ANNE STANLEY MP
OPPOSITION WHIP
MEMBER FOR WERRIWA

STANLEY: PM MUST RULE OUT JOBSEEKER SNAPBACK
 

Anne Stanley MP, Member for Werriwa, has today called on the Federal Government to continue the increase in JobSeeker following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many Australians will be anxious about what support will be available to them after September – when the Coronavirus Supplement is scheduled to stop,” said Ms Stanley.
 
“The base rate of JobSeeker was far too inadequate before the pandemic, and it will remain inadequate unless the Government acts to increase it permanently.

“When Australians have to get by on the base rate of JobSeeker, many are forced to choose between food or medication.

“If people find themselves in situations where they have to access JobSeeker, it’s extremely hard to break out of it due to its inadequacy,” said Ms Stanley.

“Many are unable to afford clothes or transport costs, which are essential to job searches or attending job interviews, let alone being able to get by.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how inadequate the payment is – it has been effectively doubled with the COVID-19 supplement, and now the base rate looks set to be increased as well.

“The increase in base rate cannot be temporary.

“Making the base rate increase permanent will also provide a much-needed boost to the economy and assist in sustaining local jobs,” said Ms Stanley.
 
Labor has been calling for a permanent increase to the base rate JobSeeker for some time, along with business, civil society groups and experts.

“The Government must explain to two million recipients of JobSeeker what sort of support will be available to them after September,” she said.