Food insecurity, the inability to access an adequate food supply, is often considered an issue confronting developing countries only. Yet, conservative estimates show that about 5 per cent of the Australian population are food insecure at any point in time. This paper uses newly released data from the 2004/05 ABS National Health Survey to examine the prevalence and correlates of the severity of food insecurity, and to uncover potential health and nutrition outcomes. Consistent with previous studies, results show that just over 5 per cent of Australians are food insecure due to financial constraints. Of this figure, about 40 per cent are considered to be 'severely' food insecure. That is, the person ran out of money to purchase food, and as a result went without food. A range of economic and socio-demographic factors were found to be associated with food insecurity, indicating differential access to food supply throughout the Australian population. Results also show significant differences in the self-reported measures of health, wellbeing and dietary behaviours of the severely insecure, moderately insecure and food secure Australians.

Objectives:  The purpose of this study is to examine (i) the prevalence of food insecurity among older persons, (ii) the characteristics of the food insecure and (iii) the association between food insecurity and well‐being. Methods:  The 2001 National Health Survey is used to measure the prevalence of food insecurity. Multivariate analysis is conducted using rare events logistic regression. Results:  Almost 3% of Australians aged 55 years and over, and 7% of those aged under 55 are estimated to be food insecure. Lone males and females are more likely to experience food insecurity when compared to couples. Low‐income earners and those with multiple long‐term conditions are at a heightened risk of food insecurity. The probability of food insecurity decreases with age. Persons who are food insecure perform poorly against self‐reported measures of well‐being. Conclusions:  Although the prevalence of food insecurity is low, a definite social gradient exists in those at risk.

It is widely understood that households with low economic resources and poor labourmarket attachment are at considerable risk of food insecurity in Australia. However, little is knownabout variations in food insecurity by receipt of specific classes of social assistance payments thatare made through the social security system. Using newly released data from the 2016 HouseholdExpenditure Survey, this paper reports on variations in food insecurity prevalence across a range ofpayment types. We further investigated measures of financial wellbeing reported by food-insecurehouseholds in receipt of social assistance payments. Results showed that individuals in receiptof Newstart allowance (11%), Austudy/Abstudy (14%), the Disability Support Pension (12%),the Carer Payment (11%) and the Parenting Payment (9%) were at significantly higher risk of foodinsecurity compared to those in receipt of the Age Pension (<1%) or no payment at all (1.3%). Resultsfurther indicated that food-insecure households in receipt of social assistance payments enduredsignificant financial stress, with a large proportion co-currently experiencing “fuel” or “energy”poverty. Our results support calls by a range of Australian non-government organisations, politicians,and academics for a comprehensive review of the Australian social security system

Objective: Examine the prevalence and context of racism self-reported by older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.Methods: The 2015 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey was used to measure the prevalence, contexts and demographic differences in reports of racism.Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association of age with racism in later life.Results: A sizeable minority of older Aboriginal people reported experiences of unfair treatment (31%) and avoidance (15%), oftentimes occurring in contexts critical to human capital investments. Specific demographic groups, including those with higher levels of education were more likely to report experiences of unfair treatment. The prevalence of unfair treatment and avoidance remains relatively high in later life course (albeit it lower than younger ages), with a significant reduction from age 65. Conclusion:Addressing racism, particularly in contexts crucial to human capital is important for the health and wellbeing of older Aboriginal people.