Poverty in Australia and the Social Work Response

Abstract

Although a wealthy country, Australia nevertheless has pockets of poverty which remain resistant to anti-poverty policies. After describing the dimensions and demographics of poverty with emphasis given to Indigenous Austalians, the paper describes how Australian governments have responded, particularly in terms of the system of income security. Within that system, social work plays a unique role; one which illustrates how social workers can contribute in a pivotal manner to poverty alleviation. Their role also illustrates how the Australian government has positioned social work as a key profession to its social policy agenda. The paper also notes that while social work is central to the government's response to poverty, its role in the system of emergency relief payments funded by government and delivered by the non-profit sector is more muted.