For most Australians child poverty is largely beyond awareness. It has already been mentioned that child poverty is rarely spoken of whether in social discourses, the media or political debate. The reason for this is complex. Poverty and the poor are so maligned and blamed for their own misfortune by community leaders, shock jocks, and in colloquial commentary that they have become the ‘untouchables’ of Australian society.

This paper attempts to highlight the existence, extent and impact of child poverty and the right of children to wellbeing. It seeks to place child poverty within a broader context, other than an economic one.