Salvation Army: Out of Reach: National Economic and Social Impact Survey 2016

Salvation Army

Out of Reach: National Economic and Social Impact Survey 2016, Salvation Army Australia (Southern Territory and Eastern Territory), Melbourne and Sydney, 2016

The survey of 1600 Salvation Army clients found:

• Respondents affected by family violence were most affected by extreme housing stress. And family violence is the key reason why women (37%) moved in the past 12 months.
• 64% of respondents who moved due to family violence said their children had to change schools when their family moved.
• 40% of people who were surveyed had moved house – on average – almost three (2.7) times in 12 months.
• Nearly 1 in 5 (17%) are either HOMELESS or living in TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION. (1 in 3 previously rented privately).
• 37% of people responding who are homeless had experienced persistent homelessness for 2 years (1 in 10 had moved six times in the past 12 months).
• A massive 86% of clients and 58% of households with children report severe deprivation and go without five or more basic items.
• Numerous clients live off just $16.96 a day after housing/accommodation is paid for.
• Some clients – on Newstart – survive off just $15.29 a day after housing/accommodation is paid for.
• 6 out of 10 respondents cannot afford an internet connection for their child.
• 1 in 5 cannot afford medical treatment or prescribed medicine for their children and 2 in 5 cannot afford a yearly dental checkup for their child.

Media reports: Fairfax; ABC Newcastle; Perth Now; Pro Bono Australia. There are more resources on inequality here.

 

25 May 2016