The research report released today by Anglicare Tasmania, Hard Times – Tasmanians in Financial Crisis, paints a grim picture of the reality of financial hardship.

The report was the result of a two-week, snap-shot statewide survey of more than four hundred Tasmanians who used emergency relief and financial counselling services.

“The findings detail the types of hardship being experienced by people,” said researcher, Kathleen Flanagan. “We knew it was widespread but what has been most shocking is the severity of people’s experiences”.

75% of the Tasmanians surveyed reported missing meals because of a shortage of money.

“Almost all of the survey participants said that the cost of food was a problem for their household. Anxiety about being able to afford enough food to feed the family was particularly high in households where there were children,” said Ms Flanagan. “It is unacceptable that there are parents worried about whether or not they will be able to feed their children tonight”.

More than 67% of the survey respondents had been unable to pay an electricity, phone or gas bill during the year.  Over 64% had been forced to pawn or sell something to meet expenses.  More than 57% had been unable to heat their home during the Tasmanian winter.

Ms Flanagan said lack of income was one of the main contributing factors for the types of hardship highlighted by her research.  Many of those surveyed were trying to survive on income support payments that left them living below the poverty line. Other causes of hardship included family/relationship breakdown, mental illness, chronic debt and disability.

Included in the report’s recommendations:

 - Anglicare recommended that all income support payments be increased to a level sufficient to provide recipients with a basic acceptable standard of living.

- Anglicare recommended a “lifeline” tariff on essential services. This would provide a basic component of usage free to the user. This would ensure no-one would be disconnected from the supply of essential services due to an inability to pay.