The Deputy Premier of NSW, John Barilaro, has urged his federal colleagues to reconsider their position on Newstart at the launch of an NCOSS event today that addressed economic disadvantage across the state, including in the regions.
The Australian Council of Social Service warmly welcomes Minister Barilaro's comments, which follow support for a Newstart increase from the Qld, WA, NT and ACT governments.
"Minister Barilaro is right to call on his federal Coalition colleagues to reconsider their position on Newstart," ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said.
"By increasing Newstart, the Government can act on poverty while providing needed economic stimulus, especially in regional areas, where people spend much of their income locally.
"Whether you're in a regional area, where you often need to pay for car costs in order to get paid work, or in a city, where the cost of rent is even higher; $40 a day is not enough to support people through tough times.
"Newstart is not working - the rate has not been increased in real terms for 25 years while living costs have gone through the roof.
"State and territory governments have rightly pointed out that the federal Government's failure on Newstart is shifting costs on to them.
"There is widespread support for increasing Newstart, including the Country Women's Association, members of Parliament representing regional areas, like Barnaby Joyce, Helen Haines and Bob Katter, as well as the majority of the community."
