Commissioner ccyp.com.au for Children and Young People, South Australia 2019

Leave No One Behind

What children and young people have said about living in poverty 2 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT

Commissioner’s Foreword

As South Australia’s Commissioner for Children and Young People my mandate is to promote the rights, best interests and wellbeing of all children and young people living in our State .

I advocate for the views, aspirations and I have also heard that children and young rights of children and young people to be people in South Australia are very concerned affirmed, promoted and protected, working for those they see as being less included, less to give children and young people a ‘voice’ mentally well, less financially secure and less across our society . well-prepared for their future . They have told me the areas in which they would like to see I seek to influence and identify the responsibilities changes made to make life better for all and roles that public, civic and commercial children and young people in South Australia, sectors of our communities have in relation to particularly those they see who are Contents children and young people’s needs, advocating ‘doing it tough’ . for them to be positioned ‘front and centre’ in policy, practice and service delivery . In 2017, when I asked South Australian children

Commissioner’s Foreword ...... 3 This includes advocating for the involvement and young people to tell me the ‘one thing’ of children and young people in co-designing they wanted their Commissioner to do Background ...... 6 services relevant to them, wherever this is for them right now, I received over 1,000 Recommendations ...... 9 feasible . Children and young people are the written responses and countless verbal ones . Project Context ...... 10 experts in their own lives and want to have While being listened to was the leading issue Overview of Project Engagement Methodology ...... 12 their opinions heard, taken seriously and named, tackling poverty was the second Children and Young People’s Lived Experience of Poverty in SA ...... 14 acted upon; in fact it is their right . most repeated area of concern, identifying it Children and Young People’s Observed Experience of Poverty in SA ...... 23 as something that clearly sits in the forefront Since commencing in the role, I have heard Children and Young People’s Suggestions to Address Poverty in SA ...... 27 of children and young peoples’ minds . firsthand how many children and young Next Steps ...... 29 people in South Australia lead happy active This concern with how to tackle poverty has lives and feel respected by adults . They value been reinforced through my one-on-one Appendix 1: Project Methodology Applied ...... 30 their family relationships, including those they conversations in which children and young Technical Report: Poverty Survey Analysis ...... 34 have with family pets . They also value their people have told me that poverty and a lack friendships, school education and learning, of resources touches many people across their culture including ethnicity, and the their communities; either themselves, their opportunities they have to participate in their close and extended family, or their friends . communities in different ways . 4 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT 5

This report aims to provide deep insight into on children and young people . They want to alleviate if not eradicate then as soon as Child poverty is real, and in a country of how children and young people understand the voices of children and young people possible . This approach is the only decent relative abundance and enduring economic poverty . It captures responses made by who live in poverty to be heard, and they one to take to the problem of poverty across growth, should not, and must not be tolerated . children and young people to questions they want to see an approach applied ‘across our State . It also requires a mindset shift and We must work together to eliminate poverty were asked about what they think poverty the community’ that allows ‘big decisions’ the destigmatising of poverty at every level in our own backyards once and for all . means, what it’s like (for some of them) to live to be made to support those who are most of our society . We can do this while also contributing to the in poverty, and what they suggest could or vulnerable to avoid poverty, with the needs of national effort to end extreme poverty around should be done about addressing it . children and young people positioned at the In this report I have purposefully embraced the world; a key target among 17 ambitious core of solutions devised . They firmly believe a child centred approach; one that recognises global sustainable development goals that Those children and young people who that it is possible to eradicate poverty in the impact of poverty on a child’s development . the world’s nations agreed to work together participated in this project had a strong South Australia and they want to be involved I have committed to listening to children to achieve by 2030 (within eleven years) at sense of justice for the ways in which in helping this be achieved by 2030 as per the and young people and to taking their views the United Nations assembly held in 2015 . society groups certain people; children, United Nations Agenda . around poverty into account . I have tried people living with a disability, people from to do this in meaningful ways, for which a refugee and migrant background, and This report does not place all recommended we are prepared to be accountable over young adults . They see that many individuals actions with government . It also looks to the long term . I have set about challenging in these groups are already in disadvantaged local schools and the broader community to ourselves and the system to bring about real positions, making them especially vulnerable identify issues around poverty that exist in our and lasting change and we invite you to join Helen Connolly to poverty . neighbourhoods . I hope it will motivate us to us in this effort . Commissioner for Children and Young People work more closely together to come up with Throughout the project young people made it solutions that can support children and young very clear to me that they want to be a part people we know who are currently living with of decision-making that impacts positively issues of poverty on a daily basis and help 6 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT 7

Background A State that prides itself on the national values These interactions have been undertaken in diverse Children and young people have told me that of a fair go and justice for all, must act to ensure spaces and places, with groups of children and young they want a ‘system’ that is kind, inclusive and children and young people in South Australia have people representing all ages, backgrounds, abilities, participatory. They want services that embrace adequate nutritious food, their own bed, suitable cultures, ethnicities, and genders . They have included these values and therefore are trustworthy, shoes and clothing, opportunities to go on school South Australian children and young people who respectful and accountable to them. trips, and to enjoy an occasional family outing . live with challenging life circumstances, and others We must create opportunities for those ‘less who have family backgrounds of varying abilities, When children and young people asked me to find fortunate’ to play regular sport, or participate in an health levels, dispositions and aspirations . solutions to the issues they face, it is these values activity of interest to them, such as learning to play they told me must underpin the solutions devised . a musical instrument or develop an artistic talent . My conversations and consultations have been broad, If the future they envisage for themselves and others covering an analysis of what is important to children is to be achieved these values must be foremost in our ‘Poverty is not a choice, and young people, as well as what is not working for minds when designing solutions, ideally in consultation them, and what they would change if they could. with them . it is a societal failing.’ I have had general conversations about their hopes and These shared values were expressed universally, (Female, 18) dreams, their aspirations and their futures . I have had whether or not the children and young people saw targeted conversations on specific subjects ranging themselves as someone doing well, struggling, or By not addressing these foundational needs we from bullying and digital access, to digital safety, gaming doing it tough; ie someone just trying their best to miss the earliest and best possible period to and esports . We’ve talked about kindness, compassion survive day-to-day . intervene and prevent poverty taking hold in a child’s and trust, as well as what it’s like living with a disability, life . Addressing any inadequacies early, during a or managing a mental health issue over the short or Children and young people shared their concerns that time when investment will have the greatest and long term . I’ve explored specific subjects and issues children living in poverty really do struggle to have their most lasting return, ensures children and young including skate parks, what it’s like visiting a parent gifts and talents developed . They know that education people can enjoy a future that has positive health, or sibling in prison, or dealing with the law, and how levels that enable a person to live a ‘comfortable’ life are social, educational and lifestyle outcomes . best to create youth friendly, welcoming spaces, much harder to achieve for those who live in poverty . places and communities . Children and young people who are currently living Importantly they also recognise that we all live in a

in poverty in South Australia have a fundamental As a result of these firsthand interactions, I feel I can community that must take into account how well others right to a positive future, which must not be confidently represent the views of South Australian are doing . Not only because they understand that this compromised . It is our responsibility as the adults in children and young people, and convey their ideas is the fairest approach to take, but because they know their lives to recognise when they are particularly and concerns to leaders, decision-makers and service that opportunities for success for those less fortunate vulnerable to poverty, and to take steps to avoid providers with whom it is my role to advocate for ultimately benefits all of us, and vice versa . them becoming ‘victims’ of it . change at the systemic level. Children appear to instinctively understand that a more Since commencing in the role of Commissioner Through these conversations with children and young equal system is good for everyone, and that the more for Children and Young People, I have been people I have been able to draw out critical themes children and young people feel connected and feel that committed to consulting with children and young that underpin their points of view . These themes go to they belong, the more the whole community will thrive people to find out from them what they wish the heart of what matters to children and young people, and develop to its fullest potential . They remind us that me, as their Commissioner, to do on their behalf . revealing what they believe should be the foundation we have a responsibility to make sure all children and I have engaged in one-on-one and small group of what it means to have a good life; one that can young people have the same opportunities in life, no conversations, facilitated large scale forums and be well lived, within a supportive and well connected matter who they are, or where they have come from . workshops with thousands of children and young local community, which takes into account everyone’s people throughout regional and metropolitan situation, needs and desires . South Australia over the last two years . 8 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT 9

Recommendations

The recommendations below have been informed by children and young people who participated in the CCYP Poverty Project:

1 To demonstrate commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) the South Australian government establish a Child Poverty Expert Group to measure and report annually on a range of income and non-income related poverty indicators and measures that are particularly relevant to children .

2 The Department of Human Services, Department for Education and South Australian Council of Social Service work collaboratively to develop and implement an audit tool quantifying the cumulative costs of public education at an individual school level and this data be published annually .

3 Social welfare agencies in receipt of emergency relief funding, financial counsellors and respective peak bodies, advocate to telecommunication providers to expand their hardship programs to systematically offer families with children, home internet vouchers .

4 Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure provide free Wi-Fi on all SA public transport and increase the number and quality of internet hot spots in public places to support children with no home internet to meet their educational needs .

