Life In the Cracks of Capitalism
Written By: Ky Brooks
In the past decade the Australian people have seen the many false promises and failures of our government. The most notable of these are the Liberal government’s failure to provide sufficient support to the many Australians suffering in our current fire crisis, their inability to provide support to farmers during droughts or floods and the government constantly adding or increasing taxes for everyday families despite their promise not to do so. Although these problems are well known, there is a problem faced by many Australians that is rarely talked about: homelessness.
“The sad reality for these people is that once you fall through the cracks of society, the government no longer cares”
The government’s constant inability to provide sufficient support to people in need has resulted in many people becoming homeless. The government has failed on many occasions during different fire emergencies, droughts and floods to help those who are struggling, and the consequences of this are horrific. From the year 2011 to 2016, homelessness in Australia had increased by 13.7%, and one can only imagine how much it has increased since then.
“Forced to live miserably in a cardboard box on the street, while others live in their luxurious mansions without even a single thought for those who may be struggling”
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, a staggering 33% of homelessness is caused by financial and affordability issues, with 18% of that being related to housing costs. Many of the other financial issues faced by these people are caused by bills, taxes, high prices on goods and services and the uncertainty of obtaining a secure job in a capitalist society. This clearly shows that our government is willing to allow people to fall through the cracks and into poverty for the sake of wealth, fame and to benefit the Australian upper class.
The lack of support and awareness for the homeless population is clear evidence that the government is apathetic towards those who are most in need. Homeless people across Australia, of all ages, races and genders alike, have been deprived of necessities such as food, water, shelter, clothes, sanitation, healthcare and good health in general. The sad reality for these people is that once you fall through the cracks of society, the government no longer cares. Many of these innocent people, who would normally go on to live successful and happy lives, are now forced to bear the physical and mental scars forced upon them by capitalism. They are forced to live miserably in a cardboard box on the street, while others live in their luxurious mansions without even a single thought for those who may be struggling.
“As Communists and more importantly as decent human beings, it is important for us to continue to fight for those who suffer so greatly at the hands of capitalism and our government”
My experience at the Adelaide street kitchen has made this all too clear. Many of the people who arrive at the kitchen wear dirty old clothes and a sad expression. It is only when they talk to us and are provided with some food that they seem to brighten up a bit. I find it amazing how happy something as simple as a conversation and a meal can make people and it is deeply saddening that these people are often deprived of something as simple as this. It is clear that everyone who comes to the kitchen leaves grateful and much happier than they were when they first arrived. Something that is also quite surprising, is that often the people who come to our kitchen, the people who possibly haven’t eaten in days, tell us “that’s enough,” when the container is only half full. It is surprising that those who have a good reason to be a little greedy decide not to be, but those who live in luxury and seem to have everything only seem to want more. Doesn’t that tell you something about our society?
As Communists and more importantly as decent human beings, it is important for us to continue to fight for those who suffer so greatly at the hands of capitalism and our government. It is our duty to provide the necessities that so many others take away and for the sake of our nation and all its people, we must continue the push towards socialism in Australia.