Media Release: PM for a day? What would you do to tackle poverty?

Mission Australia is encouraging Australians of all ages to say what they would do to alleviate poverty if they were Prime Minister for a day to help mark Anti-Poverty Week (11-17 October).

The best response – delivered in the form of a short video no longer than 60 seconds – will be judged by Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, with the winner being flown to Canberra to meet the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion, Senator Ursula Stephens, to discuss their idea.

According to Toby Hall, the idea behind the competition was to organise a fun activity that also raised awareness around the issue of poverty and engaged people in what they could do to help.

“Most Australians are pretty lucky but there is a significant minority who are stuck in poverty, cut off from life’s essentials, and who need our help,” said Mr Hall.

“From our own research we know that around one in seven people who turn to welfare organisations lack a substantial meal at least once a day – that’s a shocking situation in modern Australia.

“As well as the most basic need for food, 30 per cent of our clients lack a decent and secure home; 25 per cent are unable to buy prescribed medicines; 46 per cent don't have access to dental services; and 11 per cent don't have a separate bed for each of their kids.

“People living in poverty are unable to participate in the activities that most of us take for granted. They are often faced with difficult choices – such as skipping a meal to pay for a child’s text book.

“Getting involved in the ‘PM for a day’ competition is easy. All participants need to do is make a short video of themselves – no longer than 60 seconds – and tell us what they would do to address poverty if they were Prime Minister for 24 hours.

“It doesn’t have to filmed on a video camera – you can use your mobile phone – just as long as it’s less than 60 seconds and sticks to the subject.

“Simply visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/apw for entry details. To post your video participants will need to register with youtube.com.

“There's still two weeks left to get your entry in. We have to receive videos by midnight on Friday, 16 October with the winner being announced online on Friday, 30 October.

“We’ll fly the winner to Canberra to meet the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion, Senator Ursula Stephens, to discuss their ideas and the issues surrounding poverty,” said Toby.

Media contact: Paul Andrews (02) 9219 2080 or 0409 665 495