4 years ago
GOVERNMENT ADMITS JOBSEEKER SNAPBACK TOO CRUEL
LINDA BURNEY MP
Reports the Government is considering a permanent increase to the base rate of JobSeeker Payment are very welcome – and long overdue.
Simply ‘snapping-back’ to the base rate would push people into poverty, make it harder to find work, and risk derailing the economic recovery.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of people on unemployment benefits has more than doubled. Almost two million people are now relying on them to get by.
Many Australians are incredibly anxious to know what will happen when the $550 per fortnight Coronavirus Supplement is scheduled to end in just three months.
The base rate of JobSeeker Payment was too low before coronavirus – and Labor has long been calling for a permanent increase.
The base rate is so low it’s a barrier to finding work, with many people unable to afford essentials, transport, clothing, training and tools they need to find work.
In a country like Australia, people should not be forced to live in poverty.
Simply ‘snapping-back’ to the base rate would push people into poverty, make it harder to find work, and risk derailing the economic recovery.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of people on unemployment benefits has more than doubled. Almost two million people are now relying on them to get by.
Many Australians are incredibly anxious to know what will happen when the $550 per fortnight Coronavirus Supplement is scheduled to end in just three months.
The base rate of JobSeeker Payment was too low before coronavirus – and Labor has long been calling for a permanent increase.
The base rate is so low it’s a barrier to finding work, with many people unable to afford essentials, transport, clothing, training and tools they need to find work.
In a country like Australia, people should not be forced to live in poverty.