While many people will benefit from the Government’s stimulus packages, the Government’s response to COVID-19 continues to see large sections of our population left behind who are disproportionately affected by this health and economic crisis. 

I will be seeking the support of the Senate to: 
•    Extend the $550 supplement to the Disability Support Pension (DSP) and Carer Payments
•    Amend the revenue test for charities and not-for-profits 
•    Extend the Jobseeker Payment to people on temporary visas 
•    Ensure that part-time workers can’t be exploited

“I am pleased that the Government is finally implementing a pause on debt raising and recovery activity.
 
“Now is the time to be looking out for people, ensuring they have enough to live on, not chasing them for debts.
 
“I was told two weeks ago in the Senate by the Minister for Social Services that debt recovery had been suspended, now two weeks later we have confirmation from Minister Robert. 
 
“Constituents have been contacting us with debts that were raised against them this week!
 

"It’s been clear for years now that employment services are not fit for purpose and do not meet the needs of Jobseekers. 
 
"The Government failed to adequately address a system that was clearly in crisis following the 2019 Senate inquiry that overwhelmingly demonstrated that the jobactive system is failing unemployed workers. 
 
"Centrelink and job providers play a critical role in millions of peoples’ lives and more people than ever are relying on our social safety net during this crisis. 
 

The Greens say Government advice released today saying that people on DSP should not change to the now higher Jobseeker payment indicates exactly why DSP and Carer payments need to be increased. 
 
"People receiving the Disability Support Pension are facing additional and unforeseen costs for transport, food deliveries, healthcare, medical supplies and personal protective equipment during the coronavirus crisis. 
 

The Greens say it will be almost impossible to account for the social and economic costs of the Government's punitive Robodebt program. 

“This program has literally cost people's lives, ruined many many more and caused so much pain and anguish. 

“I am pleased that it looks like the Government will have to compensate victims of the illegal Robodebt scheme but nothing can truly compensate people for the distress this has caused. 

“I raised this issue in the Senate on Monday and as late as yesterday people were telling me they were still being contacted about debts. 

Government must use a common sense approach to Centrelink and suspend reporting requirements and mutual obligations for people already on Centrelink until COVID-19 crisis has passed
 
The Greens say the Government must use common sense and suspend the requirement for people on income support payments to report their income every fortnight and complete mutual obligations while the system is so overburdened during the COVID-19 crisis. 
 

The Australian Greens say they are pleased that new Jobseekers won’t be condemned to the Cashless Debit Card and have renewed their commitment to seeing the end of the Cashless Debit Card and compulsory income management. 

"Today my office has been inundated with calls and emails from people unable to report their income through MyGov and who have not been paid on time or fear their payments will be cut.

"I have been working with the Minister to get this fixed. I’m very pleased that mutual obligations have been suspended until at least 31 March.

More than 250,000 Australians will have an extra $550 a fortnight to get through the Coronavirus crisis, after the Greens pushed the government to extend a crucial supplementary payment that had omitted Australia’s students.

Following questioning from Senator Rachel Siewert and Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Matthias Cormann said the government would now immediately regulate to make Abstudy, Austudy, and Youth Allowance (Student) eligible for the Coronavirus Supplement.

Lines from Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens:

The Greens have circulated amendments in the senate to make sure no-one is disadvantaged by the Government’s stimulus package. 

The Greens will seek the support of the senate to: