Poverty is a political choice – and the government is choosing to cut taxes for the ultra wealthy instead of raising the rate of income support.
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.
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.
We have an income support system that should be universal, but harsh and punitive measures have made it inaccessible to those who need it most and existing payments aren’t enough to live on.
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.
The guaranteed liveable income would:
- Raise all income support payment rates above the poverty line
- Abolish mutual obligations
- Remove unfair restrictions on who can access payments, to ensure everyone has enough to cover their basic needs
We saw during the height of the pandemic that governments can end poverty and ensure a strong social safety net for when people need it.
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 our campaign to ensure that everyone has the support they need with a guaranteed liveable income.