News flash: women struggle to be heard in the nation’s newsrooms
Posted on 23 Oct 2024
Gender bias persists in Australian newsrooms, despite gender equality's vital role in strengthening…
Posted on 17 Jan 2024
By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia
As the nation’s students prepare for the start of another school year, a new survey has revealed nine out ten families are worried they won’t be able to afford the essential items their kids need to learn.
The study by The Smith Family revealed cost of living pressures meant thousands of students risk missing out on everything from digital devices and internet access to shoes and clothing.
The survey of more than 2,200 families who use the national charity's services also revealed:
Four out of ten parents said their children will probably miss out on educational activities outside of school, while almost a third said cost pressures would rule out school excursions.
The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor said it is the second year in a row that school affordability has emerged as a major issue in the survey and this reflects the ongoing cost-of-living crisis gripping the nation.
“The families we support make impossible decisions every day about how to prioritise the limited resources they have,” said Mr Smith.
“Housing, food, and power are top of the list, but the cost of these essentials has all risen rapidly, meaning educational essentials like uniforms, books, a laptop and the internet are increasingly hard to afford.”
“Things like a new school uniform and laptop can make children feel like they are a part of a school.”
Charities and not-for-profits have been on the front line of the cost-of-living crisis as steadily increasing demand has stretched their resources, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.
In June 2023 Anglicare Australia executive director Kasy Chambers used damning statistics contained in her organisation's Living Costs Index to call for a plan to stop Australia’s lowest paid workers being pushed into poverty.
The annual index revealed a family of four with two full-time minimum wage workers was left with just $73 per week after paying for rent, transport and food.
It also confirmed housing as the biggest living cost facing households, with average rents rising by more than 30% over the past three years.
“Australians doing it tough need real action and real leadership,” she said at the time.
“That means making the minimum wage a living wage, limiting unfair rent increases and investing in housing for people in need.”
Mr Smith said helping a child make the most of their school years could have an impact beyond meeting financial need alone.
“Things like a new school uniform and laptop can make children feel like they are a part of a school,” he said.
“So does the ability to take part in school excursions, sporting teams, or take music lessons – all of which increases a child’s confidence and self-belief.”
Mr Taylor said one of the most concerning findings in the survey was that half the respondents said their children are likely to miss out on digital devices.
“Laptops and the internet are as essential as pens and paper in the 21st century classroom,” he said.
“Without them, students will struggle to do their schoolwork and keep up with their peers. Every Australian would agree that all children should have the same opportunities as their peers at school, so they can achieve their potential.”
To help meet the growing need, The Smith Family has called on Australians to support it’s Back to School Appeal by sponsoring a child to help them thrive at school.
The charity hopes to find 6,700 new sponsors for its Learning for Life education support program, which provides financial, emotional and practical support for students experiencing disadvantage.
“We are aiming to grow the reach of our sponsorship program from 62,000 to 100,000 by 2027, so even more of the one in six young Australians living below the poverty line today can receive this support and be empowered to engage in their education,” said Mr Smith.
“However, we can only do this with help from the Australian community.”
Posted on 23 Oct 2024
Gender bias persists in Australian newsrooms, despite gender equality's vital role in strengthening…
Posted on 22 Oct 2024
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has admitted it is on track to fall massively short of its target…
Posted on 22 Oct 2024
Ordinary Australians who go above and beyond to help others in the community and the organisations…
Posted on 21 Oct 2024
Government and the not-for-profit sector must work together to break the cycle of digital…
Posted on 21 Oct 2024
Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) commissioner Sue Woodward will head to…
Posted on 21 Oct 2024
Australians hit hard by the cost-of-living want action on everything from rising utility and…
Posted on 17 Oct 2024
Not-for-profit’s have swamped the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) with…
Posted on 15 Oct 2024
The Australian Tax Office new reporting requirements for not-for-profits are causing a great deal…
Posted on 15 Oct 2024
The Antipoverty Centre’s Kristin O’Connell has first-hand experience of living in economic…
Posted on 15 Oct 2024
Socially conscious international music stars touring Australia are increasingly determined to do…
Posted on 14 Oct 2024
On the anniversary of the failed campaign to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, an…
Posted on 14 Oct 2024
Anti-Poverty Week (October 13 to 19) has been held every year for the past two decades.