Poverty Policy Unit (PPU)

A central focus of the Unit is contributing to Australia’s progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1): Ending poverty in all its forms everywhere, United Nations (n.d.1) alongside related SDGs that address inequality, health, education, and community wellbeing, United Nations (n.d.2).

The PPU defines poverty from a multidimensional perspective, recognising that poverty encompasses not only inadequate income but also limited access to essential material resources, services, and opportunities. This definition is both measurable and informed by lived experience. The Unit adopts a human rights–based, capabilities-oriented, and person- and child-centred approach to understanding and addressing poverty. Refer: Multidimensional poverty resource.  It also honours First Nations worldviews, acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, community strengths, and holistic understandings of wellbeing. Refer: NACCHO resource.

Aims and focus areas

A key aim of the PPU is to critically review and evaluate government and non-government policies, programs, and actions designed to address poverty and socioeconomic disadvantage. Through rigorous analysis, the Unit seeks to inform public debate and support the development of policy responses that are equitable, effective, and grounded in robust evidence. This includes examining the adequacy of current approaches and identifying opportunities for reform that better support individuals, families, and communities experiencing hardship.

The PPU also supports national efforts to strengthen Australia’s legislative and policy frameworks for monitoring poverty–particularly child poverty. This includes advocating for the establishment of an agreed national definition of poverty, as well as consistent, transparent, and evidence-based measures for monitoring and reporting poverty levels. Such measures are essential for informing government decision-making, contributing to international reporting obligations (including to the United Nations), and enabling high-quality, ongoing research that tracks progress over time.

A core focus of the Unit’s research is on groups disproportionately affected by poverty. This includes children and young people, people with disability, First Nations communities, and other populations facing structural or systemic disadvantage (e.g., young people transitioning from out-of-home care and refugee communities). Through interdisciplinary inquiry, culturally safe research approaches, and meaningful engagement with communities, the PPU aims to generate insights that support more equitable outcomes and strengthen pathways out of poverty.

Collaboration opportunities

Collaboration is central to the PPU’s work. The Unit actively invites researchers, practitioners, community organisations, and non-government social welfare agencies to partner on research projects, publications, and policy briefs that align with its aims. By fostering a network of committed collaborators, the PPU seeks to amplify impact and contribute to national efforts to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion.

The PPU welcomes collaboration with researchers, community organisations, and non‑government agencies on research projects, publications, and policy briefs aligned with its mission.

Contacts

Dr Simon Leadley
Department of Occupational Therapy
Email: Simon.leadley@monash.edu

Professor Philip Mendes
Department of Social Work
Email: Philip.mendes@monash.edu