Recently released research shows families who rely on benefits could find themselves hundreds of dollars short every week of what’s required to get out of poverty.

Obtaining advance benefit payments and recoverable grants creates debt to Work and Income, with repayments meaning less income than before, reinforcing hardship in a vicious cycle of hopelessness.

Not only should housing be required to meet minimum standards, tested to be compliant for health and safety, but many more affordable housing options need to be provided.

“A comprehensive approach to supporting families needs to be developed across a range of fields. The narrow current social investment approach will not do that.”