What is poverty?

The poverty line is defined by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as 'half the median household income of the total population'.1 In Australia, this translates to a single adult living on less than $426.30 a week. For a couple with two children, it's just $895.22 a week.¹

Of the three million people living in poverty in Australia right now, 750,000 are children – and a total of 1.2 million are under the age of 24.² 

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) defines the poverty line as half the median household income of the total population².

In Australia this translates to a single adult living on less than $426.30 a week. For a couple with 2 children, it was $895.22 a week¹.

In 2020, research by the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) found of the three million people living in poverty in Australia, 750,000 are children and a total of 1.2 million are under the age of 24¹.

Financial pressure on a family can also profoundly impact a child’s education, locking them out of crucial learning opportunities and preventing them from fulfilling their potential. 

Every child deserves the chance to achieve their best – but without equal access to essential learning resources and opportunities, children experiencing disadvantage often start school behind their peers and stay behind throughout their education.⁴

The inequality they face every day – through no fault of their own – means that by the time they are 15 years old, students living with disadvantage are on average 2–3 years behind in reading and maths.⁵

This educational inequality can prevent a child from fulfilling their potential and limit their prospects for the rest of their lives.⁶

However, there is a proven way to help a child break the cycle of disadvantage. Research shows that early intervention and balanced, ongoing support such as The Smith Family provides can be very effective at improving outcomes for students experiencing poverty.7

Together, we can address the educational inequality that children face as a direct result of financial disadvantage.  

Our evidence-based programs are proven to help children stay engaged in their learning, giving them a greater chance of completing their education to Year 12 (or equivalent). 

This, in turn, gives a child greater options for further study and employment⁹ – and the chance every young person deserves to pursue their goals and fulfil their potential.