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Everyone should have enough to cover the basics
But right now, people struggling to get by on the $46 a JobSeeker rate are being forced to make heartbreaking decisions between paying their rent, putting enough food on the table or getting the medical services they need.
We need to raise the rate of working age payments to at least $70 a day
so that everyone has enough to cover the basics while going through tough times.
We need to raise the rate of working age payments to at least $70 a day
so that everyone has enough to cover the basics while going through tough times.
For too long, the base rate of JobSeeker payment has been below the poverty line,
with Youth Allowance being even lower.
In 2020, the Coronavirus Supplement temporarily increased income support above the poverty line and changed lives. It meant that people were finally able to keep up with rent and bills, and access the essentials like prescription glasses, a working fridge and dental care.
For many people trying to survive on $46 a day means going without medication and medical care, couch surfing, living in a car or sleeping rough.
We need to Raise the Rate for Good so that everyone has enough to cover the basics of life, like a roof overhead and food on the table.
For many people trying to survive on $46 a day means going without medication and medical care, couch surfing, living in a car or sleeping rough.
We need to Raise the Rate for Good so that everyone has enough to cover the basics of life, like a roof overhead and food on the table.