Can governments tackle poverty?

Australia spends more on subsidies to the booming mining industry than it would cost to increase the Newstart Allowance by $50 per week. The costs of alleviating poverty are miniscule when compared with the costs of dealing with poor health, low education, employment opportunities and crime directly caused by poverty. Even with a budget deficit we have to invest in decent income support. Tackling poverty should and can be a budget priority!