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Measuring Poverty in Australia:? Henderson’s Legacy and the Path Ahead

Brotherhood of St. Laurence < 1 min read

Measuring Poverty in Australia:  Henderson’s Legacy and the Path Ahead 

On Wednesday 27 August, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) and the Melbourne Institute will host an event at Parliament House in Canberra to mark 50 years since the report of the Australian Government’s Commission of Inquiry into Poverty (the Henderson Inquiry).  

The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Social Services will address the event alongside other leading voices.  

Despite the Henderson Inquiry’s legacy and recommendations from the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee, Australia still lacks official national poverty measures. 

This event will bring together national and global thought leaders to examine the case for change and the path ahead. 

Featuring: 

  • Speech from the Hon. Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Social Services 

  • Insights on Ronald Henderson’s legacy from Professor Beth Webster, Ronald Henderson Chair, the Melbourne Institute 

  • A global perspective on poverty measurement from Professor Sabina Alkire (Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative) 

  • A demonstration Multidimensional Poverty Index for Australia, presented by Dr. Melek Cigdem-Bayram (BSL and Melbourne Institute) 

  • Reflections from people with lived experience of poverty 

  • Closing remarks from Dr. Travers McLeod, BSL Executive Director 

 

Event Details: 

Wednesday 27 August  

Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra  

3.15pm arrival for 3.30–4.30pm session 

 

Media contact:  

Michelle Schwensen  

0491 287 359  
[email protected] 
 

 

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