5 Government, Feminine Hygiene Industry, and community partners expand the current piecemeal provisions of sanitary product support and develop a free, accessible “We must look to what decisions and non-stigmatising supply and distribution scheme are being made that perpetuate for a range of hygiene and sanitary products . the poverty trap.” 6 South Australian Public Transport Authority provide children whose families are in receipt of a school card access to free (Male, 17) public transport to enable them to fully participate in school and community activities . 10 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT 11

Project Research on poverty highlights the difficulties Whilst low family income is one of the most Poverty is often considered too sensitive a topic governments and society faces in tackling common denominators, the reason for low family to discuss with children and young people . Context inequality . Much of the research overlooks children income vary . Inadequate social security payments When it is discussed it is usually in the context of and young people, or where it concerns them, or low paid insecure work may be a cause, while what is being experienced in developing countries is often centred on causation and affect 6. living with disability, chronic illness, high housing – not what is being experienced in our own costs, or being part of a family that has complex backyards, or amongst our own local regional We know that poverty is a global The overall wellbeing of children and young people needs, may all be contributing factors . and metropolitan communities . issue affecting millions of people of all is about much more than just living in poverty . ages and nationalities . Often viewed Without putting in place measures designed to Poverty is a serious problem in South Australia The way in which poverty impacts on children can as a problem that is only relevant directly address poverty, a child or young person’s with research indicating children who grow up in be especially difficult to understand . Children are to the ‘developing’ world, it is also wellbeing is at risk . poverty often experience developmental delays, often only considered in the context of being part reduced academic success, and impaired lifelong of a family, rather than as an individual whose prevalent in many well ‘developed’ Children and young people are rarely considered physical and mental health outcomes . everyday life is affected in myriad ways . countries, including Australia . to have any agency over their situation . Because of this there is little research that directly asks them The South Australian government commenced a What is understood, is that the experience of how they see poverty, what it means to them, or review of the State’s Housing and Homelessness poverty isn’t just about financial or housing stress . Most international researchers and organisations how they could or would suggest it be addressed . Strategy passing a motion in the Legislative Council It is also about being socially included and use an income based definition of poverty . to establish a ‘Select Committee on Poverty in connected . It is about physical and emotional In this way poverty is defined by those whose Their views are important in creating solutions . South Australia .’ The select committee established wellbeing, as much as it is as about having income is below half the median household Their experiences provide insight into the on 30 May 2018, is reviewing the extent and nature opportunities to experience fulfilment of income of the total population 1. consequences of poverty, and show us where of poverty across the State, including what it means individual potential . we need to work hardest to minimise its impact Based on this definition, which is also used by in relation to access to services and opportunities . most, including developing the right kinds What has been lacking from the research global entities such as the Organisation for of community support to create the type of These efforts have coincided with a national undertaken to date is the primary evidence that Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Australia they want to inherit . push to raise the level of some social welfare can be supplied by listening to the ‘voices’ of more than 1 in 8 people in Australia are currently payments in Australia, particularly Newstart children and young people who are experiencing living in poverty, including more than 1 in 6 children .2 allowance; one of the nation’s main social welfare poverty as a reality of their day-to-day lives . The latest figures for South Australia are reflective ‘Living in poverty in safety nets . Despite Newstart payments sitting of these national numbers .3 South Australia is not an below Australia’s income poverty line, the current Projects like this one are therefore vital in helping to build community understanding and consensus Poverty’s roots in inequality give rise to a concerning inevitability. Neither is it an Australian government considers these levels to be around what should and could be done to tackle trend in Australia that is seeing a divide growing adequate . They have decided to take alternative easy, or quick fix.’ inequality across our community at the systemic between the wealthiest and the poorest Australians . approaches that centre on providing tax relief and level . It assists in identifying root causes, while Current household wealth is a clear indicator of the on creating increased employment opportunities . Commissioner for Children and Young People, simultaneously raising the voices of the children scale of this divide with the top 20% of households Helen Connolly and young people who poverty most affects . owning 62% of private wealth, and the lowest 20% 4 owning just 1% . For some children their experience of poverty By placing the needs of these ‘poor’ children and is brief . For others it is intermittent, while for others, young people across our State front and centre, Since the late 1980s inequality has been on it is a persistent and recurring condition they are learning from what they have told us through their the rise in Australia, and around the world .5 forced to face throughout their lives . The factors lived experience, we can work together to design Despite significant worldwide economic growth, surrounding each experience of poverty are solutions that prevent poverty ‘taking hold’ in their young people today are facing greater levels of extremely varied . lives and elevating those currently living in poverty inequality than the generation before them . out of it, as soon as possible . 12 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT 13

Overview of Project Engagement Methodology

Children and young people were More than 2000 South Australian children and Engagement Method Participants Involved Activity and Outputs asked about systemic poverty young people have, through these various Project Workshops 20 SA children and young people Participants workshopped their general and how it could be addressed, engagement activities contributed to the Dec 2018 – Feb 2019 aged 12 – 20 years understanding of poverty plus completed as well as what they knew findings in this report via their participation in this project . They told us in their own words: project scoring about the impact of poverty and

what they would suggest could — what they think poverty looks like Poverty Survey 1145 SA children and young people Participants completed 12 questions be done to help those in South — what they think the impact of poverty is Jan – July 2019 aged 14 – 22 years relating to the causes, impacts and Australia who they know are responses to poverty . — what factors they think are contributing ‘doing it tough’ . to recurring poverty (Refer to the Technical Report on pp 34 for the full analysis .) The data was also used — what they think current responses to to inform the Poverty Summit . A series of project engagement activities addressing poverty are were undertaken throughout the duration — what more they think should or could Focus Groups 47 SA children and young people Participants from diverse backgrounds of the project, which ran from December be done and by whom, to address Mar – May 2019 aged 12 – 21 years participated in 4 focus groups to identify 2018 through to June 2019 . These activities poverty; and included a survey, series of workshops the impact of their personal experiences — what South Australia would look like if no and focus groups with children and young of poverty . child or young person lived in poverty . people who have lived experience of poverty, and a poverty summit attended Poverty Summit 200 young people including approx . 190 Undertaken in collaboration with UN Youth by more than 200 South Australian school 28 June 2019 students from Years 10 – 12 representing 29 SA, participants explored the impact of children from Years 10-12 who shared Adelaide metro and regional SA schools, poverty on children and young people their observations of poverty . including a delegation from Kangaroo from a rights perspective, what the current Island, a panel of 6 speakers aged 18-21, responses to addressing poverty are and and a team of UN Youth facilitators . what more should or could be done to achieve the first of the UN Sustainable Development Goals to achieve no poverty by 2030 .

(For full details of the Poverty Project Methodology turn to Appendix 1 on pp 30) 14 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT 15

The following chapter documents They talk about the high cost of education unique and insightful data supplied (including uniforms and books), utilities and other by children and young people household bills, about food, health and medical Children and bills and about the high cost of housing, which can who rarely have a voice or require them to relocate at regular intervals, with all any agency in their situations . that a major disruption of this kind entails Young People’s These children and young people who have direct experience A lot of young people can’t even afford the of poverty were supported to things they need (health food, clean water, Lived Experience explore how they make sense school uniforms, school supplies). (Male, 16) of it and its impact on them Lower Bills so most people can live better lifes of Poverty in SA at a personal level . (Lives) and don’t have to worry about bills. (Female, 14)

Food should be cheaper and shops should not throw away food away to minimise on the Australians sleeping on an empty stomach. (Male, 17)

Children and young people know about the stress A number of children who don’t identify as their parents and/or guardians face . They see it, experiencing poverty identified that ‘not making hear it and experience it on a daily basis . good decisions’ and ‘making poor choices about money’ has a role in the lack of resources and Young people living independently talk about the opportunities across generations . stress they experience living day-to¬day on low incomes, and how unprepared they feel to live in Others identified ‘being stuck in low income jobs’ the adult world . They are worried about the cost or having ‘debt because of living costs, loans, etc .’ of living, and were asking for support to help those with ‘unemployment’ a symptom of this ‘poverty who cannot afford necessities . They talk repeatedly trap’ . Others included ‘not holding down a job ’or‘ about the need for payments to single parents, not knowing how to manage their resources’ as the unemployed, and students to be increased . causes of poverty .

Centrelink assessment based on young person’s Poverty in itself is not a choice. It is important to circumstances rather than parent’s income so talk about this and normalise it. (Female, 14) people in abusive homes who need money Some people prioritise their money badly don’t fall through the cracks. (Male, 16) causing them to be in poverty. However, some The cost of living is too high even with people simply do not make enough money to social supports. (Female, 14) get by, no matter how hard they try. (Male, 16)

One thing I would like to change is the centre link Nobody can choose the life they are born money so my much (mum) can be able to take into, or whether they will be presented with better health care for me. (Male, 17) opportunities, although there are some people who don’t make the effort to work hard and remain unemployed. (Male, 17) 16 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S LIVED EXPERIENCE OF POVERTY IN SA 17

Health care and support about missing school because they couldn’t afford sanitary products . A number of girls spoke about Participants frequently raised issues around the the products being available at school, but that the affordability of health care, including the cost of process of accessing them was embarrassing and treatment, travel to appointments, and how letting required quite a lot of self-disclosure which many small issues escalate into major ones was often were not comfortable to provide . unavoidable because of the costs involved . Whether or not you’ll be able to support The Impact of Poverty We heard that for many families living in poverty themselves when their period comes around. health is a big issue, and that for young people in (Female, 16) on Home Life particular, free health care is virtually non-existent and highly inaccessible . They talked about waiting For a lot of females in poverty, menstrual lists that were often ‘months and months’ long, and products are inaccessible. (Female, 16) about their perception that there is a poorer quality A young person also talked about how hygiene Focus group participants said that One participant talked about not being able to of health care is only available to them . needed to be ‘role modelled’, explaining that if you the impact of being poor on a child’s have people over - that although she knew this are not taught how to take proper care of yourself Participants talked about the physical and social life at home isn’t just about material was a normal thing that most other people did then it is difficult to know what to do, or what impact poverty has on children, such as having possessions, or the type and location - because their house was run down and small, and how to ask for help . We learnt that for some ‘bad teeth’ or being ‘more likely to get sick’ and she was uncomfortable and embarrassed for families because good hygiene is not achievable, it of the houses they live in . when they do get sick being ‘in poor health’ others to see it . is therefore not taught . for longer . Their comments focussed much more on the We heard about typical ‘things’ like the shortage of We heard that children experiencing poverty are emotional, relational and social aspects of what money, electronics and clothes, including what the often ‘predisposed to anxiety/depression’ but Missing out they were experiencing rather than on the house lack of access to these ‘things’ means in everyday life . For example, one participant explained that cannot afford treatment for these conditions . One or home itself, and its lack of contents . We also heard about missing out on a birthday, she just wanted to have ‘appropriate clothing participant told us ‘the mental health system for Easter and/or Christmas present or presents, and Participants talked about the impact ‘poverty stress’ for occasions’ (Female, 13) whilst another talked poor people is virtually inaccessible, even when what this means to those who are poor . Some places on a family - that everyone in the household about having ‘equipment’ like ‘bikes (and) scooters’ they can be the most needing of that support’ participants told us that being poor on these feels tense because of the circumstances they because to ‘have other things that other kids (Female, 16) . ‘special days’ was about much more than not face . Some suggested this can lead to ‘arguing a do is important’ . Many of the participants talked about wanting, as getting a present . They reminded children that lot’, or in more serious situations, to becoming an well as needing, to go to the doctor or dentist, but their life is different to others, and that their family ‘abusive family’ that eventually results in ‘welfare Participants talked about wanting a ‘haircut’ and that all their ‘health shit’ is something they simply ‘can’t afford to buy the same things’ others can or (getting) involved’ . ‘shower stuff’ . They spoke about the importance of being ‘able to take good care of yourself’, that ‘your cannot afford to do . to have special meal that day . We heard that the pressure of having ‘no food’ or hygiene and your health is affected when you don’t Participants also talked about children wanting ‘no water’, or ‘no electricity or gas’ can lead to ‘less have access to soap and toothpaste’ . stability and a safe environment . They told us that connection with their family due to parents being Hygiene missing out was about much more than not having stressed (and) having to work constantly .’ (Female, 16) They said that having ‘healthy food was just as important as having food at all’, and that Participants told us about the impact not physical ‘things’ . Participants talked about how the focus within sometimes the choice to be healthy isn’t available being able to afford hygiene products such as Sometimes when you live in poverty people the home becomes entirely on obtaining ‘the to poor families, impacting significantly on children’s deodorant, toothpaste and soap has on young men treat you badly, take advantage, steal from you, necessities’ – and that ‘you don’t get to do fun health and wellbeing over the long term . and women . They commented on how being poor abuse you. (Male, 15) stuff with your family’ or buy the ‘things you like’ . impacts ‘whether or not you bathe well and get the Everyone in ‘poor households’ is constantly ‘angry right amount of care for your body’ (Female, 17) . They also talked about the stigma of being poor, and upset’, ‘worried about eviction’ and sometimes and how this label was embarrassing and limited even ‘fighting over food’ . For young women ‘period poverty’ was a real their opportunities amongst family, friends and issue raised in a number of groups . Girls told us school peers to be perceived in any other way . 18 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S LIVED EXPERIENCE OF POVERTY IN SA 19

