Research Highlights Public Support for Policy Change
New research shows a growing consensus among Australians that current income support levels are inadequate, with 87% of respondents believing unemployment payments should cover basic needs like meals. The study, led by the ACOSS and UNSW Sydney Poverty and Inequality Partnership, surveyed 2,520 people. It found that 74% reject the notion that people on JobSeeker should live in poverty, and 76% agree the wealth gap is excessive.
Recently, the Federal Government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee recommended increasing income support payments. This research highlights public backing for these changes, as almost nine in ten people agree the current unemployment payments are insufficient. A majority of people surveyed believe poverty is driven by policy, not individual choice. Three in five people agreed that government policies have caused people in Australia to experience poverty, while almost four in five agree people experience poverty due to circumstances beyond their control.
Public Perception and Policy Impact
ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie stated, “More people than ever are acutely aware of the level of financial distress in our communities. They are watching their neighbours, family members and friends being pushed to the brink by rising costs and support payments that are too low to live on.” Less than a quarter of those surveyed said they could live on the current JobSeeker payment of $409 a week. This highlights the need for reform in the upcoming Federal Budget.
The report notes that 60% of respondents attribute poverty to government policies, while 79% see it as a result of circumstances beyond individual control. This reinforces the call for systemic solutions to poverty. UNSW’s Professor Verity Firth commented, “There is a clear and growing understanding across the community that poverty is not inevitable, it reflects the policy choices we make as a society.” The research indicates bipartisan support for change, with significant agreement across political lines that poverty can be addressed with effective systems and policies. Support for action crosses party lines, with 86% of Greens voters, and 68% of Labour and Liberal/National voters agreeing.
As the Federal Budget approaches, these findings may influence discussions on social security reforms, highlighting a public demand for action to lift people out of poverty. According to the research, 77% of voters believe that with the right systems and policies, poverty can be solved. “The social security system is failing people and needs to be fixed. People in Australia understand poverty has systemic causes and they want a social security system that actually keeps people out of poverty,” Dr Goldie emphasised. “This report reflects where the country stands.”
Last updated: 29 April 2026, 9:34 am
