“I spent three years sleeping on a blow-up mattress, bouncing between relatives’ houses with my four siblings, when I was just nine-years-old. This was after my mum escaped an abusive relationship and couldn’t find permanent housing for our large family of six.

I just wanted a quiet place to do homework, a cupboard for my clothes. I wanted a birthday party like the ones all my friends had.

I just felt really crowded and overwhelmed. I was stressed that my classmates might found out. Eventually, I started to get behind in my schoolwork and lose focus in class because I was constantly worried for myself and my siblings.”

- Shayna (name changed)

Unfortunately, Shayna’s story isn’t unique.

There are thousands of Australian kids in similar situations.

This is why we are calling on the Federal Government to implement a Child Poverty Reduction Act, that creates a bold roadmap towards poverty reduction.

In 2018, New Zealand adopted child poverty reduction legislation that requires governments to set 3 and 10-year targets to reduce child poverty. Bipartisan support for this legislation in New Zealand shows that New Zealand agrees that the reduction of child poverty is not a political issue, it’s a moral one.

Australia’s children need a similar level of commitment from our politicians. Leaving one in six Australian children in poverty is a policy choice.

And we cannot blame the parents and care givers, this is due to cost of living, housing shortages, soaring interest rates, inflation and decades of totally inadequate income support. Families are doing their best, parents often going without the essentials in life to provide for their children who they love and cherish.

Poverty is a complex societal issue influenced by economic, social, and structural factors. Ending Child Poverty desperately needs a more effective approach to provide support and resources. This includes access to affordable housing, quality education, healthcare, childcare, and job opportunities.

The negative impact of poverty on a child’s development and life outcomes is significant and well documented and can last a lifetime. Poverty effects a child’s health, mental health and wellbeing and many children experience missing out on essential items like food, clothing, a safe place to sleep and often friendships. A child who lives in poverty is 3.3 times as likely to live in poverty as an adult.

Children in Australia need us to value them and speak up for them.

Please sign and share this petition to help us ensure all kids get the same opportunities to reach their full potential.