Learning Digital technology divide The Impact of Poverty Participants spoke about how being poor has a huge Participants talked extensively about how a child’s life impact on a child’s life at school . It affects their ability at school is affected by poverty, especially when their on School Life to learn, to feel comfortable to attend, and how education is significantly impaired because they lack they are treated by their peers, their peers’ parents access to digital technology . and their teachers . We heard that not having laptops, iPads, smart phones We heard that ‘being poor at school is experienced One participant explained that as a young adult Not having ‘enough lunch’ or ‘no clean clothes’ were or even the Internet at home can be a huge problem for as a social issue’ . This is largely because impacts ‘you can see plans you had when you were common issues faced by children living in poverty . children living in poverty . We heard that ‘school projects such as hygiene, health and not being able to younger failing’; the impact of ‘struggling to find Participants talked about being ‘hungry’ and ‘smelly’ are difficult, especially ones that require technology’ . afford to go out, affects on your ability to relate work stops being a smaller annoyance and starts and wearing ‘shit shoes’, explaining that these are the Participants talked about the attempts their schools to your peers’ (Male, 21) . Being poor also has a being an existential threat’, and ‘you feel like you things poor kids sometimes get bullied over . make to provide them with access, but that this was still personalised and individual impact on how young are using up peoples’ good will to survive, but not limited and did not bridge the gap to the extent required . people see themselves as they mature; now and improve .’ (Male, 21) Participants talked about the difficulties they face in into the future . getting to school and school sport . They described it Participants explained that the impact is varied . That as being much ‘harder’ for children whose families are being poor affects the ability to not only do the work struggling . We heard that families can’t afford for their required, but find the time to spend on doing the children to go on school excursions, or to participate in work rather than solving issues of access . Stigma and extra-curricular activities . Some families can’t afford to embarrassment also come into play when you don’t have annual school photos taken . have the same technological tools and knowledge of how to use them, as result of your limited or All of these things were described as impacting on a lack of access . child’s connection with the school, on their ability to develop friendships, and on their sense of self-worth . Other impacts young people expressed in relation to Participants talked about feeling ‘embarrassed’ and lacking access to digital technology included how ‘ashamed’ . It wasn’t just about missing out on the this plays out in helping you get out of your situation . activity itself - it encompassed so much more . For example, applying for jobs and the importance of being able to keep up to date with technology Children living in poverty have a lot to enhance the chances of employment in a highly more worries. (Female, 16) competitive jobs environment .

We also heard a lot about their inability to afford equipment and materials such as a laptop or paying for printing . Lacking these basic requirements, considered essential to enabling students to do their best work, achieve results and participate in education, meant those who went without were much more likely to struggle with school work or achieve good results .

‘It feels like schools punish you for being poor .’ Having to “Living in poverty can make a young stay in class during school breaks so you can use the schools technology to get your work done, feels like a person want to give up because they punishment rather than a support . Schools simply don’t don’t think that they belong.” understand that spending breaks with your peers is an important part of childhood . ‘It’s important to help you (Male, 14) be just like the other kids .’ 20 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S LIVED EXPERIENCE OF POVERTY IN SA 21

The Impact of Poverty Some young people just wanted to be able to Participants talked about the systems and services ‘hang out with friends’ or go ‘shopping’ . One young set up to help describe that they ‘feel judged and on Social Life person really wanted to learn how to dance, while blamed, rather than supported’ . Others spoke about another just wanted to experience Go-Karting for the system being too complex for vulnerable people, the first time . We also heard that having fun and and how they believe they are actually designed to being independent were important to all young discourage them from asking for help’ . (Male, 21) people, but that access to these things can be significantly affected by poverty . Furthermore, when these systems get it wrong, or service providers make mistakes, participants said Participants talked about the impact being poor Participants talked about how not being able to We heard that the implications of not being able that they are often harsh and unkind to ‘poor’ has on making friends . We heard that issues such afford transport to places impacts on your ability to ‘do’ or ‘participate’ in activities, meant kids were people and that this adds to the person’s feeling as a lack of hygiene, and old or unwashed clothes to develop and maintain friendships . The simplest missing out on forming or fostering friendships, of failure . The impact on young people facing these can impact on your self-esteem of activities, like ‘going to a friend’s house, is not risked developing low self-esteem and limited barriers means they often avoid reaching out for an option if you cannot afford the bus fare, have the optimism they felt about their lives now and help until they find themselves at crisis stage . Hard to develop friendships because of the fear no car, or your parents have no money for petrol’ . into the future . These long term implications also of the judgement (Female, 16) It is these things that set children apart from each included a high risk of developing mental illness There were many things participants said they wanted to achieve with their lives . Some of Participants talked about being isolated and bullied, other, make them stand out and highlight that their conditions, such as anxiety and depression . them didn’t know if they would ever be able to or simply avoided . They said that sometimes when circumstances are different . because of the poverty they live with now . They they see the differences between themselves and Participants talked about having ‘less opportunities’ talked about how ‘growing up poor’ and how their friends, ‘what they have and what you don’t, Barriers to seeking help (Female, 16) and how it ‘costs money to buy this changes your outlook on life; how it affects makes you feel ashamed’ . uniforms (and) equipment and play sports’ and Participants talked about the support that is the way you see the future and what you think is We also heard that added responsibilities can how this ‘can prevent you from participating ‘out there’, what is available to them now, and possible for you . be placed on young people whose families are in the things you want to do outside of school’ how accessible or inaccessible that support is . We heard that for some young people all they struggling and that this also impacts on their (Female, 15) . They recognise that for many families, We heard that there can be quite complex barriers want is to ‘have a good life’, ‘be healthy’, or social life . One young person told us that the sports and other structured activities were not to reaching out for support, including a lot of ‘get friends’ . Others just wanted to get their ‘need to get a job to help the family’ (Female, 21) possible as they simply could not be prioritised . mixed messaging . ‘drivers licence’, achieve ‘a good education’ or was depriving her of the time she might have Many of the things participants talked about not ‘travel’ . Others just wanted to be able to keep otherwise spent with her friends . We heard that young people hear they should be being able to do were everyday activities, which resilient and independent . This is often a deterrent to ‘up to date with everyday life .’ Others talked about having to ‘lie to friends’ and most children and young people in South Australia seeking help because ‘it makes you feel as though Participants wanted people in power to understand ‘make excuses’ about not being allowed to go are able to enjoy . We heard how some children to do so would show others that you are not coping that solutions to poverty must be found now, so to the movies, or do other activities with them, were not able to go to a footy game, play music well, or that you are in some way weak’ . that it can be eliminated now . because it was too embarrassing to tell them they or go to the Adelaide Show . One participant just wanted to go camping, whilst another had always We heard about the impact of ‘poverty stigma’ couldn’t afford to go . You cannot live poor. You can survive, but that’s wanted to attend the Spirit Festival . - that young people often feel judged and not living. (Female, 21) Living in poverty can make a young person embarrassed, particularly when people make want to give up because they don’t think that assumptions about why a family is poor and Poverty is solvable – every person who is forced they belong. (Male, 14) ‘Children living in poverty impose those assumptions on the young person to live in poverty is due to a failure in society. can’t follow their dreams.’ concerned . The participants reported not wanting (Male, 20) others to assume there are drugs and alcohol (Male, 15) issues involved, either in relation to themselves or other members of their family . 22 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT 23

Children and “In school we talk about homelessness Young People’s and poor adults, we don’t talk about homelessness and poor kids.” Observed Experience

(Female, 17) of Poverty in SA

The following chapter documents data supplied by children and young people who have observed the impact of poverty on family, friends and members of the wider community . They were asked to explore this from a rights perspective considering current responses and what they think could or should be done by whom to eradicate poverty in South Australia altogether .

The majority of children and young people who were asked to share their observations of poverty and its impact expressed a belief that poverty happens because of structural inequality . They know that social and economic disadvantage can occur as a result of living with a disability, having a mental illness, or being discriminated against on the basis of race or gender and that these are significant factors that make individuals and families vulnerable to poverty . Many children and young people spoke about ‘the poverty trap’, ‘the cycle of poverty’ and ‘generational poverty’ and how difficult it is for people born into poverty to get out of it . 24 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S OBSERVED EXPERIENCE OF POVERTY IN SA 25

Children and young people said their experience of poverty is different to that of adults .

