We all know how tough it is to make ends meet these days. The cost of living seems to be increasing every day, with what feels like little being done to help vulnerable Aussies cope with their new reality.

But there could soon be some relief for those who are doing it tough, with the announcement that welfare payments will be increased for millions of Australians.

With the advocacy for a rise in welfare payments being a major push in recent weeks, Independent Senator David Pocock announced on Sunday that he has come to an agreement with the Labor government to support their industrial relations bill.

However, the support is conditional – Pocock said that he agreed to back the legislation very recently if 'numerous amendments' will be made to the legislation to address the concerns of a wide range of groups.

Centrelink recipients could expect a boost in their payments soon as a new reviewing body will monitor the budget. Credit: Pexels.

The senator remarked: 'This is now a substantially different bill to the one introduced in the House of Representatives a month ago. It is better for business, better for workers and makes sure the most vulnerable in our community are no longer left behind.'

'I have worked with the government to push them as far as they would go, and then a step further to ensure they addressed key concerns raised with me.'

'This legislation introduces significant reforms to the Australian industrial relations system that will benefit women and low-paid workers in particular.'

Mr Pocock described the bill as a 'game changer' for people living below the poverty line in Australia, saying that the government will also receive expert advice from an independent body.

He also added that the expert body will make their recommendations — which will detail the improvements that need to be done to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community are no longer left behind — available to the public at least two weeks before the budget.

However, it is not expected that the increase will be as significant as the last one, which was announced in September, in line with price indexation, and increased the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payments by $38.90 per fortnight for singles (from $936.80 to $975.70) and $58.80 per fortnight for couples (from $1,412.40 to $1,471.20).

The senator said that in addition to reforming the labour system and providing women and low-paid workers with benefits, the legislation will also better support small businesses and better protect low-paid workers who are reliant on government assistance.

'Support payments are inadequate and not keeping pace with inflation, meaning those who need support are living in deepening levels of poverty,' he added.

'A recent report showed one in six children are living in poverty.'

Senator David Pocock revealed that he will be supporting the Labor government’s industrial relations bill if ‘numerous amendments’ will be made to it to cater to different demographics. Credit: Twitter/@DavidPocock.

Key Takeaways
Centrelink payments could soon increase for millions of Australians after an agreement was made between Senator David Pocock and the Labor government.
The increase in payments will be depending on the advice from an independent review body and is not expected to be as big as the last increase.
The increase in payments will be welcomed by many Australians who are struggling to make ends meet.

Aside from the pension payments, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, ABSTUDY, and Rent Assistance payments will also receive boosts.

JobSeeker for singles without children saw their payments go up by $25.70 per fortnight to $677.20, while Parenting Payment Single rose by $35.20 to $927.40. The rate for partnered JobSeeker Payment and Parenting Payment recipients increased by $23.40 to $616.60.

What are your thoughts, members? Should the government make increases in welfare payments every time the Consumer Price Index (CPI) goes up? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

 

[Evol P]

I'm sorry BUT the unemployed have the latest version of phones, the latest fashion, hotted up cars and YES YES YES YES have seen it all when I have been to Centrelink. Don't tell me they are hard done by for gods sake I'm sick of hearing it. Get off your backside and GET A JOB, we did a half Australia trip this year and all we saw in shop windows was wanted vacancy ads, anyone apply, so don't say they can't get a job.

So agree with you!

 

[Aussie all the Way]

No one seems to say A WORD about the unemployed being asked to fill some of the zillions of job vacancies. The job vacancies can't ALL be specialised jobs that can't be trained for.

Finally someone who thinks the same as me, get a job or get no money, your choice, SIMPLE. Perhaps these lazy people should live in the US, or South America, Europe even and see what they get for doing nothing, that's right NOTHING fend for yourself. Australia the LUCKY Country as long as you don't work and put your hand out for everything. Yes that's harsh but who cares I worked all my life for the things I have and proud of it.

 

[Moodlecentral]

We all know how tough it is to make ends meet these days. The cost of living seems to be increasing every day, with what feels like little being done to help vulnerable Aussies cope with their new reality.

But there could soon be some relief for those who are doing it tough, with the announcement that welfare payments will be increased for millions of Australians.

With the advocacy for a rise in welfare payments being a major push in recent weeks, Independent Senator David Pocock announced on Sunday that he has come to an agreement with the Labor government to support their industrial relations bill.

