5 years ago
TAS PREMIER CALLS FOR INCREASE TO NEWSTART
LINDA BURNEY MP
Liberal Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman has confirmed his support for an increase to Newstart in a media interview this morning.
The Premier spoke to ABC Tasmania Mornings with Leon Compton.
COMPTON: Would you support a lift in the rate of Newstart?
HODGMAN: Look, it’s a matter for the Federal Government …
COMPTON: What do you think?
HODGMAN: They’ve got to manage their budget and ensure that it’s sustainable, and that citizens across the country, and certainly in Tasmania, we have a higher proportion – share on Newstart and other social security benefits. So of course, we would welcome any increase to support those Tasmanians.
COMPTON: It would also have a boost for the economy, wouldn’t it? You’d imagine that almost 100 per cent of the money that comes into the state that’s received by Newstart recipients would then cycle through the Tasmanian economy and be spent locally. From a human sense though, you must talk to people on Newstart quite regularly. Can you see the struggles that they’re having on $275 a week? Would you like to see that – would it be fair, would it be humane to have that amount lifted?
HODGMAN: As I say, it would be a good thing to see those on low incomes and those who do depend on social security benefits to have an increase to reduce that pressure in their lives. We do what we can as a state government to ensure that we have a wide and broad concessions scheme; that we keep power prices down; and that we minimise cost of living pressures as best as we can for all Tasmanians. And of course if the Commonwealth government can do that, we’d welcome it.
COMPTON: Would you like to see them do it?
HODGMAN: Yes. If they’re able to manage it within their budget constraints, then of course.
An increase to Newstart would boost the Tasmanian economy.
The question is now squarely on all Tasmanian Liberal Senators and MPs – will they stand up to their federal Liberal colleagues? Will they stand up for Tasmania? Will they support an increase in Newstart?
The Premier spoke to ABC Tasmania Mornings with Leon Compton.
COMPTON: Would you support a lift in the rate of Newstart?
HODGMAN: Look, it’s a matter for the Federal Government …
COMPTON: What do you think?
HODGMAN: They’ve got to manage their budget and ensure that it’s sustainable, and that citizens across the country, and certainly in Tasmania, we have a higher proportion – share on Newstart and other social security benefits. So of course, we would welcome any increase to support those Tasmanians.
COMPTON: It would also have a boost for the economy, wouldn’t it? You’d imagine that almost 100 per cent of the money that comes into the state that’s received by Newstart recipients would then cycle through the Tasmanian economy and be spent locally. From a human sense though, you must talk to people on Newstart quite regularly. Can you see the struggles that they’re having on $275 a week? Would you like to see that – would it be fair, would it be humane to have that amount lifted?
HODGMAN: As I say, it would be a good thing to see those on low incomes and those who do depend on social security benefits to have an increase to reduce that pressure in their lives. We do what we can as a state government to ensure that we have a wide and broad concessions scheme; that we keep power prices down; and that we minimise cost of living pressures as best as we can for all Tasmanians. And of course if the Commonwealth government can do that, we’d welcome it.
COMPTON: Would you like to see them do it?
HODGMAN: Yes. If they’re able to manage it within their budget constraints, then of course.
An increase to Newstart would boost the Tasmanian economy.
The question is now squarely on all Tasmanian Liberal Senators and MPs – will they stand up to their federal Liberal colleagues? Will they stand up for Tasmania? Will they support an increase in Newstart?