Although Australia as a whole is becoming more Nearly all children and young people consulted, Some children and young people emphasised This social isolation, maintains ‘a poverty trap’ unequal, public commentary has increasingly were concerned that a lack of money, deprivation that living in poverty might cause ‘unhealthy which combines not being able to support yourself, shifted blame away from societal structures and and lack of opportunities in local communities are relationships, stress and mental health issues’ . with a lack of confidence . Over time this affects onto individuals . We are told more and more often not openly discussed or considered . In the school For some this might be as a result of children an individual’s self-worth and their motivation that it is an individual’s circumstances that have environment poverty is nearly always described hiding things from their parents and from their to seek help . manifested their ‘poor’ situation . For example, in a global rather than a local context, while in peers . Mainly because these ‘kids feel like a burden’ recipients of social welfare are often described as the South Australian context they said poverty is or that they might add to their ‘parent’s stresses’ . Children and young people said that those who ‘job snobs’ or ‘dole bludgers’ 7. nearly always commented upon in reference to Others spoke about hiding being poor from their are living with a disability or come from a refugee homelessness and ‘adults sleeping rough’ . peers because they’d be worried ‘other kids or migrant background already come from a Divisive by nature, this kind of commentary does wouldn’t like them’ . disadvantaged position, making them especially little to create an environment that focuses on In school we talk about homelessness and poor vulnerable to poverty . Children and young people addressing poverty, least of all its impact on adults, we don’t talk about homelessness and Young people explained that by hiding experiences said they are likely to ‘have higher living costs’ children and young people who live within ‘poor’ poor kids. (Female, 17) of poverty from peers, they would carry a burden and ‘might not have access to proper facilities’, households . Or worse still, outside them as a result and feel shame . They went on to suggest that which creates a significant disadvantage from Children and young people are surprised at the of the impact poverty is having on the adults constant social comparison has an ongoing the outset . They also understand that a lack of estimated numbers of children living below the in their lives . negative impact on a young person’s relationships support for individuals in our community means poverty line in South Australia . In response they and that their ability to connect with other people is a lack of participation in society . They said that believe there needs to be increased awareness Overwhelmingly, young people do not see poverty limited . This can lead to a ‘lack of trust’ and a ‘lack these vulnerable groups should be at the core of through greater public discussion on the as a simple matter of choice . Rather they believe of connection’ within their communities, amplifying a our thinking and positioned front and centre when experiences of those living in poverty . family and child poverty is due to factors that are feeling that as a result of poverty they don’t belong . developing our responses and solutions to poverty . outside the individual’s control . They felt that we need to move beyond the Children also spoke about the impact that poverty Children and young people recognise the stereotype of ‘ragged/torn clothes’, ‘shoes falling has on families as an issue in itself . They explained social stigmatisation of people living in poverty . ‘Because most of the time apart’, ‘faded or second hand school uniforms’ to that poverty may lead to ‘a bad home environment’ They said that a South Australia without poverty a more contemporary understanding of issues people try their best, that includes a chronic ‘lack of support’ . would have ‘less discrimination and more around poverty . These include cost, quality and employment’, ‘high earning jobs and happier people’ yet still end up in poverty equality of education, access to medicine and Others highlighted the negative impact of because ‘no one would feel privileged’ . They also medical treatments, and participation in activities because of things that poverty on society as a result of ‘bullying’, ‘stigma’, said ‘where there’s more equality in a society, there’s and entertainment . ‘homelessness’, ‘discrimination’, ‘lack of social change’ more trust and a greater sense of community’ . affect their lives that they and ‘unsafe communities,’ all identified as the broader Climate change and the cycle of poverty were impact of poverty at the community level . Poverty can be the result of, or can lead to cannot control.’ seen to be particularly problematic . Especially its discrimination. So figuring out what societal capacity to escalate poverty as the impact of (Male, 16) Children and young people believe that poverty values are causing it will be important in climate change is felt most by those who are and a lack of resources reduces a child or young ending it. I think having a conversation is the most vulnerable . person’s ability to participate and to contribute . best way to start breaking down this issue, It limits their ability to have fun with their peers Poverty is, in some ways, the invisible ink in and not treat it as taboo. (Female, 15) and to make connections in their community in our society. We may not always see it, but that the same way others kids who are ‘not poor’ can . I think poverty can be solved through equality. doesn’t mean that it isn’t there. (Female, 15) Young people identified this impact of poverty as a One main solution is to pay all middle class Poverty is often stigmatised in our society so it form of social isolation, which in turn affects a child earners on an equal ‘base wage’ so all people is imperative that it is humanised to tell stories or young person’s mental health and wellbeing . can afford to rent a house and pay the bills. behind the statistics. (Female, 15) (Gender unknown, 13) 26 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT 27

Young People’s Suggestions to Address Poverty in South Australia

Children and young people believe Young people said that to solve an issue like ‘if you help people contribute positively poverty, all of society needs to work together to – no one loses and everyone wins’ . ensure that ‘no one is left behind’ .

In their recommendations, young people Children and young people are excited at the emphasised the role they can play in addressing thought of there being zero poverty in South poverty in South Australia, taking a bottom up Australia by 2030, but they are also somewhat approach and involving those affected by poverty sceptical of the possibility that this could become in devising the solutions . a reality . They do believe that South Australians care deeply about people who are doing it tough, They emphasised that services offering support for but they they also don’t know what to do to help . children and young people who are poor should ensure they avoid causing additional stress for We all have the capacity to care but we themselves and their families and offer services don’t know how to help’ and there’s a lack of that take into account how a child or young person education on how this issue can be addressed. feels about seeking help . (Male, 18) Programs or policies aimed at reducing child They also added that children and young people poverty should be child centred and address the are uniquely placed to address societal issues specific consequences children who are living as they are ‘not as desensitised as adults – ‘it’s a in poverty face . Using social media to report on normal part of life when you’re older’ . They said initiatives and campaigns that raise awareness of that ‘you got time to worry when you are a kid, the impact of poverty could effectively change the which is not the case in adulthood’ (Male, 15) . public discourse and help to reduce stigma . “Poverty in itself is not a choice. One participant concluded that young people need to be included in solutions to address poverty in SA . The social and emotional aspects of poverty It is important to talk about this they named included ‘stress, depression, sadness, and normalise it.” and anger, stigmatisation and social exclusion, ‘Young people believe in humiliation, embarrassment, isolation, and (Female, 14) change and that they can feeling left out’ . It is no surprise to children and young people that poverty impacts self-image, make a difference.’ self-confidence and a person’s individual identity and were explicit in their view that it is vital to (Female, 18) address this impact in any community or school based wellbeing strategy developed . 28 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT 29

Next Steps

Children and young people understand how barriers They want to be able to trust adults to do the The situation facing many children and to achieving real change include an inability on the right thing . They want the voices of children and young people in South Australia who part of some, to empathise with others . Not being young people with lived experience of poverty to we know are living in poverty must be able to relate to people who live in poverty across be heard in the decision-making process, and they addressed now, by us, as a matter of our communities, makes it harder for us to prioritise want to see ‘an across the community approach’ urgency, and in ways that have been it as an issue . But eradication is about prioritising . taken to making ‘big decisions’ that impact on those fully informed by their ‘voices’ . in our communities we know are the most vulnerable . We can no longer speak about poverty in the context of it only applying to developing nations . The unprecedented civic, social, technological, I encourage you to work with me to bring about the Neither can we listen to those who struggle with the environmental and political change that is continually recommendations that this report contains . They have notion of poverty being an issue in South Australia . occurring this century is leading children and been made in close consultation with children and young people to have different relationships with young people who have generously shared their lived When young people viewed poverty with more government, business and the broader community . experience of poverty or provided their observations relativity and thought about what people need, As a consequence they also have different of how it impacts on members of their community, they considered poverty to be a growing issue expectations of life . providing suggestions for how it can be addressed . amongst children and young people that does not look likely to abate any time soon . For young people values matter, human The recommendations proposed are entirely achievable relationships matter, diversity and inclusion matter, if we set our minds and our will to implementing them . They saw that ‘fixed mindsets’ and a ‘lack of attention trust matters, personalised experiences matter, In this way we can be part of a generation that to those less fortunate’ is creating barriers to change . and increasingly, emotions matter . ensured long term change would occur . Change that will once and for all eliminate poverty permanently If people already have opinions on poverty Young people have said they want kind, amongst children and young people across our State, in South Australia and don’t receive any empathetic and respectful interpersonal and on into their adult lives . information challenging their opinions, how relationships with adults and service providers, can anything change? (Male, 16) as it is through these experiences as consumers It is my strong belief that if we work together, and customers that they develop their long term We can’t afford our young people to believe that South Australia can eradicate poverty by 2030 . those who hold power in our society aren’t serious attitudes to and relationships with government and about eradicating poverty across our communities . the broader community including those they have with police, justice and social service providers . Young people want to see their opinions and They are driving a demand for different ways of experiences represented and heard in the being and for actions that we take to make a fairer democratic society in which they live . If they world which fosters deeper connections between don’t they become disengaged and are forced to all ages and each other . operate outside the systems we have put in place . This brings a sense of optimism for the future, and As participants said, ‘poverty is not a choice . the hope that young people will demand policies It is a societal failing’ . One which ‘we must all work and programs to help those missing out because together to solve’ . Young people want to be a part it is the right and just thing to do . We can’t wait of the design to the solutions to poverty across for this next generation to come to power, neither our community . should we be asking this of them . 30 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT 31

