This is the first of two reports by Kelly Madden and Margie Law which draw on data from the Tasmanian Community Survey, which investigated the standard of living, employment experiences and wellbeing of the Tasmanian community. This report focuses on access to financial and other resources and services in Tasmania.

The research found that despite the state’s strong economic performance over the past five years, the legacy of past poor performance lingers, with many Tasmanians continuing to experience hardship. Sole parents, Health Care Card holders and to a lesser extent Pension Concession Card holders were particularly likely to report that they had experienced financial hardship in the previous year. The report makes recommendations for policy changes at a State and Federal level to assist the most vulnerable members of the community.