ADVOCACY IN ACTION
By Jo Leveritt, Solicitor Advocate and President, Wide Bay Advocacy.
If you were around in the 1980s, you might remember the famous words of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke “By 1990, no Australian child will be living in poverty.” He made the statement at Labor’s election campaign launch in 1987.
It was an error; he misread his speech, “no Australian child need live in poverty.” Hawke later regretted the statement. Ironically, his government reduced child poverty by 30 percent, an achievement unmatched by any other. His words also brought this important issue to the forefront of people’s minds.
So how achievable is the current goal to “eradicate poverty by 2030”? I am referring to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty, which aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. It calls for ensuring that all people, regardless of where they live, have access to the resources and opportunities they need to improve their lives.
The Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”) were adopted by the United Nations as a global framework for sustainable development, with poverty eradication as one of the 17 goals. The goal recognises that poverty is not just about a lack of income but also access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing.
Australia plays a significant role in supporting SDG1: No Poverty. It has committed to its implementation. It does so by assisting the vulnerable and disadvantaged through its social security system, public housing, public health care, public education and more. In addition to government efforts, various non-government organisations and community groups work to address poverty and inequality in Australia through programs such as food banks, emergency relief, and housing support.
World Social Justice Day is a timely reminder of the continued efforts required by Australia to achieve SDG1: No Poverty by 2030. It is held annually on February 20 to raise awareness about the critical issues of poverty and to call for action to address its root causes. In Australia, advocates have called for measures that address poverty and inequality, including increasing the minimum wage, investing in affordable housing, and strengthening social safety net programs. Numerous organisations have raised these measures through formal submissions to the current Senate Inquiry into the Extent and Nature of Poverty in Australia.
The eradication of poverty is a complex and challenging goal, but it is achievable. Eradicating poverty requires a comprehensive and sustained effort from governments, international organisations, communities, and individuals. Through a collective effort, Australia and the global community have good prospects of success at achieving SDG 1: No Poverty by 2030.