The Salvation Army is calling on the Australian Government to make a long-term commitment to raising the JobSeeker Payment by at least $125 a week to ensure people experiencing unemployment can live with dignity.
The Salvation Army's Secretary for Mission, Lt Col Lyn Edge said: 'Significant gains have been made during the COVID-19 crisis that have had a genuine impact on people experiencing hardship and injustice in Australia. This experience should be used to build a better welfare system.'
'We have arrived at the figure of $125 through consideration of what the people who come to us for support actually spend their limited funds on, and what has happened to the price of those goods.
'The Government's own figures show that, in most cases, more than half of most recipients' JobSeeker allowance goes on paying rent, while inflation has resulted in an almost 10 percent increase in the cost of fresh food.'
There are also costs associated with seeking employment that are unaffordable to many who receive JobSeeker, making it seemingly impossible for a person to rise out of unemployment
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'The fact that the base rate of the JobSeeker Payment was demonstrably too low before the pandemic was a factor,' Lyn explained.
'As recipients cut back on spending, they focus on their most basic needs – food and shelter. Money for most social activities is sacrificed, which can often lead to loneliness and disconnection from community.
'This is particularly important as we approach the Christmas season and the end of year, which is traditionally a time of gift giving and gathering with family and friends.'
The Salvos are one of the biggest providers of social services and programs for people experiencing hardship in Australia.
Throughout 2020, The Salvation Army has written to every government MP and Senator, presented over 10 submissions and attended more than 30 meetings with government officials to make the case for a permanent increase to the JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance.
With an eye towards 2021, Lt Col Edge concluded, 'We will continue to advocate for a permanent increase that allows people to live with dignity until it is achieved.'
