The move comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison appealed for partyroom support for a permanent increase to the rate when the supplement ends in March. Health Minister Greg Hunt this morning said an increase to the supplement would be fair, but cautioned the government to avoid making it a disincentive to work. “I think there’s a case to be able to help more Australians, and we’ve seen through the course of the pandemic the support that the government has given,” he said.
“So, we want to make sure we’re supporting Australians but also supporting them by giving them the opportunity to work”. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese also strongly backed the move to increase the JobSeeker payment, however, avoided suggesting a number when asked about a possible new figure today. Mr Albanese also said Labor was unable to change anything given they were not the government.
$50 increase a fortnight to job seeker shows the level of compassion from this government. Back to one meal a day for job seekers.
'And for c̶r̶o̶q̶u̶e̶t̶ ̶f̶a̶n̶s̶ pensioners and the disabled, once again ... we've got fuck all for you on the show'.
And where does this extra money come from? Are they going to raise taxes, borrow more, or both?