Australia is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and has long prided itself on being an egalitarian society. However, there is a growing divide between those with the most and those with the least. Income inequality has grown as the minimum wage and unemployment benefits have failed to match the rise in average earnings, resulting in a divergence between low-income earners and average Australian wage earners. Current estimates indicate that senior executive pay is 150 times greater than average weekly earnings. In addition to income disparity, wealth in Australia is also unequally distributed, with household wealth being heavily skewed to 'real assets' - essentially, property ownership. How are income and wealth inequality measured in Australia, and what are the impacts of this rising inequality? Should we be trying harder to bridge the gap between the haves and have-nots?
Currently, young people are more likely to be underemployed than at any time in the last 36 years; the national unemployment rate among 15-24 year olds stands at around 14% - the highest rate since October 2001, and twice the overall jobless rate. The pool of entry-level jobs available is diminishing and the jobs available to young people are mostly casual, temporary or part-time. For an increasing number of vulnerable young people the basic goals of having a decently paid job and owning a home are becoming elusive. As employment opportunities are denied and government welfare benefits reduced, self-respect and dignity are eroded, and potential is lost. This book presents the latest youth employment statistics and key report findings, and explores a range of government and social sector strategies aimed at tackling youth unemployment and underemployment.
In recent years there has been recurrent debate in Australia over how big or small the nation's population should be in the future. Changes in the combination of increased birth rates and net overseas migration can greatly impact on the size and age structure of the population, at a time when more Australians are increasingly living longer. Current trends and policies involving population growth, particularly in relation to immigration intake, will have a major impact on Australia's future sustainability and quality of life. This book features the latest statistical projections and analysis for Australia's population size and examines the latest intergenerational findings from government. The book also presents a range of views in the population debate from an economic, environmental and social perspective. Do we want or need a 'big Australia'? Does size really matter?
The 'great Australian dream' is a belief that home ownership can personally lead to a better life and long-term financial security. Although this standard of living is already enjoyed by many, rising housing prices compared to average wages are making it increasingly difficult for others to achieve this dream, especially for those living in large cities. The affordability of housing in Australia is a major concern for many people. High house prices and rents are often beyond the reach of younger people in particular. What are the facts about housing in Australia - how do factors like low-interest home loans, tax breaks such as negative gearing, immigration and foreign investment impact on inequality in the housing market? This book presents the latest information on housing affordability and supply, and explores possible ways Australia can tackle housing unaffordability. What are the economic and social costs involved in putting a roof over your head?
Technology is already dramatically reshaping Australia's workforce through computerisation and automation across a range of industries. Recent studies estimate that up to half of Australian jobs face a high probability of being replaced by computers in the next 20 years. What are the jobs most under threat, and where are the jobs of the future to be found? This book explores the impact of emerging technologies in the workforce of the future; digital disruption and the impact of computerisation and automation on employment outlook; technological and structural change in Australia's labour market; ways in which Australia could develop its capacity to adapt to industry transformation through innovation; and opportunities for young people to seek out future skills and higher learning. Could a robot do your job? How can we innovate in order to meet the demands of our working future?
168 million boys and girls work as child labourers in farms, fields, factories, homes, streets and battlefields around the world. A staggering 85 million are engaged in illegal, hazardous work which is harmful to physical, mental, spiritual, moral and educational development. What is the extent of child slavery around the world, and what are the industries which exploit children? This book tackles the myths and misunderstandings surrounding child labour and explains the international labour standards and approaches aimed at eventually eliminating the exploitation of children. The book also measures global progress in reducing child exploitation, including the role of Australian companies and consumers in ensuring the goods they produce and purchase meet minimum age standards. Child labour is everyone's business.
Agriculture makes an important contribution to all Australian consumers and to the national economy, exporting two thirds of total production. The face of Australian agriculture has changed over the past two centuries as farmers have developed resilience and adapted to environmental and economic trends. The challenges have been many and varied: changes to land use and farm management practices in response to climate change, water restrictions, farm debt, financial and health pressures on farmers, reliance on seasonal and migrant workers, as well as variable productivity and international competition. This book examines the current state of the agriculture sector and the environmental and economic outlook. What is the future of farming in Australia?
The reported prevalence of child maltreatment - neglect; physical, emotional and sexual abuse; and exposure to family violence - is at unacceptable levels in Australia. The number of children receiving child protection services (investigation, care and protection orders, and out-of-home care) continues to rise. One in 33 children received child protection services in the past year alone; the majority are repeat clients. Disturbingly, indigenous children are 7 times as likely as non-indigenous children to receive protection services. What is child abuse and neglect and when is a child in need of protection? What are the causes, indicators and impacts of abuse on children and adolescents? When should children at risk be removed from their parents, and is it possible or even preferable to keep vulnerable kids with their families? There is no excuse for child abuse, but are we doing enough to protect children at risk?
To date, Australia has experienced a record 26 years of sustained growth without a recession, however alarm bells are now ringing over the level of Australian household debt which has risen steadily over the past three decades. Are Australian households on the edge of a debt crisis? Many Australians are struggling to meet their payments for mortgages, investments, personal debt, student debt, and credit card debt. It has been estimated that two million Australians are experiencing high financial stress which prevents them from coping in difficult situations and in the face of unexpected expenses. What is financial stress, and how do factors like housing affordability, higher debts and overspending on low incomes contribute to financial pressure? How does stretching the bottom line affect people's health, relationships and financial security? This book is a helpful guide for young people to understand financial stress and debt, with ample fact sheet-style advice on how to deal with debt, manage money through budgeting and savings, and develop your financial literacy. Make the most of your money and manage debt, before the bank breaks you
Almost 7 million Australians are estimated to be regular gamblers, spending money on one or more gambling activities each month. Australian gambling losses were at an all-time high at $24 billion in the past year alone. What are the actual odds, myths and facts behind the chances of winning on poker machines, racing, live sports betting, lotteries, and at casinos and online? What are the warning signs and harms of problem gambling, and what help is available to people affected by it? What restrictions has the government placed on gambling marketing, much of which is aimed at children and young people across television and radio broadcasts and online? This book reveals the various major forms of gambling activity and expenditure in Australia; it explores the issues involved in dealing with problem gambling; and investigates gambling advertising and its impacts on young people. Why are Australians the world's biggest gamblers? Are we really winning against the odds?
