3 years ago
JOBSEEKER CHANGES
LINDA BURNEY MP
Over 1.6 million Australians now require the JobSeeker payment, and this number is set to increase over the coming months.
While we await further detail, the temporary increase to the JobSeeker payment beyond September is a step in the right direction. But a permanent increase is required that will help keep people out of poverty and into secure work.
The Government’s introduction of the Coronavirus Supplement was a clear acknowledgement that the old Newstart base rate of the payment was inadequate.
It trapped people in poverty and stopped them getting work – with many unable to afford things as basic as fresh food, school excursions, clothes or transport costs.
Snapping back to the old JobSeeker rate would also threaten our economic recovery and hurt local businesses and jobs.
It is reasonable for the Government to re-introduce proportionate and constructive mutual obligation requirements, where this helps people get work – but it must not be punitive.
Recognising that the recovery will be patchy, Labor also supports allowing Jobseekers to retain more of their income from working with the extension of the income test to $300.
Australians want to get back to work and the Government needs to outline a clear plan for more and better jobs in every part of Australia.
There are currently 13 people receiving unemployment payments for every one vacancy, and Australians need to know that our social security safety net will provide adequate support if they need it.
Labor has long called for a permanent increase to the old base rate of JobSeeker.
While we await further detail, the temporary increase to the JobSeeker payment beyond September is a step in the right direction. But a permanent increase is required that will help keep people out of poverty and into secure work.
The Government’s introduction of the Coronavirus Supplement was a clear acknowledgement that the old Newstart base rate of the payment was inadequate.
It trapped people in poverty and stopped them getting work – with many unable to afford things as basic as fresh food, school excursions, clothes or transport costs.
Snapping back to the old JobSeeker rate would also threaten our economic recovery and hurt local businesses and jobs.
It is reasonable for the Government to re-introduce proportionate and constructive mutual obligation requirements, where this helps people get work – but it must not be punitive.
Recognising that the recovery will be patchy, Labor also supports allowing Jobseekers to retain more of their income from working with the extension of the income test to $300.
Australians want to get back to work and the Government needs to outline a clear plan for more and better jobs in every part of Australia.
There are currently 13 people receiving unemployment payments for every one vacancy, and Australians need to know that our social security safety net will provide adequate support if they need it.
Labor has long called for a permanent increase to the old base rate of JobSeeker.