In a place often seen as thriving, it's easy to overlook the quiet challenges many continue to face.

For some, making ends meet remains a constant struggle, especially those depending on support systems to get by.

Ongoing discussions about financial assistance have left many feeling left out and unheard.

The current state of Centrelink payments is a pressing issue for many, especially older Australians who have spent their lives contributing to the nation's economy.

Marge, a retiree who voiced her concerns on the ABC program Q&A, encapsulates the sentiment of many when she questions how older Aussies are expected to get by on the current Age Pension.

'How can the government expect us to believe that they know everyone is doing it tough when the latest pension increase for a couple equates to 25 cents per day each?' she said.

Calls to raise Centrelink payments were rejected despite rising costs and community appeals. Credit: Facebook

'Every bill we pay has risen significantly... actions definitely speak louder than words in this situation.'

The disparity between their financial resources and the cost of living is growing wider for those on a fixed income.

Many people share Marge's frustration. They feel that after a lifetime of working and paying taxes, they should not have to pinch pennies in their twilight years.

JobSeeker, another critical Centrelink payment, has also been under scrutiny.

The recent increase of $3.10 per fortnight has been met with dismay, as it does little to alleviate recipients' financial strain.

Economist Nicki Hutley points out that investing in JobSeeker not only benefits the recipients but also the community at large.

According to recent modelling, every additional dollar invested in JobSeeker generates a $1.25 return through healthier individuals, reduced government payments, and improved productivity.

The government's Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has recommended increasing JobSeeker to 90 per cent of the Age Pension, raising the fortnightly payment from $781.10 to $942.39.

This suggestion, however, has been met with resistance from both major political parties.

Despite the clear benefits, politicians have reaffirmed their stance against increasing the payment, citing budget constraints and the challenge of raising taxes to fund social benefits.

The debate has brought to light the broader issue of prioritising government spending.

Richard Denniss from The Australia Institute offers a provocative perspective, highlighting the billions of dollars in fossil fuel subsidies and the colossal investment in the AUKUS submarine deal as areas where funds could be reallocated to support the country's most vulnerable.

As we navigate these challenging times, we must remember that behind the statistics and political debates are real people struggling to afford necessities.

The question remains: How can one of the wealthiest nations in the world justify not providing adequate support to those in need?

We at the Seniors Discount Club believe a society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members.

It's time for a serious conversation about our national priorities and how we can ensure that every Australian has the means to live with dignity.

In other news, millions across the country received a boost to certain support payments from 20 March, affecting various forms of assistance.

These adjustments were part of a regular review tied to shifts in living costs and broader economic factors. You can read more about it here.

Key Takeaways

• Labour and the Coalition have rejected calls to increase Centrelink payments, despite rising cost of living pressures and community group pleas.
• Retirees and JobSeeker recipients have expressed frustration at the modest increases, which they claim are insufficient for meeting basic needs.
• Economist Nicki Hutley suggested that increasing JobSeeker could lead to positive community outcomes, with a good return on investment.
• Political debate continues regarding social security payment levels, with suggestions of reallocating funds from areas such as fossil fuel subsidies to support vulnerable Australians.

Have you or someone you know been affected by the lack of increase in Centrelink benefits? How has this impacted your daily life? Your stories are powerful and can help bring about change. Let's start the conversation in the comments below.

 

[marni]

It's about time the Federal Government paid back retirees the money they put into general revenue from the Age Pension fund that workers paid in from their wages. This Tax was separate from the general tax on wages! We are not Welfare Recipients!

How much per week would that have been? I bet it would not be as much as the pdndio. Us now

 

[Aussie all the Way]

Who voted for the little shit? nobody seems to want to own up,

I sure as hell didn't, but you are right, nobody wants to admit it and I can't believe that the idiot is probably going to get re elected, and you can guess who is voting for him, all the Dole bludgers and everyone else who has been able to sit on their arse and get paid fairly well for doing nothing.

 

[Wombat2u2004]

Those agencies which handle NDIS & have clients are definitely milking the Government cow because it is the Government! I am aware of one agency where clients were not receiving what they were entitled to but on paper they did. Many $'s were siphoned off for personal use.

Overcharging a Government Department for goods & services has been happening for eons.
I once worked for an aluminium window & door company writing up production paperwork. One day the manager gave me paperwork for a toilet window for the Navy which he quoted on & was accepted. This was a standard size for the company but the quoted & accepted price was considerably above the cost for that window because it was a Government Departmeiseen it allnt.

Yep.......that's exactly what happens.
In the early 1980's I worked as an estimator at a building and civil engineering company. We did a lot of work for SCRA (Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority) It was one of our well known State Premiers babies.
You should have seen the bucks change hands there, being staff, I was privy to how much money that was quoted for jobs, how much was won on tenders and where the money went. I will say no more.