However, the support is conditional – Pocock said that he agreed to back the legislation very recently if 'numerous amendments' will be made to the legislation to address the concerns of a wide range of groups.

Centrelink recipients could expect a boost in their payments soon as a new reviewing body will monitor the budget. Credit: Pexels.

The senator remarked: 'This is now a substantially different bill to the one introduced in the House of Representatives a month ago. It is better for business, better for workers and makes sure the most vulnerable in our community are no longer left behind.'

'I have worked with the government to push them as far as they would go, and then a step further to ensure they addressed key concerns raised with me.'

'This legislation introduces significant reforms to the Australian industrial relations system that will benefit women and low-paid workers in particular.'

Mr Pocock described the bill as a 'game changer' for people living below the poverty line in Australia, saying that the government will also receive expert advice from an independent body.

He also added that the expert body will make their recommendations — which will detail the improvements that need to be done to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community are no longer left behind — available to the public at least two weeks before the budget.

However, it is not expected that the increase will be as significant as the last one, which was announced in September, in line with price indexation, and increased the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payments by $38.90 per fortnight for singles (from $936.80 to $975.70) and $58.80 per fortnight for couples (from $1,412.40 to $1,471.20).

The senator said that in addition to reforming the labour system and providing women and low-paid workers with benefits, the legislation will also better support small businesses and better protect low-paid workers who are reliant on government assistance.

'Support payments are inadequate and not keeping pace with inflation, meaning those who need support are living in deepening levels of poverty,' he added.

'A recent report showed one in six children are living in poverty.'

Senator David Pocock revealed that he will be supporting the Labor government’s industrial relations bill if ‘numerous amendments’ will be made to it to cater to different demographics. Credit: Twitter/@DavidPocock.

Key Takeaways
Centrelink payments could soon increase for millions of Australians after an agreement was made between Senator David Pocock and the Labor government.
The increase in payments will be depending on the advice from an independent review body and is not expected to be as big as the last increase.
The increase in payments will be welcomed by many Australians who are struggling to make ends meet.

Aside from the pension payments, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, ABSTUDY, and Rent Assistance payments will also receive boosts.

JobSeeker for singles without children saw their payments go up by $25.70 per fortnight to $677.20, while Parenting Payment Single rose by $35.20 to $927.40. The rate for partnered JobSeeker Payment and Parenting Payment recipients increased by $23.40 to $616.60.

What are your thoughts, members? Should the government make increases in welfare payments every time the Consumer Price Index (CPI) goes up? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

I currently cannot claim the Aged pension, though

We all know how tough it is to make ends meet these days. The cost of living seems to be increasing every day, with what feels like little being done to help vulnerable Aussies cope with their new reality.

But there could soon be some relief for those who are doing it tough, with the announcement that welfare payments will be increased for millions of Australians.

With the advocacy for a rise in welfare payments being a major push in recent weeks, Independent Senator David Pocock announced on Sunday that he has come to an agreement with the Labor government to support their industrial relations bill.

However, the support is conditional – Pocock said that he agreed to back the legislation very recently if 'numerous amendments' will be made to the legislation to address the concerns of a wide range of groups.

Centrelink recipients could expect a boost in their payments soon as a new reviewing body will monitor the budget. Credit: Pexels.

The senator remarked: 'This is now a substantially different bill to the one introduced in the House of Representatives a month ago. It is better for business, better for workers and makes sure the most vulnerable in our community are no longer left behind.'

'I have worked with the government to push them as far as they would go, and then a step further to ensure they addressed key concerns raised with me.'

'This legislation introduces significant reforms to the Australian industrial relations system that will benefit women and low-paid workers in particular.'

Mr Pocock described the bill as a 'game changer' for people living below the poverty line in Australia, saying that the government will also receive expert advice from an independent body.

He also added that the expert body will make their recommendations — which will detail the improvements that need to be done to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community are no longer left behind — available to the public at least two weeks before the budget.

However, it is not expected that the increase will be as significant as the last one, which was announced in September, in line with price indexation, and increased the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payments by $38.90 per fortnight for singles (from $936.80 to $975.70) and $58.80 per fortnight for couples (from $1,412.40 to $1,471.20).

The senator said that in addition to reforming the labour system and providing women and low-paid workers with benefits, the legislation will also better support small businesses and better protect low-paid workers who are reliant on government assistance.

