We want a community in which all Western Australians have the economic security and opportunities needed to build a good life.
Note: These statistics may fluctuate based on recent reports released. Sources can be found further down the page.
424,500 Western Australians (14%) live in poverty, including an estimated 103,900 children¹
Australian households affected by poverty earn less than 50% of median income²
Inflation rose 22% in WA between 2020-2025, but wages rose only 17%³
In 2025, 78% of WA households cited the cost of living as a key concern⁴
Employed Western Australians accessing emergency relief services rose 255% in four years⁵
69% of low-income families in WA report at least two chronic health conditions⁶
We’ve done the research and we know what works. We’re calling on the Federal and State Government to get behind the following solutions:
1. Duncan, A., & Twomey, C. (2025). Child Poverty in Australia 2025. Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre.
2. Davidson, P., & Bradbury, B. (2025). Poverty in Australia 2025: Overview. Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) & UNSW Sydney.
3. Bourke, K. (2025). As Western Australia posts worst inflation figures in nation, state government spruiks “responsible” financial management. ABC News.
4. Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia. (2025). WA households plan spending cutback as cost pressures persist.
5. Financial Wellbeing Collective. (2025). Demand for emergency relief is up as ERFAS experiences record month of calls.
6. 100 Families WA. (2019). Entrenched Disadvantage in Western Australia: Health, Economic and Social Impacts.
Through our advocacy, we are committed to creating economic justice and fairness, ensuring that everyone has a home, seeking freedom from family and domestic violence and abuse, and supporting Aboriginal recognition and justice by being an ally on voice, treaty and truth.
We acknowledge Aboriginal Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands that our services are based on and pay our respects to Elders of these lands both past and present. Anglicare WA delivers services across many Countries in WA, from Balanggarra Country in the North to Minang Noongar Country in the South. In particular, we wish to acknowledge the Custodians of the lands where our offices operate. We would like to thank the Noongar, Miriuwung Gajerrong, Tjurabalan, Yawuru, Nyikina, Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyiyaparli, Martu, and Wangkatja peoples for their wisdom and generosity.
