28 November 2005
Despite Australia's long period of strong economic growth, significant disadvantage remains across the country's cities, suburbs and regional towns, research published by Monash University ePress shows.
Fault Lines Exposed: Advantage and Disadvantage across
Australia
's Settlement System provides an insight into the extent of inequality across Australia's cities and towns.
The research, based on census data, shows many middle suburbs have become centres of disadvantage, while outer metropolitan localities are increasingly associated with significant disadvantage and advantage linked to the 'aspirational classes' and "McMansions".
Although there has been widespread commentary about disadvantage in non-metropolitan areas the research has found levels of advantage and disadvantage similar to that in the middle suburbs. Regional localities, such as Victoria's Latrobe Valley, that once relied on old economy industries remain among the most disadvantaged non-metropolitan regions, while those associated with mining and tourism are associated with advantage.
Griffith University academic Dr Scott Baum, economic geographer and Professor of Geography at the University of Melbourne Kevin O'Connor, and Robert Stimson, Professor of Geography at the University of Queensland, conducted the research.
Other findings show that the most disadvantaged metropolitan localities continue to be Elizabeth (Adelaide), the Hume-Broadmeadows region (Melbourne) and Fairfield (Sydney). Disadvantage in these areas has the potential to be intergenerational, with significant numbers of families having no employed parent. A high level of youth unemployment also dominates.
The most advantaged areas in Australia continue to be the suburbs of Mosman (Sydney), Kew ( Melbourne ) and Peppermint Grove in Perth.
Population growth does not always result in advantage. Sea change towns are some of Australia's most disadvantaged regional localities with Queensland's Hervey Bay characterised by unemployment and low incomes.
Fault Lines Exposed is available online and in print. It is being launched on 30 November at the State of Australian Cities Conference at Griffith University, Brisbane. Copies of the book are available for review (email sarah.cannon@lib.monash.edu.au) .
Monash University ePress was established in 2003. It publishes books and journals online and in print. For information visit the e-Press website.
For information contact Sarah Cannon, Monash University ePress on +61 3 9905 0526, or Karen Stichtenoth, Media Communications on +61 3 9905 1253.
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