About 2.5 million Australians are living below the poverty line, according to a Salvation Army report.
The charity surveyed 2,400 people between the ages of 25 and 59.

It found on average, people had just under $18 a day to live on after paying for accommodation.

The Salvation Army said the results painted an alarming picture of what was happening to many marginalised Australians.

Policy changes that led to the rental housing market being a little bit more affordable … would solve a large part of the problem.

Major Paul Moulds, Salvation Army
The survey found 75 per cent of respondents had cut down on basic necessities, 59 per cent had delayed or were unable to pay utility bills and 57 per cent had gone without meals.

It also found 68 per cent of those surveyed went without dental treatment and 37 per cent went without medical treatment.

Major Paul Moulds said the average person had just under $18 a day to live on after paying for accommodation.
ABC