'Support payments are inadequate and not keeping pace with inflation, meaning those who need support are living in deepening levels of poverty,' he added.

'A recent report showed one in six children are living in poverty.'

Senator David Pocock revealed that he will be supporting the Labor government’s industrial relations bill if ‘numerous amendments’ will be made to it to cater to different demographics. Credit: Twitter/@DavidPocock.

Key Takeaways
Centrelink payments could soon increase for millions of Australians after an agreement was made between Senator David Pocock and the Labor government.
The increase in payments will be depending on the advice from an independent review body and is not expected to be as big as the last increase.
The increase in payments will be welcomed by many Australians who are struggling to make ends meet.

Aside from the pension payments, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, ABSTUDY, and Rent Assistance payments will also receive boosts.

JobSeeker for singles without children saw their payments go up by $25.70 per fortnight to $677.20, while Parenting Payment Single rose by $35.20 to $927.40. The rate for partnered JobSeeker Payment and Parenting Payment recipients increased by $23.40 to $616.60.

What are your thoughts, members? Should the government make increases in welfare payments every time the Consumer Price Index (CPI) goes up? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

Though I currently cannot claim the aged pension, after working as a nurse /midwife for over 40 yrs, and having to give up working in hospitals due to Multiple Myeloma in 2015, because of infection rates being high, I was put onto disability services, but that did not mean receiving Disability payments, only that I didn't have to look for jobs in high stress and dirty environments. To cut a long, long story short, I think that every time the general cost of living goes up, pension ers and those on Disability schemes, though not receding the disability pension should receive between $50 -$70/ fortnight increases. We have, after paid our taxes for many years. There are those who have not worked more than a single week, which, when they were given the opportunity to work, made themselves so unlikeable that there was no other recourse but to dismiss them. It's really a case of being stuck between a rock and a hard place whe you go into Centrelink, needing to wear a breathing mask because of all the cigarette smoke by the entrance, not to mention the shopping trolleys full of alcohol and junk food, plastic unless toys and the children accompanying Mothers shopping so skinny because Mum doesn't know how to cook, so instead of nutritional foods, there is the heat in the microwave meals. Maybe we should go back to using the centrelink card where cigarettes and alcohol are not allowed. Though this might sound like I've digressed, I haven't really. The extra$$ are required to feed families, but it's o question of how do we keep track and help those who need the money but don't know how to manage it. I pay my bills fortnightly and Am in credit with everything except with council rates
. I am proud of myself but sometimes I wonder if I can afford a little treat like the movies without raiding the Super account. The biggest concern for Australians now is how are we going to manage the flood crisis as most of our food bowl has disappeared under water. Sorry for the long rant. I think I stayed politically correct too!

 

[mylittletibbies]

I might be wrong , but I thought that rego, electricity, and all concessions were only a available on the pension, not newstart. There are only a small amount of houses for rent these days under $400/week and rent assistance is less than $100 per week so I don't see how you can think that it pays the rent. I have a friend who is in her early sixties, wants to work but nobody wants to employ seniors, she is not a dole bludger, although I know there's plenty of them out there.
There are genuine people out there so please don't treat them all as if they are bludgers.
Why don't you try living on newstart and rent assistance and see how you go.

No they don't live with parents, they get enough to do these things, their rent assist pays most of the rent, cut rego, electricity, gas,etc I've seen them in Centrelink and nearly all of them are off outside to smoke, if you can afford to smoke you don't need anymore money, just look at them covered in tattoo's, I worked my whole life and these people get $100 less than me for what nothing, I have no time for the lazy ones, the people with health issues whole different story. But no not ALL unemployed but a hell of a lot of them just LAZY.

 

[Sloopy]

I'm sorry BUT the unemployed have the latest version of phones, the latest fashion, hotted up cars and YES YES YES YES have seen it all when I have been to Centrelink. Don't tell me they are hard done by for gods sake I'm sick of hearing it. Get off your backside and GET A JOB, we did a half Australia trip this year and all we saw in shop windows was wanted vacancy ads, anyone apply, so don't say they can't get a job.

Again, you demonstrate how much you don't know! In most regional/rural areas yes, they are crying out for workers. What you gleefully ignore is that there is not enough accommodation for those workers, and what little there is is horrendously expensive.
You must spend a lot of time in Centrelink yourself to claim such comprehensive knowledge of the circumstances of people who are unemployed! Yes, there is the occasional person doing the wrong thing, but they are few and far between. The majority are doing it extremely hard. You must also have an extremely keen eye and a comprehensive knowledge of modern technology to know that they "all" have the latest phones!
It is rants like yours which cause those in younger generations to declare those of us over 60 as "greedy boomers" who had it easy and don't care about anyone else.

