Cost of Living

In our submission, we highlight the increasing impact of rising inflation on the cost of living.

The Society acknowledges the need for fiscal restraint and governments to balance competing priorities, but this should not come at the expense of people in need.

The Society welcomed the 2023-24 Budget including increases: to the eligibility criteria for Parenting Payment (Single) from 8 to 14 years for the youngest child, energy subsidies, Medicare to cover bulk billing costs for vulnerable Australians and working age welfare payments.

However, more needs to be done including reforming the tax and transfer system and dropping the stage 3 tax cuts to cover increases to working age welfare payments and Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Policies to support secure work and decent wages must also be implemented.