ACOSS welcomes the Greens’ commitment to include increasing income support payments like JobSeeker in their shortlist of policy asks should they be involved in negotiations over forming government arising from the forthcoming election.
We welcome the Greens’ policy of increasing income support to above the poverty line. This is the best thing the next government can do to alleviate cost of living pressures for people on the lowest incomes, struggling to get by on $46 a day, or even less.
ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said:
“The next government must act and lift the incomes of people with the least in this country. JobSeeker is just $46 a day, and less than 42% of the minimum wage. There is no way anyone can cover basic costs on such little money.
“We are pleased The Greens will take their policy of lifting JobSeeker and other income support payments to the negotiating table should they hold balance of power in a hung parliament.
“We again urge all parties and candidates to commit to increasing JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and parenting payments to at least $70 a day so everyone can put food on the table and a roof over their head.
“Not only is this the right thing to do to support people doing it toughest in Australia, but it is also supported by local communities. Recent polling commissioned by ACOSS shows that a clear majority of people believe Jobseeker should be increased, and close to half of people polled said they would be more likely to support a candidate who commits to doing so. Only 11% said they’d be less likely to do so.
“We call on all candidates to also make this a key ask should they be at the negotiating table after Saturday’s election. We urge the next government to permanently increase JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and parenting payment to at least $70 a day so everyone has enough to cover the basics.
