As we witness increasing numbers of children going hungry and missing school, it’s clear that the current system is failing our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
The article Children going hungry, missing school amid Australia's 'perfect storm' cost-of-living crisis By Rebecca Trigger for ABC News paints a stark picture of the situation.
Australian children are being impacted by the cost of living and housing crises, which are pushing many families into difficult circumstances.
You can read the full article here.
It's vital that the media continues to highlight these issues, raising awareness among the public and urging our government to take decisive action.
Professor Sharon Bessell, a leading advocate for the End Child Poverty campaign, underscores the importance of tackling this problem head-on. She has been a driving force in the research and policy work surrounding child poverty, and her recent findings highlight just how urgent the need for action is. Her research, alongside the 2024 Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre: Child Poverty in Australia report, commissioned by the Valuing Children Initiative, reinforces the clear message that the current situation is not just a matter of poverty—it’s a crisis that demands systemic change.
Professor Bessell’s work emphasizes that child poverty is not inevitable, and the issues surrounding it can be fixed. By ensuring adequate support for families, improving access to education, and guaranteeing access to essential services, we can start to address the deep inequalities children in Australia face. Her research is a powerful call for policymakers to take action, demonstrating that meaningful change is possible with the right interventions and political will. You can find Professor Sharon Bessell’s research here
The 2024 Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre report paints a concerning picture of child poverty in Australia, but it also provides a pathway for change. It shows that food assistance programs are vital, but they alone cannot solve the issue. To truly combat child poverty, we need to focus on systemic change. The report calls for a more robust social safety net, better housing policies, and increased investment in the resources that children need to thrive.
Bridge Builders has pledged their support for the End Child Poverty campaign, joining the growing movement to advocate for these critical changes. Their endorsement highlights an essential point: food assistance programs are necessary, but without structural reforms, they cannot provide a lasting solution. Addressing the root causes of child poverty—like affordable housing, healthcare, and education—requires a comprehensive, long-term approach.
The End Child Poverty campaign is about creating real change for the children who are already suffering. With their futures at risk, we must take immediate, sustained action. This campaign is dedicated to raising awareness, uniting advocates, policymakers, and the public to ensure a better, fairer future where every child in Australia has the opportunity to thrive.
To sign the petition to End Child Poverty in Australia, head to the campaign website here.
