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https://theconversation.com/despite-recent-increases-jobseeker-still-leaves-people-below-the-poverty-line-heres-why-that-affects-us-all-251915>
"Over the past two years, there has been some progress in improving the
JobSeeker payment. But payment levels remain below the poverty line.
That’s according to Australia’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee’s 2025
report, released this week a fortnight ahead of the federal budget on March 25.
This committee advises the Federal Government on ways to enhance economic
inclusion and reduce disadvantage.
The committee is chaired by former Labor minister Jenny Macklin. It comprises
experts in social security and economics, as well as leaders from the community
sector, advocacy organisations, unions, business, and philanthropy. I am one of
its members.
This year’s report focuses on the adequacy of supports, including JobSeeker
payments, Commonwealth Rent Assistance and Remote Area Allowance. It also looks
at how systems could be reformed.
The report makes ten recommendations. Of these, the highest priority is for the
government to substantially increase the base rates of JobSeeker and related
working age payments.
Doing so could deliver big economic and social benefits. Research shows a
possible return to society of $1.24 for every dollar invested in increasing the
JobSeeker rate."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
