The Australian Greens today announced new measures to address poverty, including a $4.7 billion increase in income support payments funded by closing tax loopholes.

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Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)
Jon....@aph.gov.au
September 14, 2004
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14.09.04

Greens Senator Kerry Nettle said the confusing mix of payments, with differences of as much as $75 a fortnight between the aged pension and unemployment allowance, needed to be streamlined and payments lifted to the pension rate.

With almost one in ten Australians living below the poverty line, Senator Nettle said it was imperative that Australia address poverty as a priority.

"The best way for people to move out of poverty is to find work that is fairly paid but unlike the major parties, the Greens recognise that there are many more people who want to work than there are jobs," Senator Nettle said.

"There are also many people who are unable to work, because of illness or disability, or who lack skills. Others perform valuable unpaid work, such as carers and volunteers. For some, paid work no longer provides a living wage, with 15% of Australians living in poverty citing wages as their main source of household income.

"These people deserve adequate income support, to ensure that they can meet their basic needs and participate fully in the community.

"The Howard government promised several years ago to look at streamlining income support payments but has failed to act. It has been more concerned with delivering tax cuts to high income earners while Labor's tax package leaves up to 180,000 low income households worse off.

"The Greens are committed to ensuring that every Australia has enough support to meet their basic needs. Investment in public services and a taxation system that share our nation's wealth more fairly are vital to achieving this goal."

More information: Jon Edwards - 0428 213 146

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