Poverty persists in Australia despite the opportunities available in such an affluent country.

How is poverty in Australia defined? What is absolute poverty as opposed to relative poverty, and who are the affected groups in our community? What are the causes of poverty? At a time when the national economy has avoided the major impacts of a global recession, why do so many Australians still experience financial hardship, housing stress and income inequality?

Almost 1 in 6 Australians of working age is reliant on income support – does Australia's welfare system provide a safety net or promote welfare dependency?

Social exclusion is closely linked to poverty, as people face deprivation and in the process are being left out. This book explores how the policy of social inclusion aims to overcome barriers that exclude participation and opportunity by addressing poverty, income inequality, lack of access to the job market, poor educational outcomes, housing affordability, poor health and wellbeing, lack of access to social supports and networks, exclusion from services, and discrimination. Is Australia the land of the 'fair go', for rich and poor?

This book presents the topic in three chapters: Poverty and disadvantage; Social inclusion; and Income support and the welfare system. Also includes: Worksheets and activities ; Fast facts ; Glossary ; Web links ; Index.