Appendix 1: Project Methodology

To obtain the views of children and young people on the sensitive topic of poverty, it was essential to undertake Determining the approach Project underpinnings Workshops

consultative work in safe and A mixed method approach was developed All of the approaches were underpinned Given the paucity of information available meaningful ways . Various factors and applied . This involved exploring by the following: on what children and young people think were considered, including various ‘parts’ of the poverty problem about poverty in South Australia, the how young people’s voices identified as follows: — UN Conventions on the Rights of the Child: Commissioner held a number of workshops Article 12 (Children and Young People were going to be heard, and in with young people to scope the project, 1 definition 3 solutions have the right to be listened to and to be what context . determine the problem framing, and develop 2 causes 4 impact taken seriously .) an understanding of the most appropriate — child safe environment principles terminology to use in the project . It was imperative that the project was The rationale behind utilising these four — a risk and needs assessment accountable to the children and young distinctly different approaches to engaging The starting point for this key question was people who participated, particularly children and young people in the discussions — respect for anonymity exploring this in conversation with small those with lived experience of poverty who around poverty was multifaceted — an ‘opt out at any time’ option; and groups of young people known to be actively shared their personal experiences, ideas and included: — hosts and partners to support participants . committed to addressing social justice issues . and insights . The focus was to identify — maximising inclusion systemic improvements that would benefit An iterative process was undertaken with These conversations assisted the Commissioner other children and young people like them . — increasing opportunities for participation information from conversations between the to properly ‘name’ the project to ensure it The project also had to provide achievable — providing different approaches to suit Commissioner and the children and young would correctly resonate with the different recommendations for action . different groups people participating informing the focus sets of South Australian children and young people who it was hoped would participate — allowing for in-depth exploration through groups, which in turn informed the survey . in consultations undertaken throughout various mixed methodologies Together these all informed the content and structure of the Poverty Summit . This process phases of the project; namely the Survey, — ensuring respectful participation acknowledged the different contributions Fourms, Focus Groups and Poverty Summit . opportunities for all groups made by different participant groups Workshop participants were asked two key — supporting young people in regional at each stage . areas to contribute . questions about poverty and its impact:

1 Is poverty a concept they believe young people understand? 2 Can young people confidently contribute to discussions on possible solutions to poverty? 32 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT APPENDIX 1: PROJECT METHODOLOGY 33

A survey to better understand what young people Focus groups to understand the impact of poverty Focus Group participants were introduced to a fictional Following the externalising exercise, participants were think about poverty character named ‘Poor’ . They were asked to tell the asked to comment on the impact of being ‘Poor’ on CCYP recognised that to truly understand the impact of group how ‘Poor feels’ and what ‘Poor worries about’ . three key areas: Home Life, School Life, and Social Life The Poverty Survey was a project tool developed to poverty on children and young people, we needed those Participants could choose from a selection of ‘feelings’ with their responses contained in the body of this report enable a diverse cross-section of young people living who have had direct experience of poverty to be part of cards or write down their own responses on blank (See pages 14-21) throughout South Australia (SA) to contribute their views the discussion . We knew that children and young people cards provided . Participants could also use the fictional on poverty to the project . Adapted from a similar survey who experienced ‘being poor’ or who themselves were character ‘Poor’ to reflect on what a child living in poverty developed by the Scottish Youth Parliament, and with ‘living in poverty’ were best placed to explain exactly feels and worries about, responding to the following Developing suggestions for solutions their permission, it asked children and young people how this feels, sharing their insight into the true affect series of questions: to poverty through a summit questions relating to why families experience poverty, poverty can have, both over the short and long term . what some of the associated feelings of living in poverty What does it feel like to be ‘poor’? Following the survey and focus groups, young people To ensure young people who have a lived experience are, and if there are particular groups they believe are were given an opportunity to make recommendations of poverty could be involved with the project in a safe Participants selected ‘words’ from a set of ‘feeling cards’ more at risk . to decision makers around what they believe could be and meaningful way, a series of focus groups were with the most prevalent being: done to address the problem of children living in poverty The survey was promoted online and distributed through facilitated . Small groups of young people, along with in South Australia . stakeholder groups from January through to mid July representatives from their supporting agency, were — Ashamed — Helpless — Sad — Scared 2019 . To help ensure surveys reached young people who invited to meet with the Commissioner and participate The 2019 Poverty Summit was organised in partnership — Embarrassed — Depressed are without easy access to the internet, service providers in these focus groups . Sessions were carefully designed with UN Youth SA . It brought together 196 young — Isolated — Lonely that support young people became a major focus and were tailored to address specific needs of those people to explore the question: ‘How can South of the distribution strategy . A total of 1145 SA children attending, with content delivered in ways that were safe Participants were then invited to add their own Australia eradicate poverty by 2030?’ The summit and young people aged 14-22 years completed the survey . and respectful of an individual participant’s personal feelings to this list, with additional feelings including was open to South Australian students in Years 10-12, experiences and vulnerability . positioning young South Australians as global leaders in The survey provided considerable insight into what the following: developing real-world solutions to poverty . young people believe to be the causes of poverty, The focus groups provided CCYP with invaluable — Left out — Different/Abnormal including what factors they perceive as contributing awareness of the emotional and social impact poverty — Annoyed — Untrusting Students from 29 South Australian schools attended . Of to an individual’s risk of suffering from poverty . It also has on children and young people . Through these groups — Empty — Resentful the schools represented, 65% were public schools and provided insight into the values and beliefs our young we better understood how ‘being poor’ affects ‘a kid’s — Overwhelmed — Misunderstood the remainder were private and independent . Of the people hold around choice and opportunity . life’ every-day, in many different ways; that living in public schools, 42% were located in some of the most poverty affects a child’s view of the world, society and disadvantaged areas of South Australia . life in general in myriad ways which are not positive . What worries ‘poor’? Young people developed recommendations on issues Forty seven children and young people aged between they identified as being of greatest concern to South Participants were then asked to write down words that 12 and 21 years, participated in four focus groups . Australian children and young people . The focus groups consisted of young people who have described what they felt ‘Poor’ worries about most . experienced ‘being poor’ or who were themselves The most common responses were: The CCYP learnt that young people in South Australia are currently ‘living in poverty’ . They had diverse socio- not only passionate about addressing poverty locally, — Homelessness — Stability economic backgrounds and included Young Carers as well as around the world, but that they believe there — Food — Safety and young people living in care . They were also are some reasonably straight forward remedies that can — Family — Hygiene culturally diverse, with approximately 20% identifying be applied now to help alleviate various aspects of this — Future — School as Aboriginal, and with many coming from regional complex problem . — Appearance — Opportunities South Australia . Participants had varying abilities, — Money — Alcoholism communication needs and styles . Sessions were — Wellbeing — Survival engaging and safe with creative respectful activities — Judgement used to facilitate discussions . 34 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT 35

Technical Report: Poverty Survey Analysis 36 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT TECHNICAL REPORT: POVERTY SURVEY ANALYSIS 37

Technical Report: Survey limitations Most respondents that completed the survey were between the ages of 12 and 21 years, Poverty Survey Analysis The survey had some limitations . Although accounting for 90% of the sample, whilst a it aimed to achieve a completely random smaller group of respondents, aged 7-11 and sample, the distribution of the survey through 22-25 respectively accounted for the reminder social media platforms and project partners, of the sample . meant that only cohorts that had access to The Poverty Survey was conducted online these groups and the internet, were able to Less than half of the respondents identified and offline between January and July 2019 . complete the survey . Whilst specific attention some level of diversity . The smallest diversity In total, 1,145 South Australian children and was given to account for this, the findings group was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people participated in the survey . should be interpreted with this in mind . children and young people accounting for 2 .5% of the sample . All other diversity groups were The impact of this distribution strategy above 5% of the sample . Overall a little under appears to primarily have had some influence 60% of respondents did not identify with any The survey aimed to understand perceptions The codes were developed through grounded on the age groups that therefore completed of the listed diversity groups . of poverty . It utilised the format of a poverty theory . This consisted of an initial data the survey . The largest cohorts clustered survey conducted by the Scottish Youth immersion process to gain an understanding around 12-14 years of age and 15-17 years Nearly three quarters of the sample described Parliament, applying a South Australian lens . of the naturally occurring themes and of age . At approximately 5% of the sample their family background as ‘Comfortably off’ subjects discussed by the respondents . size respectively, the limited number of and a further 17% described their family It consisted of nine questions on causation, The codes were then further developed respondents who were in the 7-11 years of background as ‘Wealthy’ . Overall just under impact and response, as well as three through multiple cycles of coding, and were age and 22-25 years of age groupings, limits 9% of the sample identified their family self-identifying demographic questions . refined, expanded, reviewed and reapplied the generalisability of findings . background as ‘Poor’ . This question provided The responses tell us about how children across all responses . some of the most important contextualisation and young people see poverty in their of the survey findings with a significant communities and how this changes Coding development and application was Who were the respondents? variance in responses across these groups . according to their age and background . workshopped continuously throughout the process, with several reviews undertaken In total, 1145 respondents participated in The self-identification aspect of these The analysis of this survey uses a mixed by an independent party . This ensured the the poverty survey . A vast majority of these demographic questions was important to method approach, combining both coding remained representative and without respondents (968) completed the survey the overall purpose of the survey . This enabled quantitative and qualitative methods . any application bias . This qualitative analysis online through the web based survey platform respondent self-perceptions to align with Simple responses and categorical data were was later factored into the quantitative ‘Survey Monkey’ while a smaller number (177) their view of poverty whilst ensuring that analysed using statistical software, while analyses undertaken using a statistical completed the survey in hard copy . the broadest range of participants were open ended text questions were analysed software package . engaged, even where they did not know through qualitative research software . The survey exhibited a good level of the specifics about their family background . Participants’ responses to three demographic variance across age, background and diversity . The qualitative analysis consisted of a digital questions focused on the respondent’s age, Whilst respondents self-identified responses coding process . Codes were assigned to diversity and family financial background . to these questions, no flags across the data individual responses representing substantive Age and family background were primarily were identified that indicated duplicate or themes or subjects . A code was applied to used to understand the cluster of views . deliberately misleading responses . Additionally, each individual response where a particular data provided by social media platforms and theme or subject was present . This enabled identified during the distribution of hard copy an accurate comparison of the different surveys, confirmed the survey was reached themes between each of the respondents . and accessed by the intended audience (children and young people aged 7 to 25) . 38 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT TECHNICAL REPORT: POVERTY SURVEY ANALYSIS 39

What Causes Poverty?

