A Portrait of Child Poverty in Australia in 1995-96.

In Australia, there has been growing concern about increasing income inequality, a possible accompanying increase in poverty rates, and how poverty impacts on the mental and physical well-being of children. This study analyzed Australian Bureau of Statistics income survey data to assess the extent of child poverty in Australia in 1995-1996. Findings indicate that the extent of child poverty is critically dependent upon where the poverty line is drawn, with estimates ranging from about 8 percent to 25 percent. The study suggests that the average dependent child in poverty in Australia lives with both parents, both of whom have no educational qualifications; is less than 13 years of age; lives with one or more siblings; has Australian-born parents who have bought or are buying their own home; has at least one employed parent, but with low earning due to self-employment or low wages; and lives in a family whose principal income source is government cash benefits. (Child poverty rates delineated by family and household characteristics, by labor force characteristics, and other factors are appended. Contains 27 references.) (KB)