|
Ref:22/2002
17
October, 2002
Progress Needed to Reduce
Poverty
(International
Day for Eradication of Poverty 17th October 2002)
Adelaide
Central Mission supports the National Coalition Against Poverty who
are releasing the first of their annual “Poverty Scorecards” for
Australia. “The scorecard
reinforces other data and Adelaide Central Mission service delivery
experience in showing that Australia is continuing to become more
unequal” said Mark Henley, Manager of Advocacy and Communication.
“Between
1968-69 and 1999-2000, the income share for the poorest 50% of Australian
families fell, widening the income gap between rich and poor. For
example, top CEO’s now earn about $1.3 million per year while the
amount of the Median (middle value) family income in South Australia
is $26,260 per year. Top
CEO’s are earning at least 50 times the income of half of all South
Australian families.” Mr Henley explained.
Adelaide
Central Mission believes that this International Day for Eradication
of Poverty is an appropriate time for Governments, business and the
community to commit to overcoming poverty in Australia, (and to play
our role in reducing poverty internationally).
There
are specific measures actions that can be taken:
The
Mission supports the National Coalition Against Poverty calls for:
- A
Royal Commission into Poverty in Australia
- All
pensions and benefits to 25% of average male weekly earnings.
At
State level, Adelaide Central Mission seeks:
- Business
commitment to moderation of senior salaries and a commitment
to develop strategies to boost the salaries of the lowest paid.
- State
Government commitments to
a. Cap
the rate of electricity increase for lower income households
b. Increase
the number of houses in Public Housing (a proven
approach
to reducing poverty.)
c. Reform
the Credit Code to reduce exploitative practices
d. Development
of a State ‘Jobs Growth’ plan
“There is simply no acceptable reason to have growing poverty rates in Australia” Mr Henley concluded.
| For Further Comment | |||
| Mark
Henley Senior Policy Officer |
8202
5135 (w) 0404 067 011 (mob) |
||
or
at the SACOSS Poverty Conference, Fullarton Park Community Centre,
411 Fullarton Rd on Thursday and Friday
