Poverty in Australia

Poverty in Australia

Introduction

The world is continuously changing. Technology has changed the face of the planet in this past century. Globalization, reaching the moon, harnessing the energy of an atom and the endless availability of information are just a few examples of our success as a species. Unfortunately, inequalities still exist between nations, races, religions and classes. These differences are the reason why numerous people, all around the world, get deprived of the basic necessities that the well to do take for granted. Research shows that the primary reasons behind people forced to live at lower standards are economic difficulties. What is the point of our success if we are still unable to guarantee quality of life to our race?

Poverty is defined as the deprivation of primary materials. These materials are primarily shelter, drinking water, food and clothing. It is linked to imprisonment, illiteracy, intolerance and the eradication of freedom. The gap between the wealthy and the poor is visible throughout the world. The differences in households, health and standards of living are appalling. Even more concerning is the fact that this gap simply refuses to diminish, or even reduce. Unfortunately, the gap between the wealthy and the poor just continues to rise (Conley, 2006). With an onslaught of inflation, the poor are striving to survive, or just wasting away in a corner, waiting for their demise.

Poverty in Australia

Australia is a developing nation. It has continuously grown in the past few decades. Originating as continent used to house criminals and law breakers of the British Empire (McIntosh, 2004); it has developed as a nation favored to become an economic leader in the years to come. With all the positive reviews, the fact remains that millions of Australian are living below the international poverty line (Harewood & Henry, 2003). The natives are subject to discrimination, and the non indigenous impoverished population is falling victim to lack of education and consequently, insufficient income. An Australian senate inquiry successfully identified a continual decline in income for numerous poverty stricken households. It emphasized on employment opportunities. The study revealed that in 15 years, dating up to 1999, 20% of income earners saw a mere 1% increase in their income. Whereas the poor saw a 10% drop in theirs.

The statistics showed that approximately 3.5 million people live on $400 AUD per week. This is about $31 less than the full time minimum wage. Despite the fact they have a roof over their heads, about one million Australians are classified as poor because they have only one adult in the household that works. There are more than seven hundred thousand children that are growing up with unemployed parents (The Senate Community Affairs References Committee, 2004).It is clear that a nation as strong as Australia suffers from poverty. The nation has become a hotspot for immigration. People are beginning to turn to Australia in hopes of a better future. What they do not know is that Australians are suffering. This paper aims to highlight who exactly ...