 

[Sloopy]

Thoroughly disgusted with some of the attitudes expressed here.

I was on Newstart myself for a couple of years. I was one of the "lucky" ones who got a slightly higher payment than most because I was over 60, which also meant I was given a PCC so got some discounts which younger people didn't. I was also lucky because I owned my own home, and although rates were not one of the things which were discounted, still a lot cheaper than renting. When I went onto a pension my income went up instantly by almost half.
So, better off than most people on Jobseeker (was Newstart), but believe me, it was still d***ed hard! People on pensions (myself now included) are finding it tough - but all they can do is knock those doing it even tougher!
Yes, lots of places say they can't get staff. There's lots of reasons for that. Some employers are unrealistic with what they expect of staff by way of qualifications or experience. Many jobs on offer are part-time, and the hours on offer don't work when trying to juggle more than one part-time job. Many people have difficulty with caring responsibilities. Can't pay for childcare without working, can't get a job without having childcare organised.
Accommodation and transport also pose major challenges for many. Even with rent assistance, or if working then on low wages, lots of people can't afford to live near where jobs are.
Agreed, there are some who don't want to work, but please look beyond sensationalist claims about 'dole bludgers' and 'welfare cheats' for some facts and don't indulge in generalised condemnation.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

Again, you demonstrate how much you don't know! In most regional/rural areas yes, they are crying out for workers. What you gleefully ignore is that there is not enough accommodation for those workers, and what little there is is horrendously expensive.
You must spend a lot of time in Centrelink yourself to claim such comprehensive knowledge of the circumstances of people who are unemployed! Yes, there is the occasional person doing the wrong thing, but they are few and far between. The majority are doing it extremely hard. You must also have an extremely keen eye and a comprehensive knowledge of modern technology to know that they "all" have the latest phones!
It is rants like yours which cause those in younger generations to declare those of us over 60 as "greedy boomers" who had it easy and don't care about anyone else.

Wouldn't call Perth, Alice Springs, Darwin, Broome, Adelaide, Coober Pedy etc rural. Just saying

 

[Aussie all the Way]

Start making career dole bludgers that have been abusing the system for years get off their lazy arses and start contributing to society, I'm not talking about the genuine people who are on benefits and want to work.

Careful the bleeding hearts will troll you. I AGREE TOTALLY

 

[Sloopy]

Wouldn't call Perth, Alice Springs, Darwin, Broome, Adelaide, Coober Pedy etc rural. Just saying

Rents cheap there are they?

 

[Aussie all the Way]

Rents cheap there are they?

Don't know I was enjoying my well earned holiday, paid for by myself and husbands hard earned money we got when we worked, the fruits of working hard and being paid a proper wage and overtime.

 

[Singomate]

We all know how tough it is to make ends meet these days. The cost of living seems to be increasing every day, with what feels like little being done to help vulnerable Aussies cope with their new reality.

But there could soon be some relief for those who are doing it tough, with the announcement that welfare payments will be increased for millions of Australians.

With the advocacy for a rise in welfare payments being a major push in recent weeks, Independent Senator David Pocock announced on Sunday that he has come to an agreement with the Labor government to support their industrial relations bill.

However, the support is conditional – Pocock said that he agreed to back the legislation very recently if 'numerous amendments' will be made to the legislation to address the concerns of a wide range of groups.

Centrelink recipients could expect a boost in their payments soon as a new reviewing body will monitor the budget. Credit: Pexels.

The senator remarked: 'This is now a substantially different bill to the one introduced in the House of Representatives a month ago. It is better for business, better for workers and makes sure the most vulnerable in our community are no longer left behind.'

'I have worked with the government to push them as far as they would go, and then a step further to ensure they addressed key concerns raised with me.'

'This legislation introduces significant reforms to the Australian industrial relations system that will benefit women and low-paid workers in particular.'

Mr Pocock described the bill as a 'game changer' for people living below the poverty line in Australia, saying that the government will also receive expert advice from an independent body.

He also added that the expert body will make their recommendations — which will detail the improvements that need to be done to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community are no longer left behind — available to the public at least two weeks before the budget.

