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UNICEF and Community Groups to Prioritise Action on Child Poverty in Australia

by The Daily Eye Team November 13 2013, 3:17 pm Estimated Reading Time: 0 mins, 54 secs

Even after times of economic well-being and stability around 600,000 or 17.3 per cent of Australia’s
children continue to live in impoverished conditions, as stated in an updated report released by the
Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS). The UNICEF and child rights activist groups called on the
government to give top priority to solving the issue of child poverty.

“It is ironic that, while internationally the rate of child poverty is decreasing, a wealthy nation like
Australia is slipping,” said Tim O’Connor, spokesman for UNICEF.

“We really should be a world leader in ensuring that all our children get the best possible start in
life,” he added.

Measures like government deductions to the school bonus, allowance for unemployment and
major contributions being used by the government showed that it was not focused to meet the
requirements of the needy.

“In contrast, many tax breaks for people on higher incomes seem set to be continued,” Dr Goldie
highlighted.

The UNICEF and ACOSS together will brought child welfare experts to meet at a forum discussing
child poverty reduction in Sydney.