Media Release
August 22, 2019
Looking for work while on a $40-per-day Newstart allowance is stressful, dispiriting and degrading.
A more realistic payment, which takes into account the harsh realities of being unemployed, would end the need for some of our vulnerable community members to choose between eating or keeping a roof over their head.
Wayss is joining the chorus of welfare groups, business leaders and MPs across the political spectrum to call for an increase in Australia's "grossly inadequate" allowance payments.
Single, childless Newstart recipients who receive the base payment rate live on just $40 per day, before housing expenses. After accommodation costs, according to a recent Salvation Army report, they need to survive on a meagre $17 per day.
Wayss CEO, Elizabeth Thomas, said this is outrageous and the reason why demand for Wayss' homelessness support services is skyrocketing, with a 10%+ increase over the past year.
"We're seeing people who can't afford the basic necessities of life - housing, food and clothing. The costs of health, dental care and internet access are way out of their financial reach, which not only impacts their personal welfare, it makes it all the more difficult to obtain employment," Ms Thomas said.
"These are people who, through no fault of their own, are in our community and finding it difficult to find a stable job. This should not mean they are treated with any less respect and dignity."
Ms Thomas calls on the Federal Government to listen to the voices of grassroots service providers, such as Wayss, and make a difference.
Raise the Rate
Ms Thomas is urging the communities of Greater Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula to support the Australian Council of Social Services' (ACOSS) Raise the Rate campaign.
In a recent ACOSS survey of allowance recipients, nearly 60% said they had less than $100 left for the week after they paid their housing costs. A further 39% reported having $50 or less.
The survey also found:
- More than 60% had not been able to see a dentist in two years
- Some said they were only able to shower sporadically
- 65% didn't eat meat, so they could save money
To join the Raise the Rate campaign, sign up at www.raisetherate.org.au.
Media enquiries
Contact Communications Coordinator, Peter Douglas, on 0466 405 182.
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