As the CEO of Youth Projects, I often reflect on my journey from our public housing estate in Hastings, where I was surrounded by poverty, but at the time I didn’t quite know what that meant. Everyone did their best, tried their hardest, but the cycles of disadvantage were often displayed in low employment rates, significant substance use, community violence and a strained relationship with police and other government services.

Where I was born was not a choice I made, nor was it a choice by those around me. It was simply the reality of what I call ‘postcode lottery’. This is not to discriminate against certain suburbs or communities, but the reality is that your postcode at birth can mean you are predisposed to privilege or poverty. My upbringing was shaped by the struggles of my single mum (who was an absolute super star) and the challenges we faced to make ends meet. Today, as we observe the beginning of Anti-Poverty Week, I feel compelled to acknowledge and discuss the pressing issues surrounding poverty and homelessness in our society.

In Australia, over three million people live beneath the poverty line, including 750,000 children and young people. This stark reality highlights the postcode lottery. If you are born into a family who struggles to make ends meet and experience the challenges of living beneath the poverty line, you are three times more likely to perpetuate that cycle, facing increased risks of poor mental health, family violence, and homelessness.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I remember the impact of my father’s departure and his struggles with ongoing drug use. Our courageous mum welcomed children and young people from other families to come and live us, curating a safe space of love and hope. Beyond myself and my two sisters, we would often have up to three other teenagers living with us. Unfortunately, we lost our mum to cancer when I was just 16, and she was just 36. These events shaped my life, but they were not choices I made. The stigma that surrounds poverty needs to be dismantled; poverty is not a personal failing but a systemic issue that affects millions.

If you experience poverty as a child, the consequences are dire. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have published research showing that socioeconomic status significantly affects health outcomes and life expectancy. This means that, if you are born into poverty, you are more likely to die earlier than those born just up the road in a more affluent suburb. You faced higher risks of unemployment and were likely to earn up to 25% less over their lifetimes. This is not merely a statistic but a bleak reminder of the lasting impacts of socioeconomic disadvantage.

I look back with pride and admiration at the strong community in Hastings. Yet, I also recognise that my success was, in part, due to the support systems I was fortunate to access. I lived in public housing that was affordable, attended a free school, and had a network of support, including my sisters, cousins, aunts, friends and a dedicated youth worker. We were able to get a job with decent income, providing me with the stability I needed to break the cycle of poverty.

However, in 2024, these essential resources are becoming increasingly distant for those who need them most. We must ensure that no one is left behind. To truly break the cycle of disadvantage, we need systemic change, and Youth Projects is advocating for four crucial solutions this Anti-Poverty Week:

1. Raise the Rate: People cannot live on $45 a day. Income support should be a safety net and an opportunity to help lift people out of poverty.
2. More Public Housing: We need more public housing now. Don’t be distracted by the claims of more social housing and affordable housing; they are not the same as publicly owned housing, and the demand is urgent.
3. Make School Free: While public schools are free, there are still enrolment fees, costs for books, and excursions. All public schools should be completely free. We also need to ensure that every child has access to breakfast and lunch at school, at no cost. No child should go hungry while trying to learn. This change is vital for leveling the playing field for all children.
4. Fund the Front Line: One of the most important supports I had growing up was my youth worker, who guided me in making positive decisions. However, as demand for social services rises (Youth Projects notes a 56% increase in the last year alone), our funding in real terms is declining. We cannot meet this demand when funding allocation is indexed at 2% or less each year.

As we come together this week to raise awareness, let’s challenge the stigma surrounding poverty and commit to creating a society where everyone has the chance to thrive. Together, we can pave the way for a future where every person, regardless of their background, has a place to call home and the opportunity to build a better life.

Let’s work to ensure that no one is left behind and create a fairer and more equitable society.