Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator Fifield. Minister—through you, President—Newstart has not been increased in real terms since 1994. That was 24 years ago—in fact in the year of the birth of my colleague Senator Steele-John. Today, the base rate of Newstart will rise by an indexed amount of $2.20 a week, and the government claims this will help those on the payment keep up with the cost of living. Minister, what does the government think people can buy with an extra 30c a day?