This report argues that poverty is growing in Australia, with an estimated 2.5 million people or 13.9% of all people living below the internationally accepted poverty line. Summary of key findings Poverty line (50% of median income) - for a single adult was $400 per week, for a couple with 2 children it was $841...

ACOSS' analysis of the Federal Budget for 2014-15. This paper consists of an overview of the budget; a table of who will pay for what measures; the effect of budget decisions on the bottom line, and a detailed analysis of measures in the following key areas: Employment services Working-age payments Family payments Retirement incomes Health...

This paper discusses the impacts of energy hardship, before outlining the inconsistencies and inadequacies of the energy concession frameworks in Australia. It outlines recommendations for reform, and potential policy solutions to be pursued so that energy is affordable for everyone in Australia.

1. The main purpose of taxation is to raise revenue for the services and income supports the community needs. Public revenues should be adequate for that purpose.2. Tax should, as far as possible, be levied equitably, according to ability to pay.The level of income and assets available to an individual are the best measure of...

his paper presents the Australian Council of Social Service's (ACOSS) vision for reconciliation. Summary ACOSS’ commitment to reconciliation has been demonstrated over many years through mutually respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and people, joint campaigns and problem solving on complex issues, and a deep respect within ACOSS for the unique contribution...