Poverty is a political choice.
Over 5 million Australians are barely scraping by on Centrelink payment rates below the poverty line, and millions more are struggling with the cost of living.
Yet the government is choosing to cut taxes for the ultra wealthy instead of raising the rate of income support.
Young people are barely scraping by on Youth Allowance, older people are increasingly becoming homeless, and it’s harder than ever to access the Disability Support Pension.
The system is deeply broken. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
The Greens have a plan to end poverty in Australia and ensure support is there for everyone who needs it, no matter what.
This starts with raising the rate of all Centrelink income support payments above the poverty line.
The Greens have also committed to lowering the age of eligibility for Jobseeker from 22 to 18, and abolishing the Youth Allowance parental income test for those not living at home. This will give 200,000 young people increased access to support.
The pandemic showed governments can end poverty and ensure a strong social safety net.
Poverty is a political choice – and the government is choosing to cut taxes for the ultra wealthy instead of making sure people aren’t forced to choose between groceries, rent and medical appointments.
Join the Greens in our call for the Government to increase income support.