However, it is not expected that the increase will be as significant as the last one, which was announced in September, in line with price indexation, and increased the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payments by $38.90 per fortnight for singles (from $936.80 to $975.70) and $58.80 per fortnight for couples (from $1,412.40 to $1,471.20).

The senator said that in addition to reforming the labour system and providing women and low-paid workers with benefits, the legislation will also better support small businesses and better protect low-paid workers who are reliant on government assistance.

'Support payments are inadequate and not keeping pace with inflation, meaning those who need support are living in deepening levels of poverty,' he added.

'A recent report showed one in six children are living in poverty.'

Senator David Pocock revealed that he will be supporting the Labor government’s industrial relations bill if ‘numerous amendments’ will be made to it to cater to different demographics. Credit: Twitter/@DavidPocock.

Key Takeaways
Centrelink payments could soon increase for millions of Australians after an agreement was made between Senator David 2Pocock and the Labor government.
The increase in payments will be depending on the advice from an independent review body and is not expected to be as big as the last increase.
The increase in payments will be welcomed by many Australians who are struggling to make ends meet.

Aside from the pension payments, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, ABSTUDY, and Rent Assistance payments will also receive boosts.

JobSeeker for singles without children saw their payments go up by $25.70 per fortnight to $677.20, while Parenting Payment Single rose by $35.20 to $927.40. The rate for partnered JobSeeker Payment and Parenting Payment recipients increased by $23.40 to $616.60.

What are your thoughts, members? Should the government make increases in welfare payments every time the Consumer Price Index (CPI) goes up? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

 

[Aussie all the Way]

I currently cannot claim the Aged pension, though

Though I currently cannot claim the aged pension, after working as a nurse /midwife for over 40 yrs, and having to give up working in hospitals due to Multiple Myeloma in 2015, because of infection rates being high, I was put onto disability services, but that did not mean receiving Disability payments, only that I didn't have to look for jobs in high stress and dirty environments. To cut a long, long story short, I think that every time the general cost of living goes up, pension ers and those on Disability schemes, though not receding the disability pension should receive between $50 -$70/ fortnight increases. We have, after paid our taxes for many years. There are those who have not worked more than a single week, which, when they were given the opportunity to work, made themselves so unlikeable that there was no other recourse but to dismiss them. It's really a case of being stuck between a rock and a hard place whe you go into Centrelink, needing to wear a breathing mask because of all the cigarette smoke by the entrance, not to mention the shopping trolleys full of alcohol and junk food, plastic unless toys and the children accompanying Mothers shopping so skinny because Mum doesn't know how to cook, so instead of nutritional foods, there is the heat in the microwave meals. Maybe we should go back to using the centrelink card where cigarettes and alcohol are not allowed. Though this might sound like I've digressed, I haven't really. The extra$$ are required to feed families, but it's o question of how do we keep track and help those who need the money but don't know how to manage it. I pay my bills fortnightly and Am in credit with everything except with council rates
. I am proud of myself but sometimes I wonder if I can afford a little treat like the movies without raiding the Super account. The biggest concern for Australians now is how are we going to manage the flood crisis as most of our food bowl has disappeared under water. Sorry for the long rant. I think I stayed politically correct too!

Better tell Sloopy about your experience of having to walk through cigarette smoke at Centrelink and the shopping trollies full of alcohol and take away food, he doesn't believe me, now there is you. Apparently they are all poor angels and don't say anything bad.

 

[Chris P Bacon]

What a load of crap. Pouring more money into experts and panels to investigate and recommend will do the usual. Get bogged down and go nowhere.
Nothing will happen until we get the politicians to stop bludging on the economy by receiving an automatic pension. Do what everyone else has to do and pay your own way while sharing the everyday issues we mere mortals have. While we are on the subject of politicians, when are they going to get serious and stop wasting taxpayers' money? A perfect example from hundreds, Albo spending millions on repatriating ISIS brides and families with the added potential threat to the Country's security. This goes from the top of the Federal Government to local councils that think ratepayers can just absorb a 9% increase in rates for the next three years. It's alright for them to be sued for millions for buggered-up development applications and further millions being spent in the Land and Environmental Court. Being on the very end of the food chain who do we get to rip off to get an increase?
A secment on ACA a while ago showed all our counterparts across the ditch receiving a pension regardless of their wealth/ assets. Millionaires from Aus are moving across to NZ to retire for the rest of their lives.
I had better stop now and go have a drink, cause just discussing these bludging buggers raises my blood pressure.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

