure housing, and undertaking training and education.
More people across the state are struggling with the rising cost of living and lack of affordable housing. This includes people in full-time employment, households with dual incomes, and people paying off mortgages. The latest WACOSS report, published in December 2024, showed that households with two incomes are struggling to afford a reasonable standard of living and are unable to make ends meet due to rapidly increasing living costs.
In 2020, we saw how welfare payments helped people out of financial insecurity. From March 2020 to March 2021, the COVID supplement payment instantly thrust most people receiving income benefits out of poverty. However, when these payments stopped, more people were tumbled into poverty once again.
Visit www.noplaceforpoverty.org.au to learn more about the No Place for Poverty movement.