Respondents to the poverty survey were asked two No respondent that had identified their family’s For example, respondents who used ‘Education’ Additionally those who described their family’s questions on the causes of family and child poverty . background as ‘Poor’, answered that families as a justification for ‘choice’ as a cause, often situation as ‘Poor’, most often discussed ‘individual The first question asked the respondents to select were in poverty due to their choices alone . framed this as the choice not to complete school decisions and choices’ (14 .2%) despite not whether families with children in poverty were so This is in contrast to other respondents, in particular or a particular qualification . Contrastingly those answering that choice was the only cause . because of the choices they had made, factors those that had identified their background as who used ‘Education’ as a justification for their that were out of their control or a combination of ‘Wealthy’ - who were nearly twice as likely answer for things they can’t control, framed this This is in contrast to those who described their both of these things . A majority of respondents to say that family poverty was caused by the around a lack of influence over the quality of background as ‘Wealthy’ . These respondents went on to explain why they had selected their choices they make (9 .8%) than those identifying schooling, engagement or preparedness for life . were comparatively more likely to discuss the answer . The second question asked respondents as ‘Comfortably off’ (5 .1%) . impact of ‘Intergenerational Poverty’ (8 .3%) despite whether or not a series of factors could cause Those that answered both tended to consider a less significant focus on factors outside of family and child poverty, with a simple yes or This suggests that there is a clear difference in the multiple possibilities . They might have considered individual control . no response asked for, as well as the option to way poverty is viewed by young people who come not completing a qualification as a choice but Nobody can choose the life they are born indicate that they did not know . from financially stable families when compared to regarded it also as something out of a person’s those coming from families that are more likely to control due to a particular reason for that choice, into, or whether they will be presented with experience financial difficulty . such as child rearing responsibilities . opportunities, although there are some people who don’t make the effort to work hard and Poverty: beyond control or a matter of choice In explaining why respondents answered the As a result, there was generally little statistical remain unemployed. (Gender unknown 15-17) way that they did, a range of personal beliefs distinction between themes in the context of the Overwhelmingly respondents answered that they There are just so many situations that could end and experiences were relied on to explain their respondent’s initial answer . There were, however, do not see poverty as a simple matter of choice, up this way. (Gender unknown 15-17) answers . The most common explanations were some exceptions to this . Those who had answered rather they believe family and child poverty is due simple, simply that both were possible (23 .1 %), that that poverty was caused by factors out of a The age of the respondent had little effect on to factors that are out of the individual’s control there is no one cause for poverty (11 .4 %) or rather person’s control were least likely to explain that the theme/s that they raised, however, more (27 .7%) or due to a combination of both choice that financial factors led to this situation (9 .5 %) . they had answered this way because poverty is detailed answers were generally provided by and factors out of the individual’s control (58 .7%) . caused by ‘multiple factors’ . This might also be due, older respondents . Only a very small minority (5 .4%) believed that Some people prioritise their money badly however, to there being a perception that there poverty was caused by choice . The reasons for causing them to be in poverty however was a stronger focus on a particular factor being The results tell us that the causes of poverty can why respondents answered this way are diverse, some people simply do not make enough beyond control, more so than other respondents . be viewed from a range of different perspectives, however they highlight the significant extent to money to get by no matter how hard they try. and even when the same issue is considered it can which children and young people are able to (Female, 15-17) Well…if their choice is not to get a job or go to be used to justify opposite positions . In some cases appreciate the complexity of poverty as a subject . university most of the time they end up poor and it was evident that prompting the respondent to Because it could be for any reason — some living on the streets. (Gender unknown, 7-11) consider why they had answered the way they Because most of the time people try their best people make bad choices but it doesn’t make did, actually led them to describe a more neutral yet still end up in poverty because of things them bad people. (Male, 15-17) No one chooses deliberately to be in poverty. position in their explanation showing they had that effect their lives that they cannot control. It could be unfortunate life events, lack of Explanations emphasised that when poverty was an appreciation for both individual decisions and (Male, 16) education, poor health, etc. but none of these considered in more detail there was a tendency factors beyond the control of an individual . things are really ‘chosen’. (Male, 22-25) Interestingly responses were divided more by the to use a variety of ‘causes’ to justify or frame respondent’s family’s financial background than by the respondent’s initial answer . This resulted in Respondents that felt poverty was caused by their age . The influence of age appeared only to respondents often considering or raising multiple individual decisions, were most likely to discuss a cause some slight polarisation . themes . There was significant variety in this, with ‘lack of effort’ as their justification at three times some respondents raising the same theme, but the rate of other respondents, while simultaneously framing it to suit their initial answer . being the least likely to discuss a ‘lack of help’ . low number of respondents thathadanswered relevant knowledge first question became clearer here, did age as had emerged intherespondent’s answer to the caused family or poverty child and asked therespondent to consider if they listed aseries of situations andexperiences The second question onthecauses of poverty What factors lead to poverty? 40

Poor money choice CCYP —POVERTY REPORT Out of work . Drugs and alcohol Interestingly, despite thevery

High cost of living . Themes that

Lone parent What can cause poverty? Yes Low paid work

Disability No factor inawider sense likely to have been perceived asacontributing context of respondents’ initialanswers thisismost respondents felt caused poverty (90.3%) of work’ were themost common situations that ‘Poor choices about money’ ‘Beingout alongside decisions canthat individual lead to poverty, Immigrant Don’t Know Large family

Losing Centrelink

Being lazy .

Disadvantaged

Centrelink reliance In the Inthe

Relationship broader perception of thecauses of poverty course was dependent also upon therespondent’s of money coming into thehousehold . more relevant factors, suchasalimited amount felt thatinthese situations, there were other this islikely dueto be thefact thatrespondents options provided . as theleast likely causes of poverty inthelist of ‘Relying too muchonCentrelink’ (56.3%)were seen ‘Having arelationship breakdown’ (48.5%)and respondents answered thisquestion . Age was amore relevant factor asto how know’ to both these situations thanrespondents significantly lesslikely to respond with ‘Idon’t lazy’ were not causes of poverty, andwere that ‘Relying too muchonCentrelink’ and‘Being situation as‘Poor’ were themost likely to say answered . had some influence over the way inwhichthey The respondents’ demographic background also impact thatcan arise from these or similar situations to have developed asense of the possible financial suggesting thatolder respondents were more likely term followed illnessor also disability’ thispattern, meet them. aware of expenses andthebudgets required to understanding of finances, andare generally more due to thefact thatolder respondents have abetter these questions both to yes answer to The older therespondent, themore likely they were Centrelink unexpectedly’living’ and‘A of cost high a clear pattern emerged inanswers to ‘Losing TECHNICAL REPORT: POVERTY SURVEY ANALYSIS

for poverty. (Female, 22) need to get out of thecycle. It’s not causation on Centrelink. They can’t afford thethingsthey comes with it. Ofcourse poorer people rely Centrelink doesn’t ‘cause’ poverty. It’s that apart payliving cheque to pay cheque. Relying on No onechooses poverty. Noonedesires alife Those whoidentified their families Respondents’ answers to ‘Havingalong Given respondents’ explanations In particular . This is likely This of . .

.

situations would impact others situation, the less likely they felt thatfinancial respondent felt abouttheir own family’s financial of poverty of work’ or ‘Beinginlow work’ paid were causes were to Cost say that‘High of Living’, ‘Beingout family background, financial thelesslikely they financially related . This isincontrast to questions whichwere background . work ethic are not associated with financial backgrounds andsuggests thatperceptions on assumptions ontheviews of those from wealthier to answer ‘Don’t know’ . a cause of poverty ‘Poor’ background to answer that‘Beinglazy’was less likely thanthose from a‘Comfortably-off’ or Respondents from a‘Wealthy’ background were or observed experience respondents maybe more reliant onless direct amongst these respondents, where asother to ahigherprobability of ‘lived experience’ backgrounds respondents from ‘Wealthy’ and‘Comfortably-off’ were less likely to answer ‘don’t know’ than Generally respondents from a‘Poor’ background Centrelink unexpectedly’ . (27%) backgrounds for responses to ‘Losing those from ‘Comfortably-off’ (23.3%)and‘Wealthy’ rate of ‘Don’t know’ responses was recorded for ‘Comfortably-off’ or ‘Wealthy’ . who haddescribed their families situation as

and donot know how to get help. (Male, 16) You could be inpoverty because you are alone . Consequently themore secure a . Part of thismaybe attributed . Instead they were most likely The better off therespondent’s This maydisplace some . A similarly high high Asimilarly . 41 42 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT TECHNICAL REPORT: POVERTY SURVEY ANALYSIS 43

Who Does Poverty Affect? The perceived impacts of poverty

Respondents were asked three questions relating to the perceived impacts of poverty . Respondents were asked in one question, Of the possible answers, respondents I think poverty particularly affects refugees The first question asked respondents to list who they feel poverty affects the most . listed Refugees and Immigrants as the due to being a marginalised group the feelings they think are linked to living A series of prompts were given in the group most impacted by poverty by in society. (Gender unknown, 15 -17) in poverty . The second question asked questions that aimed to trigger a broad far . Refugees were listed by the highest respondents to rate how difficult it would be People out of work who have no income. appreciation of the possible answers . proportion of respondents (42%) followed to afford selected categories of common Refugees who come to the country looking This included families, people without work, by a combined count of those unemployed expenses, and the third question asked if for work or education and are rejected and refugees, single people and young people . or without work (36%) . Families and Young those living in poverty were comparatively have no income or education. Families who Respondents were free to give any answer, people were the next two most commonly more or less likely to experience selected have been raised in poverty and do not including an answer that was not listed . answered groups . Those that are disabled negative experiences . know any better. (Gender unknown, 12-14) Generally respondents chose from this list (3 .4%) and homeless (3 3%). were the two and in some cases provided a range of most commonly reported groups that were Again the respondent’s self-identified family Respondents were given space to write the other groups . not listed within the question . background had a significant impact on feelings they believe are associated with living who the respondents perceived as being in poverty . Generally respondents provided most impacted by poverty . While all groups a list of feelings, with very few respondents listed Refugees as their number one group opting to be more descriptive in their answers . Who does poverty affect the most? impacted by poverty, the emphasis placed Responses largely focused on strong negative on groups differed . Those from a wealthy emotional states, with sadness (39 .56%) and 50 depression (31 .7%) dominating the responses . 45 background listed young people at half 40 the rate of those with a ‘Comfortably-off’ These were twice as significant as the next 35 or ‘Poor’ background and were nearly most commonly listed feeling of Anger 30 % 25 three times as likely to list those with a (14 .76%) and were a feature of a majority of 20 ‘Drug or Alcohol addiction’ . Those with a responses . Anxiety (12 93%),. loneliness (11 .18%), 15 hopelessness (9 .61%) and shame (8 .47%) were 10 ‘Poor’ background were twice as likely to 5 list ‘People with a Disability’ as a group also common responses . 0

most affected by poverty . While those with This suggests that children and young a ‘Comfortably-off’ background were 30% people view living in poverty as a deeply Families