What a load of crap. Pouring more money into experts and panels to investigate and recommend will do the usual. Get bogged down and go nowhere.
Nothing will happen until we get the politicians to stop bludging on the economy by receiving an automatic pension. Do what everyone else has to do and pay your own way while sharing the everyday issues we mere mortals have. While we are on the subject of politicians, when are they going to get serious and stop wasting taxpayers' money? A perfect example from hundreds, Albo spending millions on repatriating ISIS brides and families with the added potential threat to the Country's security. This goes from the top of the Federal Government to local councils that think ratepayers can just absorb a 9% increase in rates for the next three years. It's alright for them to be sued for millions for buggered-up development applications and further millions being spent in the Land and Environmental Court. Being on the very end of the food chain who do we get to rip off to get an increase?
A secment on ACA a while ago showed all our counterparts across the ditch receiving a pension regardless of their wealth/ assets. Millionaires from Aus are moving across to NZ to retire for the rest of their lives.
I had better stop now and go have a drink, cause just discussing these bludging buggers raises my blood pressure.

Couldn't AGREE more

 

[Sloopy]

Better tell Sloopy about your experience of having to walk through cigarette smoke at Centrelink and the shopping trollies full of alcohol and take away food, he doesn't believe me, now there is you. Apparently they are all poor angels and don't say anything bad.

Now you are just being offensive!
I have repeatedly said that there are some who do the wrong

 

[Sloopy]

Don't know I was enjoying my well earned holiday, paid for by myself and husbands hard earned money we got when we worked, the fruits of working hard and being paid a proper wage and overtime.

Funny that you have so much experience of observing people at Centrelink then!

"being paid a proper wage and overtime" speaks volumes!

Be honest, you are just a grumpy, entitled person who doesn't care about the legacy being left for future generations by their own greed.

Some people make me feel ashamed of being part of the baby boomer generation, and you are a prime example.

 

[Sloopy]

Careful the bleeding hearts will troll you. I AGREE TOTALLY

I also think that those abusing the system should face severe consequences. I just don't think it is right to imply that the majority of those on benefits are cheats, which is what you have repeatedly done.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

Now you are just being offensive!
I have repeatedly said that there are some who do the wrong

I find it offensive that I'm not allowed to express MY opinion of what I have personally seen, and NEVER once have I said ALL.

 

[Sloopy]

Seems like you have expressed it multiple times!

 

[Linwar]

We all know how tough it is to make ends meet these days. The cost of living seems to be increasing every day, with what feels like little being done to help vulnerable Aussies cope with their new reality.

But there could soon be some relief for those who are doing it tough, with the announcement that welfare payments will be increased for millions of Australians.

With the advocacy for a rise in welfare payments being a major push in recent weeks, Independent Senator David Pocock announced on Sunday that he has come to an agreement with the Labor government to support their industrial relations bill.

However, the support is conditional – Pocock said that he agreed to back the legislation very recently if 'numerous amendments' will be made to the legislation to address the concerns of a wide range of groups.

Centrelink recipients could expect a boost in their payments soon as a new reviewing body will monitor the budget. Credit: Pexels.

The senator remarked: 'This is now a substantially different bill to the one introduced in the House of Representatives a month ago. It is better for business, better for workers and makes sure the most vulnerable in our community are no longer left behind.'

'I have worked with the government to push them as far as they would go, and then a step further to ensure they addressed key concerns raised with me.'

'This legislation introduces significant reforms to the Australian industrial relations system that will benefit women and low-paid workers in particular.'

Mr Pocock described the bill as a 'game changer' for people living below the poverty line in Australia, saying that the government will also receive expert advice from an independent body.

He also added that the expert body will make their recommendations — which will detail the improvements that need to be done to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community are no longer left behind — available to the public at least two weeks before the budget.

However, it is not expected that the increase will be as significant as the last one, which was announced in September, in line with price indexation, and increased the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payments by $38.90 per fortnight for singles (from $936.80 to $975.70) and $58.80 per fortnight for couples (from $1,412.40 to $1,471.20).

The senator said that in addition to reforming the labour system and providing women and low-paid workers with benefits, the legislation will also better support small businesses and better protect low-paid workers who are reliant on government assistance.

