The call for increased income support grows louder, with Independents, Greens and other crossbench candidates leading demands for a substantial raise in welfare payments. The move, prompted by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, continues to impact the lives of many residents within the Eden-Monaro electorate.
PHOTO: Cooma Services Australia branch.
With the possibility of a minority government after the election, Labor offered no guarantee they would work with the crossbench by raising the rates of JobSeeker and Youth Allowance, with Member for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain saying, “Labor remains committed to reviewing the rates of income support payments ahead of every Budget.”
PHOTO: Kristy McBain at the meet the Candidates talk in Jindabyne.
In response to the crisis, a coalition of 74 independent and minor party candidates, alongside respected community leaders and economists, has signed a statement urging the next government to address the inadequacy of current JobSeeker and Youth Allowance rates.
The statement, which includes support from figures such as Zali Steggall MP, highlights the daily struggle of individuals living on as little as $56 a day. Steggall remarked, “With an election on the horizon, we’re seeing the major parties announce big spending to win over marginal seats—but who is standing up for the most vulnerable?”
PHOTO: Zali Steggall – Member for Warringah
The Labor Government advised they have introduced several measures to ease cost-of-living pressures. Kristy McBain, the Member for Eden-Monaro, outlined these efforts: “This includes delivering an average tax cut of $1,600 to every Eden-Monaro taxpayer. $300 in Energy Bill Relief for every household, and $325 for small businesses. Cheaper childcare, free TAFE, increases to Commonwealth Rent Assistance, and cheaper medicines.”
“As a result of our increase to working-age and student payments, combined with regular indexation, the base rate of JobSeeker has increased by $138 per fortnight since Labor was elected in May 2022.”
PHOTO: Kristy McBain, Member for Eden Monaro
Ms McBain then focused on regional health, saying, “Our increases to the bulk billing incentive are not only about bringing down costs for patients, but attracting more doctors to our regions.”
Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), expressed exasperation at the current state of income support, declaring, “It’s a disgrace that in one of the world’s wealthiest countries, our Government continues to ignore the expert advice about the most important action needed to tackle poverty, raising the rate of income supports.”
This sentiment is shared by Senator Penny Allman-Payne of the Greens who insists that “everyone on income support should receive a guaranteed liveable income above the poverty line.”
As Eden Monaro residents an Australians alike grapple with the cost-of-living before they cast a vote in the upcoming election, some may choose to turn to alternative and minor candidates to get their message heard.