Content warning: This episode touches on some distressing topics, including experiences of sexual assault. Support is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), the national counselling line for sexual assault, family and domestic violence.

This episode features a discussion with anti-poverty advocates Aeryn Brown, Melissa Fisher and Mel, all of whom have experienced navigating Australia's circuitous social security system. Aeryn, Melissa and Mel speak about the realities of living below the poverty line and the importance of centring lived expertise in reforming the delivery of social security. 

Aeryn's writing and interview features on poverty and social security:

• 17 August 2019, 'Newstart and life on $40 a day: 'It's not living, it's surviving''
• 7 June 2022, 'Cost of living: how to beat Australia's soaring inflation and cut your everyday expenses'
• 14 October 2022, 'Break the Poverty Machine: the voices of Australia's poor (part 2)'

Melissa's writing on poverty and social security:

• 29 December 2021, 'The Covid supplement lifted me out of poverty. Then it was cut and my life went back to the way it was'
• 18 March 2022, 'Centrelink's paltry increase doesn't cover inflation and condemns us further into debt'
• 13 April 2022, 'I can't eat childcare or lower taxes. Australians in poverty have been thrown to the wolves by both parties'

The image for this episode was made by Melissa, and you can find more of her art and support her creative practice here.