'Support payments are inadequate and not keeping pace with inflation, meaning those who need support are living in deepening levels of poverty,' he added.

'A recent report showed one in six children are living in poverty.'

Senator David Pocock revealed that he will be supporting the Labor government’s industrial relations bill if ‘numerous amendments’ will be made to it to cater to different demographics. Credit: Twitter/@DavidPocock.

Key Takeaways
Centrelink payments could soon increase for millions of Australians after an agreement was made between Senator David Pocock and the Labor government.
The increase in payments will be depending on the advice from an independent review body and is not expected to be as big as the last increase.
The increase in payments will be welcomed by many Australians who are struggling to make ends meet.

Aside from the pension payments, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, ABSTUDY, and Rent Assistance payments will also receive boosts.

JobSeeker for singles without children saw their payments go up by $25.70 per fortnight to $677.20, while Parenting Payment Single rose by $35.20 to $927.40. The rate for partnered JobSeeker Payment and Parenting Payment recipients increased by $23.40 to $616.60.

What are your thoughts, members? Should the government make increases in welfare payments every time the Consumer Price Index (CPI) goes up? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

We all know how tough it is to make ends meet these days. The cost of living seems to be increasing every day, with what feels like little being done to help vulnerable Aussies cope with their new reality.

But there could soon be some relief for those who are doing it tough, with the announcement that welfare payments will be increased for millions of Australians.

With the advocacy for a rise in welfare payments being a major push in recent weeks, Independent Senator David Pocock announced on Sunday that he has come to an agreement with the Labor government to support their industrial relations bill.

However, the support is conditional – Pocock said that he agreed to back the legislation very recently if 'numerous amendments' will be made to the legislation to address the concerns of a wide range of groups.

Centrelink recipients could expect a boost in their payments soon as a new reviewing body will monitor the budget. Credit: Pexels.

The senator remarked: 'This is now a substantially different bill to the one introduced in the House of Representatives a month ago. It is better for business, better for workers and makes sure the most vulnerable in our community are no longer left behind.'

'I have worked with the government to push them as far as they would go, and then a step further to ensure they addressed key concerns raised with me.'

'This legislation introduces significant reforms to the Australian industrial relations system that will benefit women and low-paid workers in particular.'

Mr Pocock described the bill as a 'game changer' for people living below the poverty line in Australia, saying that the government will also receive expert advice from an independent body.

He also added that the expert body will make their recommendations — which will detail the improvements that need to be done to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community are no longer left behind — available to the public at least two weeks before the budget.

However, it is not expected that the increase will be as significant as the last one, which was announced in September, in line with price indexation, and increased the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payments by $38.90 per fortnight for singles (from $936.80 to $975.70) and $58.80 per fortnight for couples (from $1,412.40 to $1,471.20).

The senator said that in addition to reforming the labour system and providing women and low-paid workers with benefits, the legislation will also better support small businesses and better protect low-paid workers who are reliant on government assistance.

'Support payments are inadequate and not keeping pace with inflation, meaning those who need support are living in deepening levels of poverty,' he added.

'A recent report showed one in six children are living in poverty.'

Senator David Pocock revealed that he will be supporting the Labor government’s industrial relations bill if ‘numerous amendments’ will be made to it to cater to different demographics. Credit: Twitter/@DavidPocock.

Key Takeaways
Centrelink payments could soon increase for millions of Australians after an agreement was made between Senator David Pocock and the Labor government.
The increase in payments will be depending on the advice from an independent review body and is not expected to be as big as the last increase.
The increase in payments will be welcomed by many Australians who are struggling to make ends meet.

Aside from the pension payments, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, ABSTUDY, and Rent Assistance payments will also receive boosts.

JobSeeker for singles without children saw their payments go up by $25.70 per fortnight to $677.20, while Parenting Payment Single rose by $35.20 to $927.40. The rate for partnered JobSeeker Payment and Parenting Payment recipients increased by $23.40 to $616.60.

What are your thoughts, members? Should the government make increases in welfare payments every time the Consumer Price Index (CPI) goes up? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

I thought I'd look at fares where it says in item 2 Discounts fares for Travellers. OMG it is only $1912 return from Maroochydore to Newcastle, taking 9 hours and only one stop.... Melbourne! There is a service from Maroochydore to Newcastle direct with Air pelican.....but there only seemed to be Virgin and QANTAS. Seniors Discount Club this is way off track.