Child poverty is on the rise and fewer of us are donating to charity, according to a report that brings into question Australia's self-perception as the land of the fair go.

The report, released late on Tuesday by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, shows 14 per cent of Australians get by on less than half the nation's median income, well above the OECD average of 11 per cent.

Figures show Australia has a greater proportion of poor than the OECD average.

The proportion of Australians who report they cannot afford to buy enough food has increased to one in 10, yet this is lower than the OECD average of 13 per cent.

Child poverty in Australia increased between 2007 and 2010, while poverty among the elderly declined, partly due to increases in the age pension.