ACOSS awaits more detail on reports the Government will increase JobSeeker but stands firm that the rate must be lifted for everyone, not just for people over 55.
ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie said: “If Budget speculation overnight about changes to Jobseeker prove to be correct, around four in five people struggling to survive on the woefully inadequate JobSeeker and related payments would be left behind.
“We are talking about people studying, people who are caring, single parents, people who have an illness or disability and people trying to find paid work, young and older people all facing financial destitution.
“JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and other payments are too low to sustain a living for anyone, regardless of age.
“We estimate that at least two thirds of people who are long-term unemployed would not benefit from last night’s speculation about an increase only being proposed for those over 55.
“Until JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and related payments are substantially increased for all, we will continue to see people going without food and essential medication as well as being unable to afford to keep a roof over their head.
“We thank all those across society who have spoken up again over these last days to call on the Government to finally fix this great fairness failure. We encourage you to speak up again today.
“We particularly thank all those directly affected who continue to share their own experiences to give hope to everyone for change.
“We urge the Federal Government to Raise the Rate to at least $76 a day and make sure that no one is left behind.”
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