Despite calls to increase the base rate of JobSeeker payments in this year's federal budget, there has been no change and experts say it means the cost of living is hurting those who can least afford it.

It’s considered a temporary payment to help people look for work, or cover costs when they are unwell.

But the number of long-term JobSeeker recipients has almost tripled since 2012, as the lucrative employment services industry struggles to find work for people who would otherwise be on different welfare payments.

Meanwhile, those looking for work say the fortnightly rate is lagging so far behind real costs it’s stretching them to the very limit. And they didn’t get a hike in the federal budget this year.

So how are the 900,000 people on JobSeeker making ends meet?

    • notgold@aussie.zoneEnglish
      7·
      17 days ago

      As long as it goes to the underprivileged and less fortunate. Stop giving corporations tax breaks.

    • eureka@aussie.zoneEnglish
      2·
      15 days ago

      Sure, and that’s only one of the many necessary parts of solving this problem.

  • arbilp3@aussie.zoneOP
    10·
    17 days ago

    This is so galling. The situation is getting worse for unemployed people and the rich are getting richer. We need to put more pressure on our government.

    • Hanrahan@slrpnk.netEnglish
      2·
      17 days ago

      well, we could vote Green but alas most Australian’s we prefer billionaires and fucked up teeth

  • howdy@lemmy.ml
    8·
    17 days ago

    just a portion of the compound interest on big wealth would be enough for liveable jobseeker payments.

    and surprise surprise, higher unemployment payments means people spend more and take more risk, reducing unemployment and the welfare burden