27th May, 2015
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The Salvation Army report |
Just $18 a day. That, according to a new report from the Salvation Army, is how much, on average, people who accessed its services had to live off each day after paying accommodation expenses.
The National Economic and Social Impact Survey 2015 report – compiled drawing on data gathered in a survey of more than 2,400 people who accessed its emergency services across Australia – also found that 87 per cent of adults surveyed and 60 per cent of children reported severe deprivation and went without five or more items deemed "essential in life" as a result.
It shows that 75 per cent of those surveyed said they had cut down on basic necessities due to financial hardship while 59 per cent had either delay or been unable to pay utility bills and 57 per cent said they had gone without meals.
As many as 78 per cent of those survey respondents in private rental housing said they experienced extreme housing stress while 65 per cent of parents said they couldn’t afford out of school activities, 62 per cent of parents said they couldn’t afford an internet connection and 34 per cent of parents said they couldn’t afford to give children fresh fruit or vegetables on a daily basis.
Major Bruce Harmer, of the Salvation Army – which provides an estimated 100,000 meals for the hungry and 2,000 beds for the homeless in an average week across Australia, said the organisation was "deeply alarmed" at the survey results which he said shows "very high levels of deprivation". "The report clearly shows just how marginalised many Australians who come to the Salvation Army are."
Major Harmer added that the army was concerned issues around poverty and deprivation in Australia are often reduced to questions of a job or welfare crisis. "The foundations of a virtuous and worthy society are social inclusiveness, adequate support for those who are disadvantaged, personal safety and the ability for all members to engage fully in society," he said.
He said that without sufficient financial investment from governments and the community to fund support services, the situation for the disadvantaged is "likely to remain unchanged or further deteriorate".
Other findings from the report revealed that 13 per cent of survey respondents were homeless, that 88 per cent received income support and that after paying a median of $180 a week in accommodation expenses, respondents had a weekly median of just $125 to live on, equating to $17.86 a day.
The report has been released ahead of the Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal which takes place this weekend with a goal this year of $9.5 million.
It’s estimated that 2.5 million Australians live below the poverty line, including more than 600,000 children.
Follow this link to access the full report.
To volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock (or to donate), call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or register online at www.salvos.org/volunteer.
– DAVID ADAMS
