To coincide with Anti-Poverty Week, Greens spokesperson for Social Inclusion, Senator Penny Wright, is calling on Australians to think about why so many of us are now affected by poverty and severe hardship and how this fits with Australia being the land of the 'fair go'.

Every year Anti-Poverty Week (16 - 22 October) aims to strengthen public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world and in Australia, and to encourage research, discussion and action to address these problems.

"Over a million Australians are now affected by poverty but the big end of town are earning more than ever," said Senator Wright.

"Someone on Newstart with rent assistance, receives $295 per week. An average CEO in one of Australia's top 50 companies will earn $123,000 a week. How has such a disparity developed?"

"A person living on Newstart with rent assistance, and renting the cheapest accommodation on the fringes of Melbourne or Sydney would be left with $16.50 a day to live on. Food, transport, bills and looking for work - all on $16.50 a day. Who could do it?"

"I believe that we Australians do care about one another. Anti-Poverty week is a great opportunity to think about why there is such a growing gulf between the 'have-lots' and the 'have-littles' in Australia - and what we can do about it"

"Alleviating poverty and enabling people to participate fully and with dignity in community life would benefit us all. I hope all Australians will get involved in this important week."

Media contact: Anna Chang 0417 173 508