Submission on the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Safety Net) Bill 2023

We support the passage of the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Safety Net) Bill 2023.

The Society argues for expanding eligibility for parenting payment to single principal carers with a child under 14 years old, increasing rates of certain working age and student payments, expanding eligibility for higher rates of Jobseeker payment, and increasing Commonwealth rent assistance.

The Society's 2022 Federal Election Statement, A Fairer Australia, called for larger increases to working age payments, increased Commonwealth Rent Assistance, and an increased earnings thresholds for income support recipients. The Society calls on the Australian Government to consider recommendations from the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee and use any budget surplus to assist those on income support.

Download the pdf file of our submission