Report Card statement

The major parties are leaving vulnerable Australians out in the cold as economic conditions worsen, writes St Vincent de Paul National President Claire Victory.

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Australians living in poverty have largely been ignored, or forgotten, by the major parties during the federal election campaign.

Our leaders have failed to set out a plan for addressing widening inequality across Australia, and have, at times, shown a blatant disregard towards the most vulnerable in the community.

The decision by both major parties not to lift JobSeeker is emblematic of this neglect. It is brutal and unnecessary and will trap millions of Australians below the poverty line as the cost-of- living skyrockets and access to safe and affordable housing slips further from reach.

But it is the lack of leadership and lack of a comprehensive national strategy to address disadvantage that threaten to condemn three million Australians, including one-in-six children, to lasting neglect and deprivation.

Vinnies has stood by Australians in need and worked with the government of the day for almost 190 years to be a voice for vulnerable Australians.

Our 2022 federal election statement continues our long history of advocacy for a fairer Australia. It urges all parties and candidates contesting the election to put Australians in need at the heart of their campaigns, and sets out practical, affordable, and compassionate policies to address disadvantage in Australia in the key areas of poverty and inequity, housing and homelessness, people seeking asylum, secure work, and First Nations People.

A Fairer Australia is informed by the experience of our 60,000 members and volunteers, who provide emergency relief, housing and other support services every year to thousands of people across the country.

Today we have published our 2022 federal election report card, which tracks commitments of major parties against the policy priorities set out in A Fairer Australia. The report card shows significant gaps in some key policy areas—especially the main policy driver attributable to poor living standards: income support. We are condemning millions of people to a hand-to-mouth existence and disadvantaging children, who deserve the right start in life, by refusing to increase working age payments.

Whichever party wins on 21 May must urgently address structural disadvantage in Australia, unless they want to preside over a ballooning poverty and social crisis.

Government policy and fiscal management need to be robust, evidence-based and directed to areas of greatest need. Now more than ever, leadership is needed to create a fairer Australia.