Child Poverty Soars in WA

At the Valuing Children Initiative, we continue to raise the alarm that more children in Western Australia are slipping below the poverty line. Too many are missing out on meals, stable housing, healthcare, and the opportunities they need to thrive.

Child Poverty Must Be a National Priority

Through our End Child Poverty campaign, we have been calling for urgent action to ensure every child has the essentials for a healthy and happy life.Last year, in partnership with the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), we released the Child Poverty in Australia 2024 report, which highlights the stark reality that too many children face every day. Despite growing awareness, the number of children experiencing hardship continues to rise.

WA Commissioner for Children and Young People Sounds the Alarm

WA’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, has reinforced these concerns in her recent article, “Too Many WA Children are Living in Poverty”, where she highlights the increasing number of children struggling to access basic necessities. She has made it clear: child poverty is unacceptable, and urgent action is needed. READ CCYP FULL REPORT HERE Worrying trend as more WA children face uncertain future | Commissioner for Children and Young People WA

No Child Should Live in Poverty

Poverty is not just about financial struggles—it impacts every aspect of a child’s development, from nutrition and education to mental well-being and future opportunities. Yet, the crisis is deepening, and without intervention, more children will be left behind. Commissioner McGowan-Jones is standing firm—holding the line that none of us should accept. Children deserve better, and as a community, we must demand action.

Read the full report here: Child Poverty in Australia 2024

Read the WA Commissioner’s article below