"I have always regarded my country as a generous nation, but what do the data tell us? We rank very well (third) when it comes to overall wealth, life expectancy and education. But when it comes to reducing poverty, we are a lowly 14th out of 18 OECD countries on the UN Human Poverty Index.
In the decade to 2004, poverty in Australia increased significantly, no matter how you measure it, and Australia is fourth from the bottom on the social housing league table.
Even though the Federal Government has doubled the overseas aid budget, we are still 19th out of 22 OECD countries.
The situation at home is equally deplorable. The latest OECD Education at a Glance report shows declining levels of investment in public education, and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's data shows the Government's declining levels of investment in our hospitals. And then both public systems get clobbered by our leaders for underperforming.
Have a good look at the countries that have the lowest poverty scores, countries that spread their wealth, such as Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland and Canada. Then have a look at the recent UNICEF report entitled An overview of child wellbeing in 21 OECD rich countries. It reviewed 40 indicators of child wellbeing that in one way or another reflect the way we treat our young people."
In the midst of an election campaign underway with dollars by the fistful being thrown at electors, Rob Moodie, professor of global health at the University of Melbourne's Nossal Institute, questions what has happened to Australia as a caring nation.
Read the professor's piece, in full, from The Age, here.
Coincidentally, ACOSS has just released a report "Australia Fair" which sheds light on the real position of Australians:
"New figures released by Australia Fair show that the number of Australians in poverty increased from 9.8% to 11.1% of the population between 2003-04 and 2005-06. This is based on the standard measure used extensively in OECD countries, 50% of median income."
In the decade to 2004, poverty in Australia increased significantly, no matter how you measure it, and Australia is fourth from the bottom on the social housing league table.
Even though the Federal Government has doubled the overseas aid budget, we are still 19th out of 22 OECD countries.
The situation at home is equally deplorable. The latest OECD Education at a Glance report shows declining levels of investment in public education, and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's data shows the Government's declining levels of investment in our hospitals. And then both public systems get clobbered by our leaders for underperforming.
Have a good look at the countries that have the lowest poverty scores, countries that spread their wealth, such as Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland and Canada. Then have a look at the recent UNICEF report entitled An overview of child wellbeing in 21 OECD rich countries. It reviewed 40 indicators of child wellbeing that in one way or another reflect the way we treat our young people."
In the midst of an election campaign underway with dollars by the fistful being thrown at electors, Rob Moodie, professor of global health at the University of Melbourne's Nossal Institute, questions what has happened to Australia as a caring nation.
Read the professor's piece, in full, from The Age, here.
Coincidentally, ACOSS has just released a report "Australia Fair" which sheds light on the real position of Australians:
"New figures released by Australia Fair show that the number of Australians in poverty increased from 9.8% to 11.1% of the population between 2003-04 and 2005-06. This is based on the standard measure used extensively in OECD countries, 50% of median income."
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