Homeless more likely to mention ‘Unemployed people’ disheartening experience, likely to trigger Unemployed Single people Young people Young or ‘People without work’ some of the strongest and darkest emotions . This suggests that whilst respondents tended Those with a disability with Those Alcohol and drug users Alcohol Most responses focused on emotional states Refugees and immigrants Refugees to agree on the core groups most affected by and it was less common for respondents poverty, there is a difference in the perception to list the feelings linked to a physical state, of some of the less common groups . This may Aboriginal and Torrens Strait Islander Strait Aboriginal and Torrens such as hunger (3 .67%) and feeling cold have some minor consequences for the (0 .70%) . Some respondents raised feelings perceived impacts and causes of poverty, of gratitude, happiness and being blessed, however, it was considered too statistically which were mostly contextualised as feelings insignificant to explore in this analysis . following small acts of kindness or assistance and were themselves comparatively small in frequency . 44 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT TECHNICAL REPORT: POVERTY SURVEY ANALYSIS 45

What feelings are linked to poverty? What families can’t afford

45 Respondents were given a series of possible expenses and asked to rank on a 40 four point scale how difficult they thought it would be for a family in poverty 35 to afford them . This included the ability to opt for a ‘don’t know’ response . 30 25 ‘Very difficult’ was assigned a value of 1 while ‘Not difficult at all’ was assigned % 20 a value of 4 . Generally respondents answered that the most difficult thing for 15 families living in poverty to afford are ‘Nice things’ (1 23). followed by ‘Bills’ (1 .34) 10 and ‘Good Housing’ (1 5). . Respondents felt that the least difficult thing for families 5 0 in poverty to afford is the cost of ‘Further Education’ (2 .09) . This was the only category in which none of the respondents had selected that it would be Sad Fear Stress Angry Worry Lonely ‘Very difficult’ and it also had the highest level of agreement . Shame Despair Anxious Hopeless Depressed

The respondent’s family background had Age had a more substantial impact on How might families afford the following? a limited impact on the type of feelings the feelings that were mentioned by the

that were raised . Generally those form a respondent, and this was most apparent Nice things ‘Comfortably-off’ and ‘Poor’ background had in the language that respondents used . Bills the greatest variance in the feelings that they Although some emotions such as depression Housing described . Additionally those from a ‘Poor’ were common across all respondents, School extras background were almost twice as likely to younger respondents tended to convey Child care mention feelings of hopelessness and stress simpler emotions, while older respondents when compared to other respondents . explained more complex feelings . For Basics example in the 07-11 and 12-14 age groups, Education Sadness, people staring, some people responses tended to cluster around three Transport start to do bad things once they’re on feelings; Anger (35 .29%), Sadness (66 .67%) 0 0 .5 1 1 5. 2 2 .5 the streets. (Gender unknown, 7 -11) and Depression (31 .37%) . In contrast, Depressed, worthless, sad, worried. respondents in the older age groups were (Gender unknown, 18-21) more likely to convey a larger range of feelings such as Anxiety, Hopelessness, Fear, Generally the more financially secure When compared to respondents that had Shame and Despair . This was also true for the family background identified by the identified their family background as ‘Poor’, the frequency with which other feelings respondent was, the less difficult they the difference across all categories for were raised . The older the respondent was, perceived all of the costs to be . This held those ‘Comfortably off’ was on average the less likely they were to mention Anger true across all categories, with the exception equal to a shift of 12. points from the mean or Sadness and other feelings associated of transport, where those identifying as importance, and .16 points for those in the with a physical state . ‘Comfortably off’ were more likely to rate ‘Wealthy’ category . In other words, respondents the difficulty lower than those from a that had described their family background ‘Wealthy’ background . as ‘Wealthy’ or ‘Comfortably off’ were consistently and substantially more likely to rank the difficultly of any cost lower than those from a ‘Poor’ background . 46 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT TECHNICAL REPORT: POVERTY SURVEY ANALYSIS 47

What those living in poverty might experience

Living in poverty puts you at a disadvantage Respondents were asked how likely they The self-identified family financial background Age had a significant impact on how to most aspects of life. In some cases thought it would be that those living in of the respondent again demonstrated a respondents answered this survey question . you would need to decide what’s more poverty would experience a series of possible degree of difference between respondents . Generally the older the respondent was important having food or paying the feelings and situations . Respondents who In all cases the more financially secure the the greater the chance they would respond power bill, it wouldn’t be easy knowing rated the experiences listed as ‘more likely’ respondent’s family background was as that a particular feeling was ‘more likely’ . most people take it for granted. were assigned a value of 3 with situations self-identified, the less likely they were to see Younger respondents tended to answer that (Gender unknown, 15-17) that were ‘less likely’ assigned a value of 1 . any of the feelings or situations as ‘more likely’ . the given feeling or situation was ‘as likely’ Those that were rated ‘as likely’ were assigned On average this difference was equal more often . For responses to ‘Nothing fun to Respondents across ages generally agreed a value of 2 . Of the feelings and situations to a shift of 0 .13 points from the mean do’, ‘Feeling discriminated’ and ‘Being bullied’ on the difficulty associated with affording listed, ‘Feeling Anxious’ (2 51). was perceived to likelihood for those from a ‘Comfortably-off’ the age of the respondent had a clear impact . ‘School extras’ ‘Further education’ and ‘Nice be the most likely listed feeling families living background and 0 .26 points for those from This may be due to the types of recreational things’ . One exception was that the older the in poverty would experience, followed by a ‘Wealthy’ background . This difference activities younger and older respondents respondent, the more likely it was that they ‘Feeling Isolated’ (2 .49) and ‘Being Bullied’ was most notable with the respondents’ engage in, with younger respondents would increase the difficulty associated with (2 44). . There was a consistent level of variance ranking of ‘Nothing fun to do’, with those from tending to be more creative in their play . covering the cost of ‘Basics’, ‘Child-care’ and amongst respondents with the exception a ‘Wealthy’ background most likely to say that This is supported in part by responses to ‘Transport’ and the more likely they would of ‘Not having fun things to do’ which had a this experience was ‘as likely’ (2 .05), while ‘feeling isolated’ where respondents upwards be to decrease the difficulty associated with greater level of variance, likely attributed to those from a ‘Comfortably-off’ background of 15 years of age had a much more significant meeting payment of ‘Bills’ . This again may divergent opinions . showed a slightly higher probability of probability of answering that this experience be attributed to the financial awareness of selecting ‘more likely’ (2 .16) . Those from a was ‘more likely’ . the respondent, as was evident with older Being poor is just one more thing to add ‘Poor’ background had a substantially higher respondents in previous questions . to a mountain of things for people to probability of saying it was ‘more likely’ (2 .47) . worry about. (Gender unknown, 18-21)

You might feel like you don’t have many friends but it would be good to have friends. (Gender unknown, 12-14) How likely are families with children to experience the following?

The difference was most pronounced 0 .5 between the youngest and oldest 0 .4 respondents, as well as those from 0 .3 a ‘Wealthy’ background and those 0 .2 from a ‘Poor’ background . 0 .1

0

Bullied Anxious Isolated Nothing fun Nothing Discrimination Feeling unsafe Feeling

Comfortably off Wealthy 48 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT TECHNICAL REPORT: POVERTY SURVEY ANALYSIS 49

Responding to Poverty

Respondents that participated in the survey The background of the respondent had a significant When explaining why they had answered the way Age also had a significant impact on how the generally felt that governments do not spend impact on whether they felt government spends that they had, respondents provided a variety of respondent answered . Younger respondents were enough money tackling poverty (57%) . A significant enough on poverty . Those with a ‘Poor’ background explanations constructed from their perspective . most likely to answer that they did not know, proportion of respondents were unsure if they were significantly more likely to feel that governments Generally these only included one or two principle and tended to highlight the ‘number of people in spend enough (32 .5%) while only a small number do not spend enough money tackling poverty (64%) themes, such as their sense of inequality or poverty’ or cite ‘a lack of relative change’ to those (10%) felt that governments do spend enough while those with a ‘Wealthy’ background were reliance on a fact, or an expressed personal in poverty . Older respondents on the other hand money . Respondents provided a variety of nearly twice as likely to say that governments do belief . Those reporting a ‘Wealthy’ background were more likely to raise the theme of inequality explanations for their response with the most spend enough tackling poverty (17%) . were comparatively most likely to say they and talk about government spending in and of common indicating they had answered in the had answered that way because they believe itself, commenting on the policies and priorities way they did due to current ‘government policy If we spent enough money tackling there was ‘sufficient assistance and spending’ . around this . This highlighted a subtle yet small direction or priorities’ (16 9%). . Some described poverty, it wouldn’t be a problem anymore. Although a high percentage of all respondents difference; the older the respondent the more their response as a matter of choice, while others (Gender unknown, 15-17) attributed their answer to ‘government policy likely they were to apply a theoretical lens to their provided more detail . Overall explanations tended Because as a person living in poverty I direction or priorities’ those with a ‘Poor’ argument, whereas the younger the respondent to be straightforward, with the most common feel as though governments don’t care. backgrounds were the most likely to answer the more direct they tended to be . reflecting a focus on ‘insufficient assistance’ (15%) (Gender unknown, 15-17) in this way (21%) . or due to the ‘number of people in poverty’ (9 .3%) . There are always concerns that we would become a welfare state if we assisted those in poverty, but that sounds more like an excuse to keep poor people poor. (Gender unknown, 18-21) Do governments spend enough on poverty?

