Around 11 million Australians are concerned about how they will afford Christmas this year, according to a new report from The Salvation Army.
Its national survey found one in five respondents expect to go without medical help, including GP visits, to cover costs this festive season.
An estimated 4.2 million Australians will go without food.
The report’s authors called the results “extremely troubling”, saying they reflect the “extreme pressures people are facing”.
Expenses
Almost half of Australians said they feel pressure to spend more money than they can afford during the Christmas period.
One respondent said their biggest challenge was “feeling bad” that they “can’t afford to buy everyone gifts”.
One in four people say they will struggle to pay their utility bills, and one in ten fear their children “will miss out on basic living necessities” this Christmas.
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Gifts
The report found that 21% of Aussies fear their kids will miss out on gifts this Christmas, with 5% reporting they will not be speaking to their children about the holiday.
More than half of Aussies say they will be forced to use either credit cards or buy-now, pay-later schemes to cover expenses this season.
A quarter of respondents said they will not be able to see friends or family “due to financial concerns”.
The Salvation Army Commissioner Mark Campbell called the national findings “heartbreaking”.
“Everyday Aussies [are] having to choose between medication, utilities, food or having a special Christmas for themselves and their children.”
“These statistics are extremely troubling. It is important to remember that behind every number is a real person, with a real story,” Campbell added.
