Ahead of the Federal Election, Anglicare Australia has called on the Federal Government and Opposition to sign on to key commitments to make Australia fairer.
“Both the Government and Opposition are backing one-off payments, tax cuts and tax offsets,” said Anglicare Australia Executive Director Kasy Chambers.
“But this won’t do much to help with the cost of living. Australians know this. That’s why three quarters of people polled by Anglicare Australia have said they want action on incomes, services, and job creation.
“The base rate of JobSeeker has been stuck below the poverty line for decades. We will be looking for commitments from all parties at this election to raise the rate of these payments – and reform them so that they keep pace with the cost of living.
“We also want action on the huge shortfall in social and affordable housing. Average rents have gone up by 20% in both regional areas and big cities. Australia is becoming a country where only the very wealthy can avoid housing stress,” Ms Chambers said.
Ms Chambers said that the commitments have been outlined in open letters sent by Anglicare Australia to the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader.
“We know what we need to do to make Australia fairer – ensure everyone has a home, a decent income, and dignity in old age.
“If we can afford to spend hundreds of billions on temporary fixes, then we can surely afford a safety net, a secure home, and a dignified life for every Australian.” Ms Chambers said.
Anglicare Australia’s open letters have called for:
- Job creation programs
- An increase to put Centrelink payments above the poverty line
- An investment in affordable and social housing
- Action on aged care.