Yes and no… They spend a large amount 70 of money already on poor people and 60 spending more would take money from 50 other important things. But the government 40 % can also waste money that could have gone 30 to better things such as helping the poor. 20 (Gender unknown, 12-14) 10 0 Poor Comfortably off Wealthy

Don’t know No Yes 50 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT TECHNICAL REPORT: POVERTY SURVEY ANALYSIS 51

Children and young people’s rights and the government

Overwhelmingly respondents said that they Because these young people might The age of the respondent had some Respondents’ backgrounds had a slightly believe the government has a responsibility not have anyone else to rely on. impact on how they answered . Again younger measurable impact, with those from a to protect the rights of children and young Government assistance allows for a respondents, compared to the rest of the ‘Wealthy’ family background marginally people (90 4%),. with only 26 respondents out stable society. (Gender unknown, 18-21) sample, were the most likely to answer that more likely to respond that governments of 1,102 saying that they do not (2 .4%) believe they ‘didn’t know’ . However respondents didn’t have a responsibility or that they Because the government isn’t supposed they have a responsibility . Similarly a small across all age groups were more likely ‘didn’t know’ when compared to other groups . to rule the country with an iron number said that they themselves didn’t to say they ‘didn’t know’ rather than fist and not care about its people. know (7 8%). . In explaining why they had respond that the government did not Once again all respondents in these groups (Gender unknown, 15-17) chosen this answer, respondents were most have a responsibility to protect the rights were more likely to state that they ‘didn’t likely to state that the ‘government had What’s the purpose of a government of children and young people . know’ than that ‘the government didn’t have a responsibility’ (29%) . Alternatively they if not to protect its citizens. a responsibility’ . In their explanation for why would discuss relevant rights frameworks (Gender unknown, 15-17) The importance of protecting rights for they had answered the way they did, some (13%), the importance of rights for an ‘ethical ‘Fairness’ was most often discussed by interesting trends could be seen . For example Our government has a responsibility to society’ (12%) or the importance of these the youngest respondents aged 7-11 (12%) . those with a ‘Poor’ background were twice as look after the world’s future, which is us. rights for their future (10%) . This reflected a prevalent feeling amongst likely as those with a ‘Wealthy’ background to (Gender unknown, 12-14) respondents in this age group that children raise the purpose of ‘being safe’ . and young people are a vulnerable cohort (14%) and that rights help protect this vulnerability . Those from a ‘Comfortably-off’ background, and to a greater extent those from a ‘Wealthy’ Younger respondents tended to have a background were more likely to talk about stronger focus on rights in general, whilst rights, whether in the context of a rights older respondents were more likely to framework, compared to those from a ‘Poor’ talk about rights in the sense of a rights background who did not . Interestingly those framework such as the UN Convention that identified themselves as coming from Do governments have the responsibility to protect on the Rights of the Child or the Universal a ‘Comfortably-off’ background were those the rights of children and young people? Declaration of Human Rights . most likely to talk about ‘fairness’ while those from a ‘Poor’ and ‘Wealthy’ background were Average Because it meets the obligations of the more likely to talk about rights as being in the declaration of human rights and that’s 22 - 25 ‘interest of society’ . as good of a moral guide as anything. 18 - 21 (Gender unknown, 15-17) 15 -17 Years of age of Years 12 - 14

7 - 11

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Don’t know No Yes 52 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT TECHNICAL REPORT: POVERTY SURVEY ANALYSIS 53

Young People’s views are important

Respondents were asked how important it is Most often respondents felt it was important Primary school aged respondents were The respondents’ background also had that governments listen to views of children to listen to children and young people as they also the most likely to say that it was not some impact on the way in which they and young people when tackling poverty . are integral to ‘the future’ (18%) and along with important for governments to listen to the answered . Respondents who had identified They had the option to answer on a four others have ‘views and perspectives’ (13%) views of children and young people, with as coming from a ‘Poor’ family background point scale from ‘Not important at all’ to and ‘a right to be heard’ (10%) . A significant nearly two thirds of those between the were more likely to say that it was ‘very important’ . Overall 95% of respondents number of respondents also noted that ages of 7 and 14 years responded that it important that governments listened to felt that it was important that governments children and young people who experience wasn’t important . This was reflected in the views of children and young people . listen to the views of children and young poverty and have a ‘lived experience’ (11%) of the explanations, with young respondents Those with a ‘Comfortably-off’ background people, with a vast majority stating it was it are worthy of being heard . comparatively more likely to have answered and a ‘Wealthy’ background were more very important (71%) . Respondents rated the because they felt ‘children and young people likely to say it wasn’t . Generally, the less importance highly with an overall score of Age had a slight influence on how important don’t know enough’ . financially secure the family background, (3 .64) and less than 15 respondents stating respondents felt that it was for governments the more importance the respondent placed that it was ‘not important’ . to listen to the views of children and young On the other hand older respondents were on governments in listening to the views of people . Generally as the respondents became more likely to believe children and young children and young people . Over the sample Of concern, was a response from over a third older (with the exception of 7-11 year olds) people had views that could contribute this was associated with a .1 shift in the mean of those who completed the survey (36%) who the more important they felt it was for something, as well as a right to make this importance per group from 3 .53 for those felt that it was ‘not important at all’ . They governments to listen . This was associated contribution and have it heard . with a ‘Wealthy’ background to 3 .75 for those had answered due to ‘personal experience’ with approximately a 1. increase in the mean from a ‘Poor’ background’ . and provided some description of this . A score of importance per age group (3 .58 for Children and young people are often similar proportion of respondents felt that 12-14 year olds to 3 .82 for 22-25 year olds) . excluded from conversations about tackling This shift was reflected in the explanations due to a limitation on what their views and This higher level of importance for older poverty despite the fact that they suffer respondents gave, with those from a ‘Wealthy’ those of other young people could contribute respondents may in part be due to the just as much and even more than other and ‘Comfortably-off’ background, 8 and 9 they were not important . Despite this, benefit of hindsight and/or consideration members. (Gender unknown, 15-17) times more likely to have answered the way a significant portion of respondents felt that of this question in relation to themselves The future is young people, so we need to they did, than those from a ‘Poor’ background . children and young people do have quality or their peers . listen to their opinions. Young people are This was possibly due to a view they held views to contribute (7%) . more aware to social issues than you think that children and young people had a ‘limited they are. (Gender unknown, 15-17) ability to understand’ poverty . Conversely those from a ‘Poor’ background were twice as likely as those from ‘Wealthy’ and ‘Comfortably-off’ backgrounds to state that children and young Mean importance by age people had ‘quality views’ .

22 - 25

18 - 21

15 -17

12 - 14 Years of age of Years

7 - 11

3 .45 3 .5 3 .55 3 .6 3 .65 3 .7 3 .75 3 .8 3 .85 54 CCYP — POVERTY REPORT 55

Acknowledgements

Thank you to all the children and young people who participated in the various community engagement activities undertaken as part of the CCYP Poverty Project .

Thanks also the to the following organisations who supported children and young people’s participation: Anti Poverty Network SA, Carers SA, CREATE Foundation, UN Youth SA, Wiltja Secondary College .

Endnotes Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders People

1 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development . (2018), ‘OECD Data: Poverty Rate’ . The SA Commissioner for Children and Young People acknowledges the unique contribution of Available: https://data .oecd .org/inequality/poverty-rate .htm Aboriginal people’s culture and heritage to South Australian society . Although participant details were 2 See: Davidson, P ., Saunders, P ., Bradbury, B . and Wong, M . (2018), Poverty in Australia, 2018 . not recorded specifically in relation to cultural identity or background, a significant number of children ACOSS/UNSW Poverty and Inequality Partnership Report No . 2, Sydney: ACOSS ., Organisation for and young people who took part in this project identified as Aboriginal . Economic Co-operation and Development (2019), ‘OECD .Stat: Social Protection and Well-being’ . For the purposes of this report the term ‘Aboriginal’ encompasses South Australia’s diverse language Available: https://stats .oecd .org/Index .aspx?DataSetCode=IDD, groups and also recognises those of Torres Strait Islander descent . The use of the term ‘Aboriginal’ in Wilkins, R . (2016), ‘The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey: this way is not intended to imply equivalence between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, Selected Findings from Waves 1 to 14’, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research . recognising the similarities that do exist . Available: https://melbourneinstitute .unimelb .edu .au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/2155507/hilda-statreport-2016 .pdf 3 South Australian Council of Social Service . (2018), ‘Poverty rate twice as high in regional SA’, Available: https://www .sacoss .org .au/poverty-rate-twice-high-regional-sa 4 McCrindle Research . (2019), ‘Australia’s household income and wealth distribution’ . Available: https://mccrindle .com .au/insights/blog/australias-household-income-wealth-distribution/ 5 Productivity Commission . (2018), ‘Rising inequality? A stocktake of the evidence’ . Available: https://www .pc .gov .au/research/completed/rising-inequality/rising-inequality-highlights .pdf Suggested Citation 6 For Example: Boyden, J ., Dawes, A ., Dornan, P ., & Tredoux, C . (2019) . Tracing the Consequences of Child Poverty: Connolly, Helen - Commissioner for Children and Young People SA . Evidence from the Young Lives study in Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam . Bristol, UK; Chicago, IL, USA: Bristol University The Poverty Project, what South Australian Children and Press . Engle, P ., & Black . (2008) The effect of poverty on child and child development and educational outcomes, Young People have said about Poverty. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences . Vol: 1136 (1), pp . 243-256 . 7 See for example: Peterie, M et al . (2019) ‘Does Australia have a ‘job snob’ problem?’ . Australian Broadcasting Corporation . © Copyright 2019 Available: https://www .abc .net .au/news/2019-08-06/does-australia-have-a-job-snob-problem/11387270 Commissioner for Children and Young People, South Australia . All rights reserved . 251 Morphett Street, Adelaide SA 5000 @ccyp_sa GPO Box 1146, Adelaide SA 5001 /ccypsa 08 8226 3355 | commissionercyp@sa .gov .au ccyp .com .au