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- 24 March, 2023
Australia’s welfare system puts disadvantaged at risk, inquiry told
Australia’s mutual obligation system for welfare risks “subjecting disadvantaged participants to unreasonably onerous and punitive conditions”, the Commonwealth Ombudsman has warned. Source: The Guardian.
Millions of Australians to receive welfare payment boost this month
Nearly 5 million Australians will receive a major increase to their pension and allowance payments when they are indexed to inflation later this month. Source: Nine.com.au.
Chalmers still open to boost in Jobseeker rate
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has not ruled out raising the JobSeeker rate after key members of a committee reviewing the welfare payment backed its increase. Source: The Australian.
Former Labor deputy to lead welfare review
Former Labor powerbroker Jenny Macklin will lead a 16-person economic inclusion advisory committee making recommendations on welfare payment levels and other social policies ahead of the May Budget. Source: The Australian.
Social security payments get biggest lift in decades
Young people, students and carers will receive the biggest boost to their social security payments in decades on New Year’s Day, but social welfare advocates say it is still not enough. Source: The Guardian.
Catholic sector welcomes plan to establish welfare payments panel
Catholic Social Services Australia has welcomed Albanese Government plans to establish an independent panel to annually review support payments such as JobSeeker and parenting payments ahead of each federal Budget.
Catholic sector hails end to ‘mean-spirited’ program
Catholic Social Services Australia executive director Monique Earsman has applauded the Albanese Government’s decision to wipe the Robodebt reviews of nearly 200,000 Australians. Source: CSSA
Robodebt cases to be dropped for nearly 200,000
Almost 200,000 people who spent years fighting to clear welfare debts they didn’t owe will have any active Centrelink investigations wiped. Source: The Age.
New welfare card to replace Howard-era Basics Card
Tens of thousands of Australians will be given a new welfare card to replace the much-maligned Basics Card, as the Albanese Government moves to eliminate compulsory income management. Source: The Age.