Live Below the Line

Posted by: Haylz

27th Apr 2012 02:09pm

Has anyone participated in the Live Below the Line campaign run by the Oaktree Foundation before?

I would love to hear your experiences. I am currently the Co-manager of this campaign in Western Australia and I am taking the challenge for 1 month this year.

If you would like to sign up please go to www.livebelowtheline.com.au

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Comments 1

Lynnie

30th Jun 2012 09:44pm

I applaud this cause.
I live on my own, I work 38 hours per week, take home $560 per week, pay $375 rent which is cheap for this area, the rest goes to the bills. I frequent charities for food and accept all dinner invitations.
Why am I telling you this? Because I am only one of who knows how many others in this country who are the working poor.
It is a general perception that if you work, you can afford to live.
I have applied for a Government Health Card, because I am on medications which cost around $150 per month, only to be told I earn too much GROSS.
Why do they work it out on your gross wage? At least $100 is not mine to spend and chances are I will not get a tax cheque this financial year.
The government needs to be taken to task over many things especially this gross wage means testing. Also, the average wage. I believe that no-one can live on the average wage these days. I am on the average wage, apparently.
I think what you are doing is great. If enough of the better earners take part, they might get a small insight into what poverty is about.
I know poverty is much worse in many other countries and they definately do need to be helped, but lets not forget the poverty in our country.
I am not below the poverty line, I still have a roof over my head, running hot water and electricity. But many Australians do live with out these things.

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