Australian Poverty

About 2.5 million Australians are living below the poverty line, according to a Salvation Army report. It found on average, people had just under $18 a day to live on after paying for accommodation. The Salvation Army said the results painted an alarming picture of what was happening to many marginalised Australians.

The survey found 75 per cent of respondents had cut down on basic necessities, 59 per cent had delayed or were unable to pay utility bills and 57 per cent had gone without meals. It also found 68 per cent of those surveyed went without dental treatment and 37 per cent went without medical treatment.