Over the course of this inquiry, the committee received extensive evidence regarding the human costs of poverty. While commonly used definitions describe poverty in terms of 'not having enough income', the human impact of this stretches beyond financial deprivation and into all aspects of people’s lives.

The final report focuses firstly on the social security system and its ability to impact on poverty rates. At the time of the interim report, the committee had not yet covered in depth the impacts of poverty for First Nations people and child poverty. The final report explores these two critical areas, including the additional evidence received since the interim report. Finally, this report considers the evidence on what policy and program mechanisms the Australian Government should enact to help address poverty.

Chapter 2 focuses on the social security system and the supports the Australian Government provides through the social services system that aim to address various aspects of poverty. It reflects the evidence received from inquiry participants about how individuals and cohorts facing poverty interact with the social security system and its multiple components. It then examines the adequacy of various income support payments.

Chapter 3 highlights the complex and intersecting issues around poverty experienced by First Nations people and their communities, including the impact of geographic remoteness, lack of employment opportunities, and interactions with social security payments and programs.

Chapter 4 draws on the evidence received regarding child poverty and highlights the detrimental impacts poverty has on developmental, and other outcomes for children and young people. It then discusses the long-term and often intergenerational effects of child poverty on future economic and social outcomes and concludes with proposed solutions for reducing child poverty in Australia.

Chapter 5 looks at mechanisms to address poverty in Australia, including national policy mechanisms that can influence how poverty is considered and tracked, and policy areas and programs that can improve various outcomes for those impacted by poverty.

Key recommendations:

• The committee recommends that the Australian Government take urgent action so that Australians are not living in poverty, including through considering the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the income support system.
• The committee recommends that the Department of Social Services and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations undertake a review of all employment services programs to ensure they move to a strengths-based, person-
  centred approach.
• The committee recommends the Australian Government continue to reform income management with the view to replace compulsory income management with voluntary models that empower families and communities.
• The committee recommends that all levels of government invest significantly to ensure that children, especially those from disadvantaged or vulnerable backgrounds, have access to high quality early education and care.
• The committee recommends the Australian Government, in consultation with stakeholders, continue developing funding of longer-term, place-based initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and disadvantage.