Poverty is often driven by systemic factors including family violence, inadequate income support, rising living costs and a lack of affordable housing. In its submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Extent and Nature of Poverty in Australia, South-East Monash Legal Service highlighted the intersecting causes and impacts of poverty, particularly for women, children and people relying on income support.
The submission calls for stronger social security payments, increased access to affordable housing, targeted support for victim-survivors of family violence, and greater investment in opportunities that improve health, education and long-term economic participation.
