The Measurement of Poverty in Australia: 1981-82 and 1985-86

In this paper I discuss indices used to measure the level of poverty in Australia among demographic groups and over time. The strengths and deficiencies of indices in current use are noted and alternative indices are presented. The theoretical properties of the indices are compared and discussed. The discussion is extended to include a brief review of poverty lines paying particular attention to the method used to update them. Poverty is measured for 1981-82 and 1985-86 for broad demographic groups. Differences between groups in each year and trends over time are noted and discussed. The performance of alternative indices are compared. Copyright 1988 The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research.