Putting a focus on ending poverty

Published on 14 October 2019

Supporting the community’s most vulnerable residents is the focus of Anti-Poverty Week, which was launched in Hobart today.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds joined with representatives from the Salvation Army and the Tasmanian Council of Social Service to launch Anti-Poverty Week at Elizabeth Mall this morning.

“The objective of Anti-Poverty Week is to raise awareness of poverty in our community and to encourage discussion and action to address the factors that can lead to poverty and hardship,” Cr Reynolds said.

“In Hobart, it’s increasingly difficult for many people to access affordable and appropriate housing and this can impact on their families, work, study, mental health and wellbeing.

“Young people, in particular, are struggling to gain employment. When they do obtain work, they are often under-employed.

“Compounding the issue is the low rate of Newstart and the rising cost of living.”

This year’s Anti-Poverty Week focus is on the Raise the Rate campaign, calling for a $75-a-week increase to the federal Newstart allowance.

The City of Hobart is backing the campaign by providing a submission to a Senate inquiry into the adequacy of Newstart and related payments.

“Newstart supports the most vulnerable people in our community and an increase to the allowance would go a long way towards helping recipients to break the poverty cycle and gain control of their futures,” Cr Reynolds said.