Parliament declares Newstart is too low
Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt has welcomed the House of Representatives’ support for his motion declaring that the rate of Newstart is too low.
Mr Bandt says the government should now revisit its decision not to increase Newstart in the Budget.
“If we want a more caring society where we lift people out of poverty traps, the government must increase the dole”, Mr Bandt said.
“Today’s vote will give greater strength to the Greens, community and business groups that are campaigning for a $50 a week increase in Newstart.”
“Finally , Labor has acknowledged they know there’s a problem, but they’re still failing to do anything about it.”
“Tony Abbott should hear this acknowledgement of the House and commit to raising Newstart above the poverty line in his Budget reply speech this evening.”
The motion was put and passed that house at 1.22 PM - That this House acknowledges that the current level of Newstart is too low.