BSL Talks - Why Australia needs official poverty measures

BSL Talks: Why Australia needs official poverty measures 

2025 marks 50 years since the Henderson Poverty Inquiry.  

The Inquiry shone a light on poverty and its measurement. For decades, the Henderson poverty line helped researchers and policy makers gauge progress (or lack of progress) in tackling poverty.  

While the Henderson poverty line was an important development in its time, Australia has never adopted official poverty measures. 

The 50th Anniversary of the report of the Henderson Inquiry is a great opportunity for Australia to become a leader on poverty measurement once more. Official poverty measures would make our economic compass more complete. The Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has recommended we adopt a monetary and a multidimensional measure. 

Facilitated by our Chief of Strategy and Impact, Zeah Behrend, join our latest BSL Talks discussion with Dr Nicole Bieske (BSL’s Director of Research, Advocacy and Policy), Dr Melek Cigdem-Bayram (BSL & Melbourne Insititute) and two experts with lived experience, Jo and Tamara, as we explore what this would mean for Australia.