Poverty Lines

Poverty Lines: Australia is a quarterly newsletter that updates the Henderson Poverty Line as defined in the 1973 Commonwealth Commission of Inquiry into Poverty.

It is standard reference material for those concerned with social welfare policy in Australia. Minimum income levels required to avoid a situation of poverty are presented for a range of family sizes and circumstances.

The updated poverty lines take into account changes in the average income level of all Australians, reflecting the idea that poverty is relative. Each issue includes a table indicating changes in the purchasing power of the poverty lines and a table comparing welfare payment levels with poverty lines for various family types.

Publication Frequency: Quarterly
ISSN: 1448-0530 (Online)
Available Options: Free download

Queries: Dr Melek Cigdem-Bayram
Email: melek.cigdembayram@unimelb.edu.au

Time of Release

Quarter to which poverty line refers Approximate time of release
March Quarter July of the same year
June Quarter October of the same year
September Quarter February of the following year
December Quarter April of the following year

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

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1996

1987