Go to top of page
Reported online
Data has been drawn from a national indicator or dataset and is an approximation of the UN SDG Indicator. We intend to continue to report using this dataset.

Unlike most other countries in the OECD, the social security payment system is funded through government revenue; it is not based on past contributions and is not capped or time limited.  In addition, Australia has Medicare, a publicly funded universal health system, which includes subsidised medication under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.  The Government also provides significant investment in education, supporting government and non-government schools, as well as higher education and vocational education and training (Budget 2018-19, Statement 6: Expenses and Net Capital Investment).

Analysis by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2015-16 data) shows expenditure by Australian and state and territory governments on welfare was $157.2 billion, up from $116.8 billion in 2006-07 constant prices.  Overall, for the period from 2006-07 to 2015-16 welfare expenditure grew more quickly than the overall economy over the same period.  This figure includes $105.1 billion in cash payments for specific populations (not including unemployment benefits), $42.2 billion in welfare services and $9.9 billion in unemployment benefits (AIHW, Australia’s Welfare 2017, p.27).

National Metadata

This table provides metadata for the actual indicator available from Australia closest to the corresponding global SDG indicator. Please note that even when the global SDG indicator is fully available from Australian statistics, this table should be consulted for information on national methodology and other Australia-specific metadata information.

Responsible agency
The agency responsible for this data entry is The Treasury
Reporting Year
2018
Caveat
Data has been drawn from a national indicator or dataset and is an approximation of the UN SDG Indicator. We intend to continue to report using this dataset.
Indicator status
Reported online
Indicator description

Proportion of domestically generated resources allocated by the government directly to poverty reduction programmes

Methodology

While this is a Tier III indicator, Australia would like to provide some information against this Indicator

Other information

nil

Page updated
17 July 2018

Global Metadata

This table provides information on metadata for SDG indicators as defined by the UN Statistical Commission. Complete global metadata is provided by the UN Statistics Division.

Indicator name
Proportion of domestically generated resources allocated by the government directly to poverty reduction programmes
Indicator number
1.a.1
Target number
1.a
Target name

Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions

Global indicator description

Proportion of domestically generated resources allocated by the government directly to poverty reduction programmes

UN designated tier
Tier 3
Link to UN metadata
Work Plans for Tier III Indicators

Sources

Source 1
Dataset title
Australia’s Welfare 2017
Data custodian

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Earliest available data
2018
Geographical coverage
Australia
Link to data source
Australia’s Welfare 2017
Most recent data release
2017

Other

No other information for this indicator

Historic