Surging number of Aussies stuck in 'prison of poverty' amid growing crisis

An increasing number of Australians feel forced to skip meals, eat from rubbish bins and forgo prescription medications, as growing financial hardship traps many in a “prison of poverty”.

Research from the Salvation Army found desperation is rising, and demand for support services has surged as more individuals and families struggle to make ends meet.

Head of external communications Bruce Harmer said the data was concerning, saying a large cohort within the community simply could not afford daily basic needs.

“We’ve been amazed at how much need is in the community and how raw and tactile it is,” he told AAP.

“It is truly shocking in a country like Australia that we are seeing these devastating numbers. No one should be forced to eat expired food or to eat out of rubbish bins.”

The survey released on Wednesday found 57 per cent of people could not afford prescription medication and one in 20 people reported eating from rubbish bins.

It found 62 per cent of parents reported going without food so their children could eat, while 43 per cent could not afford essentials such as baby formula and nappies.

“I just drink water to fill up my tummy. And the milk for the baby, for example, one bottle is for four scoops of milk, I always put two scoops in every bottle,” a community member, who had received support from the Salvos said.

“I don’t use nappies for the baby because I can’t afford to buy nappies for her. And also, when we wash our clothes, we are not using soap. I can’t afford that.”

More than 3.3 million people live below the poverty line, according to the 2022 Poverty in Australia Snapshot by the Australia Council of Social Service.

“Living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet has a huge impact on a person’s mental health,” Mr Harmer said.

“We should be aware of that for people they’re in a prison of poverty, there’s no way out.”

The Salvation Army data surveyed 3586 community members who had received food, financial assistance or material aid from the service.

About 90 per cent of respondents said they would not have managed without the support of the organisation, which is a positive statistic according to Mr Harmer.

“That’s a good news. Even though it indicates that 90 per cent of people were really struggling, they were able to make ends meet because of the Salvation Army,” he said.

“It’s more important than ever, that the community gets behind the Red Shield Appeal and help us raise the $38 million we require to meet this need.”