Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

What I have already indicated is that Centrelink has a responsibility to apply the legislation as stated in the social security law and this includes decisions relating to Newstart allowance. While the government is committed to providing a safety net to those who through no fault of their own cannot support themselves, it is always committed to ensuring that unemployment benefits only go to those people who are genuinely unemployed. In return for financial support, the government expects unemployed people to demonstrate that they are actively looking for work or undertaking activities to improve their employment prospects. In order to qualify for Newstart allowance, a customer must meet a number of requirements, including activity tests. But in terms of providing an answer to the specific question, which goes to a named individual, I will take that on notice. It is a matter that may very well be under investigation and I do not want to compromise that investigation. I am sure— (Time expired)