“When I grow up, I want to be poor.”

How many times have you heard that?

It’s a sentence no child has ever uttered – because no one aspires to live in poverty. And yet, for nearly four million Australians, poverty is not a choice; it’s a daily reality.

On Thursday 6 November 2025, the St Vincent de Paul Society National Council presented a landmark research report at Parliament House in Canberra. Commissioned by the Society and authored by Associate Professor Ben Phillips from the Australian National University’s Centre for Social Policy Research, the report bears the title, A Fairer Tax and Welfare System for Australia.

While the title may sound technical, the heart of the report is deeply human. It is the Society’s urgent response to a national crisis: the need to lift more Australians out of poverty.

Beyond Charity: A Call for Structural Change

As Vincentians, we are committed to walking alongside people experiencing poverty and disadvantage. We offer practical support, compassion and hope. But our vision extends beyond immediate relief; we want to see people take control of their own lives.

That’s easier said than done.

A “hand up” from the Society can make a difference, but lasting change often requires systemic reform – a shift in government policy that reflects the values of fairness, dignity and inclusion. The growing gap between those who are managing and those who are falling behind is no longer just a statistic; it’s a moral concern shared by communities across the country.

Taking the Message to Parliament

Following the launch of the Report, I joined the National President and the State Presidents of New South Wales and South Australia in meeting with our local Members of Parliament. Our message was clear: while the Society plays a vital role in alleviating hardship, the Federal Government holds the key to long-term solutions.

We shared stories from the ground – of families unable to make ends meet, of individuals facing not just financial hardship but also mental and physical health challenges, substance abuse, unemployment, domestic violence, and educational disadvantage. These are not isolated issues; they are interconnected symptoms of a system that is failing too many.

We also acknowledged the tireless efforts of our Vinnies volunteers whose work in our shops fund, in part, the practical assistance we provide. Their generosity is the backbone of our mission, but charity alone cannot solve structural inequality.

The Human Face of Poverty

Our Members, volunteers and employees see poverty up close. We see the shame of asking for help, the exhaustion of living week to week, and the quiet despair of those who feel invisible in their own country. We offer support without judgement, but we know that being poor is not just bad for individuals – it’s bad for the community.

The scale of the issue is staggering. Excluding housing costs, an estimated 3.93 million Australians are living in poverty. The report identifies those most at risk: single parents and their children, renters, people under 50, and working-age welfare recipients.

In contrast, those faring better include homeowners, older Australians, couple-only families, and age pensioners.

But this isn’t just about personal choices or values. It’s not about who worked harder or made better decisions. It’s about whether our social safety net is fit for purpose in a modern Australia.

A Fairer Future Is a Choice

The Society’s call for fairer tax and welfare reform is not about politics; it’s about principle. It’s about whether we, as a nation, are willing to build a fairer Australia, one where fewer people fall through the cracks.

Ultimately, that decision rests with the Federal Government. But the Society’s mission, which began in 1833, remains unchanged: to help those doing it tough, to advocate on their behalf, and to ensure that no one is forgotten.

No child dreams of growing up to be poor. And no society should accept that as an inevitable outcome.