2021-07-23
The Australian Greens say that ACOSS’ Report “Locked out in Lockdown: A report about people with the least trying to survive in lockdown” highlights that the Morrison Government has created a two-class income support response.
“This Government has locked out people with the least. People who have lost paid work because of lockdowns are able to access the $600 per week COVID-19 Disaster Payments, while those on JobSeeker Payment are getting half as much at $315 per week”, Australian Greens spokesperson on Family and Community Services Senator Rachel Siewert said.
“The increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases across Australia demonstrate that this is a public health issue. People cannot afford to stay home in lockdown if they are at risk of losing their home.”
“Of the 88 people in Greater Sydney who responded to ACOSS’ survey, 100% said they are struggling with the cost of living. More than half had lost paid work because of the lockdown, and 49% said they are at risk of losing their homes.”
“With over 14 million people in lockdown across Australia, ACOSS’ report highlights why the Government must immediately extend COVID-19 Disaster Payments to people receiving income support.”
“Everyone should have enough income support to cover basic costs, regardless of when they lost their job or where they live.”
“The Government must urgently act to increase income support payments above the poverty line to $80 a day.”