This report outlines poverty lines and people in poverty in Australia from 2022–23 data. It examines trends in poverty from 1999 to 2022, and social security payments and poverty lines in 2023. It finds that more than one in seven people in Australia live below the poverty line.

The paper argues that shifting tax from income to consumption would widen wealth inequality, deepen poverty and deliver only modest and uncertain economic efficiency gains. It proposes that the Australian income tax system be reformed by closing tax shelters to improve equity and the efficiency of investment at the same time.

This report outlines how negative gearing and the 50% capital gains tax (CGT) discount have contributed to inequality and housing affordability issues. It recommends the Australian Government halve the CGT discount over five years and restrict negative gearing for new investments, investing the revenue raised in social and affordable housing.

This report examines the profile of people affected by unemployment and receiving income support. It looks behind the headline unemployment statistics to reveal that long-term unemployment – as measured by receipt of unemployment payments for over 12 months – is now entrenched at an economically and socially harmful level.

People are in poverty when they lack the resources necessary to live within socially acceptable living standards. This report identifies 23 essential items considered universally as things nobody should have to go without, and measured how many people lack these items because they cannot afford them. The results highlight the impact of economic hardship on...