The Greens have welcomed the Nationals interest in an increase to Newstart, but have rejected tying any increase to Newstart with the cashless debit card.
 
“People on income support are some of the best money managers, because every single dollar counts when you are on a low income.
 
“Just because people are unemployed doesn’t mean that they can’t manage their finances. It is insulting and paternalistic to consider otherwise.
 
“Increasing Newstart must not be a vehicle for expanding the cashless debit card in this country.
 

Senator Rachel Siewert and Senator Patrick Dodson’s reference to senate inquiry on the adequacy of Newstart and related payments has today been supported by the Senate.
 
“I’m very pleased that the Senate has supported our reference to the Community Affairs References Committee”, Australian Greens spokesperson on Family and Community Services Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
 
“This week we’ve had people from all sides of politics come out in support of an increase to Newstart which has not had a real term increase since 1994.
 

A Greens motion to increase Newstart has passed the Senate today.

Following the reporting of the Coalition’s new low of interfering with a Parliamentary committee in regards to recommendations on Newstart, the Australian Greens have renewed their call for an independent process to set income support rates.
 
“If correct it is appalling that Minster Fletcher intervened in the work of the Committee and shows exactly why we need an independent body to set income support rates”, Australian Greens spokesperson on Family and Community Services Senator Rachel Siewert said.
 

The Senate has today voted down Senator Siewert and Senator Dodson’s joint motion calling on the Government to urgently legislate to raise the criminal age of responsibility to a minimum of 14 years old.
 

The Senate will today debate Senator Rachel Siewert’s private member’s bill Social Services Legislation Amendment (Ending the Poverty Trap) Bill 2018 that will increase Newstart, Youth Allowance and other payments by $75 a week.

WHEN: Monday 22 July 2019 at 10am in the Senate Chamber

The Greens are today calling on the Government to urgently suspend the operation of the robo-debt program in Townsville.

“How heartless and insensitive can this Government get? ,” Australian Greens spokesperson on Family and Community Services Senator Rachel Siewert said.

“While people are coping with what is one of the most stressful and traumatic times in their lives, a natural disaster, their Government are chasing them down for money they probably don’t even owe.

The Australian Greens bill to increase Newstart, Social Services Legislation Amendment (Ending the Poverty Trap) Bill 2018 will be debated in the Senate next week in private members time.
 

The Australian Greens have welcomed changes to the deeming rates for part pensioners but condemn the Government for failing to address the appalling low rates of Newstart at the same time. 

“Those living on Newstart are doing it very tough. While the Greens agree that deeming rates need reform, the Government also has responsibility for those on Newstart and needs to show them compassion as well”, Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Family and Community Services said today.