The Bureau of Meteorology predicts that Australia is set to experience one of the hottest summers on record over the summer of 2024-2025. Not only are temperatures expected to soar, resulting in an increased risk of bushfires in bushfire-prone areas, but an increase in atmospheric moisture levels is expected to result in frequent storm outbreaks and above average rainfall, which when coupled with high levels of soil moisture, increases the risk of flooding.
At SSRV we know that socio-economic indicators are lower in regional or remote areas, that people in these areas are at greater risk of being affected by climate-induced disasters, and that there is therefore a higher risk of social security legal issues emerging in regional and remote areas of Victoria.
Within this group, children and young people are particularly vulnerable. They generally lack the financial autonomy of adults, and they may lack the necessary resources to be effectively prepared for when disaster strikes.
The impacts of disasters on children and young people are far reaching, including potential impacts on mental health, educational attainment and an increased risk of homelessness. Unfortunately, these impacts can persist well into adult life.
In a 2024 report published by Deloitte on the impact of disasters on children and young people, it was estimated that 4.2 per cent of Australian children are less likely to finish Year 12 due to the impact of disaster.
Lower educational attainment increases the likelihood of social security dependence, and the potential for social security legal issues later in life. This is a compelling example of what we mean when we talk about the indirect relationship between disasters and social security legal risk.
The United Nations International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is 13 October. This year, the theme is ‘empowering the next generation for a resilient future’ and the focus is on the role of education in protecting and empowering children and young people to become disaster aware and prepared.
Social Security Rights Victoria supports any initiative designed to assist children and young people to achieve their potential as future changemakers and advocates for disaster preparedness and response. Read more about SSRV’s disaster preparedness project here.
