Contributing to the evidence base on furthering an understanding of the Australian experience of poverty, this report aims to guide the development of targeted and effective poverty alleviation, advocacy and policy. It finds that specific groups are particularly at high risk of multiple deprivation, namely: people relying on JobSeeker Payment; Parenting Payment, Disability Support Pension or Youth Allowance, sole parent families, First Nations people, and those renting social housing or privately.

Findings

• People on JobSeeker are around five times more likely to lack two or more essential items than the general population (45% vs 9%). 
• People receiving a Parenting payment are around four times more likely to lack two or more essential items (38%). 
• Sole parents (29%) and First Nations people (32%) are three times more likely to lack two or more essential items.
• Private renters are twice as likely to experience ‘multiple deprivation’ compared with the general population (19%).
• People receiving JobSeeker are 14 times more likely to lack a substantial meal at least once a day; almost 9 times more likely to lack a mobile phone or a motor vehicle; and 8 times more likely to lack access to the internet at home or a washing machine.
• 81% of people with incomes below the poverty line and experiencing multiple material deprivation have low wealth.
• 50% of unemployed households experience multiple deprivation, lacking two or more essential items.