Dropping off the Edge

Dropping off the Edge 2021 identifies areas of disadvantage in every Australian state and territory and uncovers the web of factors that must be solved for these communities, and our nation, to thrive.

 

Persistent and multilayered disadvantage in Australia

Dropping off the Edge 2021 shows clearly that complex and entrenched disadvantage is experienced by a small but persistent number of locations in each state and territory across Australia.

As a society we cannot, and should not, turn away from the challenge of persistent and entrenched locational disadvantage, no matter how difficult it may be to solve the problem.

We hold hope that the young people and future generations in these communities will have a better outlook and life opportunities than is currently available to them.

It is our belief that every Australian should have access to the opportunities in life that will enable them to flourish – to complete their education, to get a job, to access safe and affordable housing, to raise their children in safe communities and to see the next generation thrive.

The Research

 

For more than 20 years, Jesuit Social Services has collaborated with researchers to examine complex disadvantage in communities around the country, releasing a series of reports now generally known as Dropping off the Edge.

Dropping off the Edge 2021, the fifth in the series, builds an unparalleled picture of complex and entrenched disadvantage in Australia. The research was conducted by the University of Canberra, and is released by Jesuit Social Services together with our Centre for Just Places – a centre for place-based research and action which seeks to build local capacity to ensure all Australian communities have opportunities to flourish.

Locations