2016-02-02
A report by the Auditor General that raises concerns about sharpening the eligibility for the Disability Support Pension (DSP) should be taken seriously by the Government, Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
“The Auditor-General’s report into Qualifying for the DSP is a timely one. The Government recently trumpeted its success in moving people off DSP, but we need to be careful in examining these changes.
“One in seven young people kicked off the DSP is a huge concern, especially since we know young people already struggle to enter the workforce.
“We need to know what has happened to these people, did they move on to find jobs? People with a disability often face challenges when entering the workforce. The ANAO report indicates that the Department of Social Services hasn't undertaken a review or evaluation of the eligibility changes and this is deeply concerning.
“If the Government has merely forced people off DSP onto Newstart, then it’s a false save - it’s simply cruelty imposed on the people who will suffer the most.
“The report highlights that many DSP decisions are adjusted or reversed when they are appealed to the appeals tribunal. That is very concerning if the Department is applying the rules too harshly.
“I have also been asking people in the community for their views. I have heard some terrible accounts of people struggling to survive after they have been pushed off the DSP unfairly. This is cruelty, and it is wrong.
“I will be chasing this issue in estimates next week”.