The jobseeker payment needs to be increased to at least $76 a day according to the Australian Council of Social Service.
ACOSS in its budget submission is calling for the increase to be included in May’s budget along with improving the energy efficiency of low-income homes and investing in social housing
“The Albanese government must put people with the lowest incomes at the forefront of its first major budget by relieving financial stress and tackling inflation directly in a way that reduces hardship,” ACOSS said.
“The budget must also build the foundations for a more inclusive future by raising the revenue we need to fund essential services over the long term.
“In the past year, living standards for people on lower incomes have been significantly eroded by the soaring costs of essentials such as food, rent and energy.
“The budget must finally raise the base rate of working-age income support payments including JobSeeker, which is the second lowest unemployment payment in wealthy nations and insufficient to sustain an adequate standard of living.”
ACOSS chief executive Cassandra Goldie said the government must start making bold decisions to responsibly tackle our biggest challenges.
“With more than three million people in poverty in Australia, this budget must deliver cost of living relief for those who need it most and help shape a more inclusive society,” Dr Goldie said.
“This means making the right choices about who needs more government support and who needs less.
“The Labor government came to power promising that no-one would be left behind. But right now people on income support are skipping meals, foregoing essential medicines and turning off their hot water just to keep a roof over their head.
“They cannot wait a second longer for action to alleviate this unnecessary suffering.
“To fund quality essential services and a social security system that meets need, the government must create a fairer tax system and should start by cancelling stage three tax cuts for the wealthiest in our society.
“This Budget must also invest in quality community services, outline action on climate change that benefits”
