‘Broken’ single mother issues urgent plea for more crisis support for kids By Jessica Page at the West Australian

No child should live this way.

Jessica Page from The West Australian reports on 'Sarah' (name changed), a single mother desperately seeking help amid the current housing crisis. This is why the End Child Poverty Campaign was launched. Without clear definitions and measures for child poverty, the system cannot adequately respond to the specific needs of children.

Our very own Sarah Quinton was quoted in the article, emphasising the urgent need for change. We urge you to sign the petition calling for legislation to end child poverty in Australia, so stories like 'Sarah's' and her 7-year-old daughters don't become our norm.

The Child Poverty in Australia 2024 report, commissioned by the Valuing Children Initiative and produced by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, compares the life outcomes of children raised in poverty, revealing the long-lasting impact on their futures.

Key findings show:

• Child poverty in Australia has risen significantly since COVID.

• Children who experience poverty and housing stress are significantly more likely to suffer from nervousness or feel unhappy with their lives for up to ten years after leaving home.

• Children are 8% more likely to remain in poverty.

• Children are 11% less likely to be employed.

• Rising housing costs hit low-income families hardest, with rents increasing by 17.8% for lower quartile rentals between 2020-2022.

• Many families are forced to move to more affordable housing, often resulting in dissatisfaction and psychological distress.

• An additional 102,000 children were plunged into poverty between 2021 and 2022.

• 3.7 million people, including 823,000 children, are living below the poverty line.

We are failing every Australian child who goes hungry, without a home, and faces reduced educational and life opportunities each day. Most Australians are shocked to learn that 17% of our kids live in poverty.

We urge every Australian to take action now—sign the petition and help us push for legislation to end child poverty, ensuring that no child is left behind.