Leaders from across the ACT community and business sectors came together today to launch 2021 Anti-Poverty Week (APW) and to call for action to be taken to end poverty. During the launch, CEOs representing organisations working with local children and families highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Canberrans living below the poverty line. Representatives from the private sector also joined the launch to remind us that poverty's impact ripples across our economy and society and that measures to tackle poverty can bring positive economic benefits.
Co-chair ACT APW and ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Emma Campbell said: "As a result of the COVID-19 health and economic crisis, rates of poverty have increased and inequality persists in our community. This APW we are reminding all governments that there are two key things they can do to reduce poverty for individuals, families and children: raise income support above the poverty line and invest in social housing. We are also encouraging Canberrans to support the local community organisations supporting those in the ACT impacted by poverty and disadvantage by donating through Hands Across Canberra."
Co-chair ACT APW and Woden Community Service CEO, Jenny Kitchin said: "In the ACT, poverty is often hidden behind high averages and the relative wealth of the ACT compared to other jurisdictions. Yet here in the ACT, 38,000 people are living in poverty including 9,000 children. During anti-poverty week we will be asking Canberrans to reflect about poverty and disadvantage on our own doorstep and what we can do to make a change through a range of events."
To coincide with APW, ACTCOSS has released its updated ACT Poverty Factsheet. Factsheet: Poverty and COVID-19 in the ACT | ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (actcoss.org.au)
For a full list of events and more information and resources on APW you can go to the ACT's Anti-Poverty Week page
