Poverty and Inequality in Australia - Who is Affected by Poverty in Australia?

Australia has enjoyed close to 30 years of positive economic growth with only some minor hiccups. However, many households and communities are experiencing high rates of poverty. Could it be that the average Australian is at risk of poverty? Some groups of people are more at risk of poverty than others. Factors such as age, gender, family relationships, paid work and sources of income, disability, and other characteristics can all impact poverty risks.

This lesson will present students with some recent facts about people experiencing poverty in Australia. Students will analyse current statistics and do some calculations to determine which factors contribute to the chances of falling below the poverty line.