Take action this Anti-Poverty Week
In July, we joined the campaign calling on the Australian government to raise the rate of Newstart, Youth Allowance and other related payments.
This Anti-Poverty Week (13-19 October 2019) we’re calling for immediate action to lift the single rate of these payments by at least $75 per week to reduce poverty and inequality in Australia.
Currently, these payments are too low to deliver their objective of helping people get through tough times and into suitable employment.
The rate of Newstart has not increased for 25 years, while the cost of living, especially housing, has risen considerably.
The continuous rise in the cost of living without an increase in welfare benefits is causing families and individuals to struggle to pay for essentials.
People who come to us for support often have to choose between paying their mortgage or rent and buying food.
In September, we wrote a submission to the Senate inquiry into the adequacy of Newstart and related payments and alternative mechanisms to determine the level of income support payments in Australia
Our submission showed that raising the rate of Newstart, Youth Allowance and related payments is the single most effective step to reducing poverty in Australia.
You can read our submission here.
You can also add your voice to this important campaign.
If you would like to write to your local MP, the website of the Australian Electoral Commission tells you who your MP and Senators are, based on your postcode, suburb or electorate name.
Once you know the name of your MP, you can find out their voting record on this issue on the They Vote For You website.
Hearing directly from people with experience of an issue can go a long way when we’re trying to make a change.
You can also share your story here.
In July, Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Paul Linossier wrote to the MP for Melbourne, Adam Bandt, asking for his support to Raise the Rate. You can read the letter here.
Help send a message to our leaders that it’s time to raise the rate and get Newstart working to help fight poverty in Australia.
