Emergency relief support critical in cost of living crisis

As Australia’s cost of living crisis continues, thousands of Australians are experiencing acute poverty, prompting a surge in individuals and families seeking emergency relief as a last resort to avoid falling into deeper crisis. 

A first of its kind report by the McKell Institute, commissioned by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW and launched by Minister Amanda Rishworth MP, highlights the growing importance of emergency relief support from charities and community organisations.  

Surveying more than 900 people in NSW who received emergency relief in the form of direct financial assistance, food, clothing and housing assistance, this is the largest cohort of surveyed people on the impact of this program in NSW.  

In the last financial year, Society NSW members provided over $13 million in financial and material relief to close to 100,000 people across NSW.  One in three of these people sought assistance for the first time and four in five requested food support.  

“Emergency relief programs are growing in importance and form an essential component of the Australian safety net, playing a critical role in the early intervention space and alleviating poverty,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO. 

“We have 4,000 members in communities across NSW offering lifelines to individuals facing immediate financial crises, and providing essential support when resources are inadequate to meet basic needs. They provide critical provisions such as food, furniture, short term accommodation, utility bill assistance, material goods and healthcare assistance, specifically targeting individuals facing acute disadvantage and lacking immediate resources,” said Ms Saiz. 

The report highlights the key role of emergency relief in crisis prevention, with the overwhelming majority of respondents indicating that the program has benefited their lives in both the long and short term. While four in five respondents (82.2%) acknowledged that severe issues such as eviction or hunger were averted thanks to the program.  

Nearly half of those surveyed (44.4%) needed help two to five times, revealing the effectiveness in early intervention. While many only require a number of interactions, almost half of those surveyed (46.6%) had more than five interactions, emphasising the need for ongoing support for those navigating complex situations. 

“The combined phenomena of housing unaffordability, precarious work and modest wages growth, as well as the rising cost of essential household items are pushing more households to the brink,” said Edward Cavanough, McKell Institute CEO. 

“The report reveals how critical financial and material support services are for those experiencing poverty. However, the growing demand is placing pressure on non-profit emergency programs,” said Mr Cavanough. 

It’s not only immediate material needs being met, but also the emotional and mental health of its beneficiaries. 89.1% of respondents recognised that receiving assistance positively impacted their stress levels and overall well-being.   

Dame Beverley Kerr AM DSG, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Acting State President, comments, “I’ve been a member of the Society for more than 20 years and over that time I’ve witnessed the profound impact our members have in their communities. This report highlights what I’ve seen firsthand, the importance of intervening early to prevent the escalation of problems. It is imperative that we can continue supporting individuals to navigate crises and build a more stable future.”  

 See the "Immediate Aid, Measurable Impact - examining the effectiveness of emergency relief" report here.