This report has been released by UnitingCare Australia, in partnership with the University of Canberra’s National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM), in conjuction with Anti-Poverty Week 2018.

The report analyses the 2016 Census and other data using the Child Social Exclusion Index, to provide insight into the perspectives of children experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion in Australia.

The report finds that many children in Australia are socially excluded, experiencing multiple types of disadvantage and are unable to fully participate in their communities. It also finds that between the last two censuses life became harder for all families due to housing stress and changes to the labour market. 

The report makes recommendations to improve child social inclusion, including the implementation of a holistic human services policy approach that spans multiple portfolios.