David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Social Services, Senator Farrell. Today ACOSS launched a new report, How JobSeeker and other income support payments are falling behind the cost of living. We already know Australians are suffering the worst cost-of-living crisis in generations. The report reveals just how bad this is: 62 per cent of low-income earners are eating less or skipping meals; 71 per cent are cutting back on meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; almost half of low-income owners spend half of their income on rent; 71 per cent of low-income earners have been cutting back on heating over winter. When will the government raise the rate above $48 per day and lift millions of Australians out of poverty?