[Greens-Media] Greens seek federal action to reduce pressure on Morwell income support recipients

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

28 February 2014

Greens seek federal action to reduce pressure on Morwell income support recipients

The Australian Greens are asking Minister for Employment, Senator Eric Abetz to suspend participation requirements for people on income support in Morwell who are being affected by the ongoing fire in the Hazelwood coalmine.
 
Some income support payments, such as Newstart Allowance, have a participation requirement that people must meet each fortnight, or their payment can be suspended. 
 
Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on families and community services said today that conditions in Morwell were making it virtually impossible for people to meet their activity tests and mutual obligations, potentially putting payments at risk.
 
"Suspending the requirements until the fire is over will make it easier for people to avoid going outside and travelling around in potentially dangerous conditions," Senator Siewert said today.
 
"In Senate Estimates, the Department of Human Services outlined their efforts to take a 'light touch' with people affected by the Morwell fire, but they cannot suspend participation requirements without intervention from the Department of Employment. It is important that the Minister offers some relief to people in this difficult situation.

"The last thing people need when they're already suffering is to lose access to vital household income

"The Victorian Government has suggested that people leave if they can, including taking respire breaks in nearby towns, which would further complicate compliance requirements. 

"During incidents such as these, it is crucial that we see cooperation between federal and state governments. I have written to the Minister about this issue and encourage the federal government to take this important step," Senator Siewert concluded.