Despite marked progress in poverty reduction over recent decades, the number of people living in poverty remains unacceptably high. More than 790 million people live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.90 a day. Why is there still so much poverty in the world; how is it measured; and what is being done by way of trade, debt relief and aid to achieve the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere? By contrast, many around the world have never had it so good. Global income and wealth inequality is on the rise: 82% of the wealth generated last year went to the richest 1% of the global population, while the poorest half of the world's people saw no increase in their wealth. Just eight men own the same wealth as half the world. What are the causes of this staggering inequality, and how can we achieve the UN's Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries? Using data and analysis from the latest key reports, this book provides an overview of the extremes between wealth and poverty. Can the world afford to let the gap widen any further?
Australia is a prosperous country, yet there remains a sizeable portion of the population who lack a regular supply of nutritious and affordable food, either going hungry or relying on assistance from charities and food banks. In the past year alone, more than four million Australians have been in a situation where they have run out of food and have been unable to buy more. Conversely, we also waste a lot of food right through the supply chain; the cost of food waste to the national economy is a staggering $20 billion each year. What are the many ways in which we can reduce our own food waste? How can Australia address the needs of people who are food insecure, and by the same token minimise food waste, to encourage an equitable and sustainable approach to food? We could do more to live by the old adages, 'you are what you eat' and 'waste not, want not'.
Australia has experienced its longest ever period of economic growth over the last quarter century. Yet, there is growing debate about the distribution of benefits from this growth, and the extent to which inequality is increasing. One in eight adults and more than one in six children are living in poverty, while the share of income going to the top is growing at the expense of low and middle-income earners. Inequality extends beyond income to educational, postcode, intergenerational and technological inequality - all of which are at the core of opportunity. How are poverty and inequality measured; what are the features of deprivation experienced by people living with entrenched economic disadvantage, struggling with rising costs of living and housing pressures, reliant on social security and charity? Is Australia, long seen as the land of the egalitarian 'fair go', now a divided nation of 'haves' and 'have-nots'? How do we tackle economic disadvantage and poverty, and promote fairness and opportunity for all?
As a nation, Australians can be a generous people. The massive fundraising response to the bushfires last summer is a case in point. In addition to direct financial giving, many Australians donate goods to charities and not-for-profits, volunteer their time, become involved with fundraising for a specific charity, or advocate and raise awareness for a cause or unmet need. In Australia there are over 50,000 registered charities which make up a diverse sector working across a broad range of areas, including health, education, social welfare, religion, culture, human rights, the environment and animal welfare. How do you choose the right charity to match a righteous cause, so that your donation really does count? Why do people give, and how can it be done responsibly and effectively? What is philanthropy - could wealthier Australians do more to support the not-for-profit sector? This book explains the latest trends in giving and explores the ethics and effectiveness of legitimate charities. In a time of great need, what can we do to make a positive difference?
As the economy undergoes a long road to recovery amid the ongoing pandemic, the devastating impact of the coronavirus on jobs in Australia is becoming clearer. The federal government has managed to keep the current job loss numbers down with pandemic support payments, however this assistance will soon end and in turn the true extent of joblessness will be revealed. Compounding the problem, the rate of underemployment (people needing more hours) has overtaken the jobless rate, and most new jobs being created are in part-time, casual or insecure gig work, affecting a higher proportion of young people. Meanwhile, government welfare benefits have failed to keep up with the costs of living for a number of years, making life for many people even harder, entrenching financial stress and mental distress, and affecting motivation and skills. Is job insecurity now the norm for many Australians? This book explains the economic fundamentals featuring the latest statistics and report findings. It also explores government and social sector strategies for tackling unemployment and underemployment. Finding a job, and indeed enough employment, can be hard work in itself.
The Australia-China bilateral relationship is very significant to Australia, and is mostly based on substantial trade ties. Crucially, China accounts for over a third of Australia's total export income, however diplomatic and economic relations are currently at a low point. Globally, China is asserting its emerging superpower status and it appears actions by the communist party leadership in Beijing are primarily responsible for the deterioration in the bilateral relationship - however both sides have made mistakes, and Australia is not without fault. China's blunt use of repeated trade sanctions to penalise Australia for real or imagined slights risks the mutually beneficial trading relationship being undermined by damaging political interference. What are the various grievances and points of difference between these two countries? How can Australia serve its own national and strategic interests, and maintain its foreign policy objectives, without needlessly antagonising China? Can we end the trade war and repair relations?
Every night 116,000 Australians are homeless, lacking safe, secure or affordable housing. This includes rough sleepers, people staying in temporary accommodation, and those sharing with others in severely crowded dwellings. Homelessness has profound effects on various social groups including struggling families, young people, women escaping domestic violence, older women, Indigenous Australians, and people with substance abuse and mental health problems. Australia's homeless problem is growing, in spite of 300,000 Australians already receiving help from specialist homelessness services each year. Most rough sleepers were temporarily housed by governments during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic but are now back on the streets fending for themselves. What can governments do to permanently deal with the homeless epidemic? How could more emergency housing, supported accommodation, private rental housing, and long-term affordable and social housing better meet demand for essential shelter? There is a concerning property boom in Australia, what about the overlooked plight of the homeless?