2020-11-03
Interrogating social welfare provisions in Estimates while the Government uses the pandemic to reduce scrutiny on legislation
By Senator Rachel Siewert
I’ve just wrapped a very busy two weeks of Estimates over in Canberra. I have used Estimates as always to keep the pressure up on our many ongoing campaigns and issues including the Cashless Debit Card, Robodebt, Aged Care, mental health, psychosocial disability, gambling during COVID and Jobactive.
I am particularly focused on what is going to happen with the JobSeeker Coronavirus supplement after December. It’s so unfair and very upsetting that people are having to wait to know whether there will be an extension and so much uncertainty about the rate post December 31 is causing a huge amount of concern. The Minister for Social Services confirmed during an Estimates hearing that the Government plans to extend the JobSeeker coronavirus supplement past December but would not confirm the amount and when we will see the legislation. The Government has used the excuse of the pandemic to reduce the scrutiny of so much legislation this year and that needs to stop. There are only three sitting weeks left before Parliament finishes for the year and there is no excuse for this to be rushed through at the last minute with a take it or leave it approach.
I also questioned the Minister about the Cashless Debit Card which the Government plans to make permanent in the four trial sites (two of which are in WA) and extend to the Northern Territory by the end of the year. Most outrageously we were told that they have no plans to release the final trial sites evaluations before we are asked to vote on the legislation and that in effect it doesn't really matter what it says because they are going to try and get the legislation through anyway. With Labor now finally opposing income management and the card we are running a strong campaign targeting the crossbench who will have the deciding vote.
Budget week in October was a big week of course. Not only did the Government and Labor collude to give tax cuts to the rich, the Government also legislated to reduce the Jobseeker coronavirus supplement by $300 taking it below the poverty line. I have introduced a private members bill to reinstate the supplement back to the $550 fortnightly rate and extend it to people on DSP and Carers payments which I hope will be debated during the next November sitting week. We will keep holding the Government to account on the supplement as well as a commitment to a permanent increase. We are all sick of people being stuck in this limbo. There are absolutely no circumstances in which it would be feasible for Jobseeker to go back to $40 a day.
I am continuing work with the committee inquiring into Rio Tinto’s destruction of Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara. This week I will be going to the site to see what is left of the Gorge Rio Tinto destroyed. Given this context it’s absolutely devastating to have seen the Andrews Government destroy one of the sacred birthing trees on Djab Wurrung country while everyone was distracted with the announcement on the changes to the lock down measures in Victoria. I'm shocked and saddened by what has happened. All Government at all levels have to stop allowing the destruction of the world's oldest living culture. Australia was shocked at Rio Tinto’s wanton destruction of the Juukan Gorge ‒ but it’s happening all over again.
I want to thank Lynn, Sophie and Dorinda for standing in the preselection for the lead Senate candidate at the next election. It’s a real credit to the strength of our party and our movement that we had such a strong field of highly qualified women as candidates. I want to congratulate Dorinda on being preselected by the Greens (WA) membership as the lead Senate candidate for the next Federal election. As a Noongar Yamitji woman, and in her work as an anti-domestic violence campaigner and former police officer, Dorinda has seen first hand the issues people in our communities face every day. I know she’ll be an amazing Senator. Federal Parliament needs people like Dorinda ready to fight for our communities.
I know that everyone has been working very hard getting ready for our state election next year! It’s great to see everyone getting their teams together and so many great candidates already hitting the ground running. It’s very clear we need to hold the McGowan Government to account when it comes to climate action.