Following the Federal budget, changing economic circumstances and the development of responses to the long-term impact of widespread natural disasters, the upcoming policy forum, continues the conversation on economic hardship and poverty faced by many in our communities. As we approach this year’s festive season, we must ensure the circumstances of families and children experiencing poverty and disadvantage remain firmly front of mind for policy makers and service providers alike. This policy forum would also be helpful for those seeking to prepare a submission to the Australian Senate’s Inquiry into the extent and nature of poverty in Australia (submissions close 3 February 2023).
Registrations CLOSED
Further information and resources from the forum can be accessed by clicking here.
Keynote speakers
Event held | Thursday 1 December 2022
Professor Gerry Redmond
College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University
Gerry Redmond is a Professor at the College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University, where he has worked since 2012. Prior to that he worked at University of NSW, UNICEF and the University of Cambridge, UK.
His academic training is in sociological and social policy research, which involves both qualitative and quantitative analysis children’s and young people’s well-being in Australia and in other countries.
His research aims to privilege the perspectives of marginalised children and young people, their experiences of material deprivation, and how this impacts their wellbeing, development and life chances. He has a strong interest in research engagement with policymakers, business and advocacy groups, and in knowledge translation of academic research.
Prof. Tony Pietropiccolo AM
Founder of the Valuing Children Initiative (VCI)
Tony is the founder of the Valuing Children Initiative (VCI). VCI strives to build a society that protects children and their interests – a society where every child receives the opportunities and support, they need to flourish.
Tony has a particular interest in child poverty. He has presented his views on the issue in a variety of forums.
His papers “A Childhood Without Poverty” and “When is it OK to Leave a Child in Poverty?”, examine child poverty within the Australian context.
Tony has been the Director of Centrecare Inc. since 1989. He has held several leadership roles in the not-for-profit sector at both National and State levels. Tony was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2012 and recently Adjunct Professor in the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle Campus.
Anne Hollonds
Followed by a panel discussion featuring National Children’s Commissioner
Anne Hollonds commenced as National Children’s Commissioner in November 2020. Before her appointment to the role, Anne was the Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies, an independent statutory authority of the Australian Government responsible for conducting research and providing advice on child and family wellbeing. In this role she was also Director of the Australian Gambling Research Centre. For more than 23 years Anne was a Chief Executive Officer of government and non-government organisations focused on research, policy and service delivery in health, education and social services. Anne has had extensive front-line experience including in child protection, out-of-home care, domestic and family violence, child and family therapy, parenting education, and mental health.
The panel will be chaired by Mr Jamie Crosby, CEO, Families Australia
CEO, Families Australia
Jamie brings an extensive network of community sector, government and business relationships and community advocacy experience to his role as CEO Families Australia. Jamie has worked in youth and family accommodation services, juvenile justice, housing and homelessness support programs, and organisations delivering community services management and member-based advocacy. He also has deep experience in the Federal public service having spent the past decade working in Indigenous Affairs within the National Indigenous Australians Agency and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. He also convenes the National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing.
Resources and further information | Continuing the Conversation:Families and children experiencing poverty and disadvantage
| Anual Reports | Download |
| Anti-poverty week fast facts: Child-Poverty-2022 (antipovertyweek.org.au) | View Here |
| Recent analysis of poverty depth and persistence here: https://bcec.edu.au/publications/behind-the-line-poverty-and-disadvantage-in-australia-2022/ | View Here |
| Poverty in Australia 2022: a snapshot Australian Council of Social Services and the University of NSW, October 2022 | View Here |
This short film The Valuing Children Initiative made in collaboration with Roots TV may be of interest to people doing advocacy work:
| Anual Reports | Download |
| ‘Growing Up Poor in Australia- A Child’s Voice | Watch Here |
| NAPCAN Anti-Poverty Week resource with Professor Brid Featherstone | View Here |
| Reducing poverty and improving wellbeing: Children’s role in transformational thinking, 15 August 2022, https://www.powertopersuade.org.au/blog/childrens-role-in-reducing-poverty-and-improving-welfare | View Here |
| The-MOR-for-Children-Framework_Discussion-Paper_2021.pdf (anu.edu.au) | View Here |
| Article: We asked children how they experienced poverty. Here are 6 changes needed now | View Here |
| Video resource: We need to talk about poverty, The ANU Children’s Policy Centre | Watch Here |
| Video resource: Child-centred Wellbeing, The ANU Children’s Policy Centre, | Watch Here |
| Reposting the Valuing Children Initiative’s petition calling for the introduction of a Child Poverty Reduction Act in Australia. Thank you to everyone who has already signed. Here is the link. | Link Here |
| Australian Senate’s Inquiry into the extent and nature of poverty in Australia is currently open with submissions closing on 3 February 2023. | Link Here |