Greens call for extension of mutual obligations suspension for people in flood-affected areas

2022-03-08

The Australian Greens are calling on the Morrison Government to immediately extend the suspension of mutual obligations for jobseekers and others on income support in flood-affected areas across New South Wales and Queensland.

Australian Greens spokesperson for community affairs and social services, Senator Janet Rice said: 

“Morrison’s decision to reinstate mutual obligations today for people on income support in flood-affected areas is a cruel joke.

“People across NSW and QLD are dealing with an ongoing natural disaster and the impacts have already been devastating. People in these areas have been battered by more than a week of catastrophic weather conditions, their lives as they’d known them have been destroyed, and they’re struggling to rebuild their homes and communities. More than ever they need the support of their government.

“Yet after only seven days, the Morrison Government has ended the suspension of mutual obligations for jobseekers and people on income support.

"Clearly, Morrison and his government have not even an ounce of empathy or understanding for the hell people are living through. 

“People should be focusing on healing from the disaster and repairing their lives. Instead, those on income support are once again being forced to fulfil mutual obligations or risk their payment being cancelled.

“The government must immediately extend the suspension of mutual obligations to ensure that these communities aren’t further devastated.”