Senate debates Regulations and Determinations
Social Security (Coronavirus Economic Response — 2020 Measures No. 14) Determination 2020; Disallowance
Rachel Siewert WA, Australian Greens
4:51 pm
I move:
That items 1 to 3 of Schedule 1 and item 4 of Schedule 2 of the Social Security (Coronavirus Economic Response—2020 Measures No. 14) Determination 2020, made under the Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Act 2020 and the Social Security Act 1991, be disallowed [F2020L01093].
Jenny McAllister NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Jenny McAllister NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
Labor will not be supporting this motion. Our priority is to see the government permanently increase the base rate for JobSeeker and to see the liquid assets waiting period remain suspended, because those changes are targeted at the people who need help the most at this time. When the government decided to stop the asset test, not just temporarily increase it, they allowed over 3,000 people with assets of $1 million or more in addition to their home to receive unemployment payments. Support should go to those who need it the most.
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services
4:52 pm
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services
The government does not support the disallowance motion. Means testing is a longstanding fundamental component of the income support system, and the reintroduction of the assets test is an appropriate step in providing targeted support.
Question negatived.