In 2007, despite the strong economy and large budget surpluses many Australians are not enjoying a decent standard of living. Australia Fair held extensive consultations in every State and Territory in 2006 to identify what the public thinks are the 10 essentials to ensure a fair go for all Australians. This report releases new figures for 2005/6 which show that over one in ten Australians are living at or below the poverty line.In 2007, despite the strong economy and large budget surpluses many Australians are not enjoying a decent standard of living. Australia Fair held extensive consultations in every State and Territory in 2006 to identify what the public thinks are the 10 essentials to ensure a fair go for all Australians.

This report releases new figures for 2005/6 which show that over one in ten Australians are living at or below the poverty line.

In 2006, an estimated 2,210,000 people or 11.1% of Australians, including 412,000 children, lived below the most austere poverty line widely used in international research. This poverty line, which is used by the OECD, is set at 50% of the median (middle) disposable income for all Australian households, in the case of a single adult. In 2006 this poverty line was $281 per week.

Poverty lines provide one way to indicate the extent of low income and disadvantage. Other indicators of hardship commonly used include: access to services such as dental care when needed; the ability to raise $500 in an emergency; the ability to take a holiday once a year and the ability to afford to send your children on school excursions.

Ultimately, the experience of living on a low income is a personal one that can best be expressed through the lives of Australians and this report provides a few illustrations.