We call on the next government to Raise the Rate of JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment and related income support payments to ensure that everyone can cover the basics.  

JobSeeker is just $56 a day and Youth Allowance is even less at $47 a day. These payments sit well below all measures of adequacy, with JobSeeker just 43.5% of the minimum wage and well below the poverty line.  

People receiving JobSeeker are 14 times more likely to go without a substantial meal a day, with many skipping essential medication and healthcare just to keep a roof over their head.  

Research shows that there are no affordable rentals for someone receiving JobSeeker or Youth Allowance. 

The independent Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has recommended JobSeeker and related payments substantially increase as its top priority for three years running, with its latest report finding that doing so “would deliver significant economic and social benefits.” 

Raising the Rate of these payments is the most important thing the next government could do to address the cost-of-living crisis for people on the lowest incomes who most need support.  

To do so would benefit more than 1.5 million people.

This is easy to implement, not a complex reform.   

We urge the next government to substantially raise the rate of these payments so that people do not need to go without food, healthcare and a safe place to call home.