This project, by the Social Policy Research Centre of UNSW, builds on previous Australian and recent international research to develop a set of budget standards for low-paid and unemployed Australians and their families. The family types included are a single person (male and female), couples without children, couples with one and two children, and a sole parent with one child.

The approach incorporates existing community norms, expert judgements and relevant evidence from social surveys, and gives emphasis to the views expressed by low-paid and unemployed individuals in focus groups to ensure that the standards are grounded in everyday experience and reflect real needs.

The results can be used to inform debate and guide decisions about the adequacy of minimum wages and income support payments for the unemployed required to support healthy living consistent with individual needs and prevailing community standards.

The study report can be found here. Summary report here.

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