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What is poverty and does it really exist in Australia?

Poverty exists across the world, even in wealthy countries like Australia. Alarmingly, one in eight Australians live below the poverty line. Uncover the stark reality of poverty in Australia with these key facts.1

Get the facts

“Alleviating poverty is essential to ending homelessness...”

Australia’s housing emergency contributes significantly to poverty. The profound impact is far-reaching and alleviating poverty is an essential part of preventing and ending homelessness for good. Mission Australia’s CEO, Sharon Callister, says rising income support is a crucial policy response.

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How to get involved with Anti-Poverty Week

Anti-Poverty Week is your opportunity to get involved in a national push to alleviate poverty and help people facing hardship. Here are four meaningful ways you can get involved this Anti-Poverty Week.

Get involved

Poverty and its impact on Australian families

In Australia, more than one in six children live in poverty.1 For single mums like Julia, every day can feel like a struggle to make ends meet. Read Julia’s story.

Read Julia's Story

Helping people and communities thrive

Mission Australia is committed to helping people and communities in need on their journey to thriving by providing:

Employment, Education & Training services

Financial wellbeing services

Find a service

Eradicating poverty in Australia

family looking happy

How David and
Sue recovered from
financial ruin

Mother and daughter looking happy

How poverty
impacts children
in Australia

Kids at school looking happy

Breaking the
cycle of poverty
through education

Get the facts

Learn more about poverty in Australia with our resources:

Poverty and inequality research

Welfare reform submissions

Federal budget responses

Donate to help people in need

This Anti-Poverty Week, you can join a national movement to end homelessness and help people in need step towards independence.

Donate today


1Poverty in Australia, ACOSS & UNSW (2020)

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Read about what we’ve been working on, our stance on important social issues and how you make a difference to vulnerable Australians' lives.

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Our founding purpose - 'Inspired by Jesus Christ, Mission Australia exists to meet human need and to spread the knowledge of the love of God'