Dropping off the edge 2015 studies populations areas in every state and territory of Australia to identify pockets of location-based disadvantage and the unique web of challenges faced by these communities.

Twenty-two indicators are used to measure social wellbeing, health, community safety, economic and education outcomes and locations are then ranked according to their susceptibility to disadvantage.

Through the findings of this report, we aim to:

• keep the reality of location-based disadvantage before the Australian community
• identify any shifts in the relative fortunes of some localities
• contribute to strategic thinking about effective remedial policies
• give community service partners and organisations up-to-date information to guide and assist their work.

Dropping off the Edge 2015 can help governments, decision makers and community to set priorities and target resources to effectively reduce the most severe disadvantage.

It can be used to:

• drive government and social service strategy development
• guide frontline service delivery and funding allocation
• avert crises and prevent emerging communities from ‘dropping off the edge’
• show strength and weaknesses of policies through examples of community recovery.

Strengthening the most disadvantaged communities with a tailored, targeted and sustained approach is the most efficient use of resources, and will deliver benefits for the entire community.