There’s a push from welfare and business groups to lift the rate of Newstart. The Australian Greens bill to increase the allowance will be debated in the Senate next week in private members time.

Australian Greens spokesperson on Family and Community Services Senator Rachel Siewert spoke to Oliver Peterson today to say there needs to be an urgent, minimum $75 a week increase to Newstart payments because people cannot afford to eat properly, pay for healthcare or find affordable accommodation.

“Newstart hasn’t been increased in over 25 years. Both the Government and Labor are ignoring people living in poverty. If we can afford to give those earning some of the highest income a tax cut we can afford to increase Newstart.”

Download this podcast here