A Framework for Assessing Poverty, Disadvantage and Low Capabilities in Australia

Abstract

It is considered that a new framework is needed for both political feasibility and academic reasons. No Australian Government has ever adopted an official poverty line or quantitative target for reducing poverty. In particular, relative income poverty lines favoured by academics have been ignored. A multidimensional approach based on ‘capabilities’ could perhaps attract the support of policy makers. Four domains of capability are assessed: financial, employment, health and family/social. The aim of policy would be to ensure that as many citizens as possible are equipped with the capabilities to exercise effective choice and lead satisfying lives in a modern society and economy.