2020-03-23
The Greens have circulated amendments in the senate to make sure no-one is disadvantaged by the Government’s stimulus package.
The Greens will seek the support of the senate to:
- Extend the $550 supplement to Youth Allowance for students, Austudy, ABSTUDY, DSP and Carer Payment; Age Pensioners on Commonwealth Rent Assistance;
- Extend the one off $750 payment to people on low income health care cards;
- Ensure that people in the Cashless Debit Card trial sites get their stimulus payment paid into their regular bank account, rather than quarantined; and
- Extend an additional $750 per child for families with children receiving FTB Part A.
Greens spokesperson on Family and Community Services Senator Rachel Siewert said:
“The Greens have welcomed the increase to Jobseeker payment in this package but unfortunately some groups are missing out on an increase to their payments. The Greens have moved these amendments to ensure that everyone is supported to get through this crisis.
“Students, disabled people, carers and older Australians who are renting are already more likely to be living in poverty or on a very low income and should have had their payments increased in the second stimulus package.
“I am disappointed that those on low income health care cards, who by the very definition of the card are living on a very low income, will not receive the $750 payment. We know those on low incomes will spend the money.
“For current Cashless Debit Card trial participants, the Bill quarantines 100% of the $750 payment onto a person’s card. Doesn’t the Government want all Australians to be spending cash and stimulating the economy at the moment?
"This is more of the Government’s punitive approach to those on income support. I will seek to remove this from the Bill to ensure that people on compulsory income management receive the payments straight into their bank account.
“It’s also unfair that families with children receiving FTB Part A won’t receive additional relief during this time to acknowledge that extra resources are needed if you are raising a family.
“Failing to address these issues could place the safety of our communities at risk.
“The Government must act urgently and provide adequate funding for at-risk communities to ensure that everyone is supported to get through this crisis.
“Now is the time for us to unite and make policy choices that help people cope through this crisis.”
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