Addressing Poverty in Australia: The Role of Nursing in Maintaining Common Good and Human Dignity

Sonali Mahaseth
S00243632
UNCC 100: Self and Community: Exploring the Anatomy of Modern Society
Assessment 2: Opinion-editorial
Word Count: 686

Australia has reached the twenty-seventh consecutive year of its economic growth, yet
there are millions of Australian people living in poverty. There are more than three million
people reported to be below the poverty line which includes approx. 730,000 children (Colic-
Peisker, Ong & Wood, 2015). Despite of sustained run of economic growth, the number is of
great concern which raises a question in catholic social teaching including common good and
human dignity. Poverty has negatively impacted the health and quality of living of people
circumventing their needs and daily requirement. The field of nursing can be valuable tool
addressing the issue of poverty in Australia.
As the effect of people living in poverty they have to suffer from discrimination and
health inequalities. According to the principle of common good, every person should have
sufficient and equal access to the good and resources that are available to the society in order to
complete their basic need (Melé, 2017). However, in Australia there is high level of disparity in
allocation of resource which has caused high rate of poverty. Further, the principle also says that
every individual has the right to the personal possession and it should be balanced with the
requirement of the disadvantage population of Australia. There is the violation of the principle of
common good, where the people do not get equal access to resources and has contributed to the
high poverty. As the consequence of it, people living in poverty has to face various health issues
like cardiovascular complication, stroke, diabetes and mental illness. The high level of stress is
linked with poverty as it triggers changes in their lifestyle and behavior that cause health risk like
poor diet and smoking. There is low education level that is also concerned with the
unemployment. Thus, this reflect the need of giving priority to the people by nurses to maintain
common good and focus should be lied to developmental program that collaboratively work to
enhance the quality of living of poor people and promote common good.