During ABC’s Q&A program on Monday, a mother who is currently unemployed and relying on Centrelink benefits expressed her concerns regarding the upcoming changes in the Federal Budget promises for parents.

Jessica Blowers explained that she would no longer be eligible for the Single Parent Payment once her daughter turns eight in August. This will make it difficult for her to manage her finances, especially with an impending rent increase.

Currently, single parents can claim the Parenting Payment of $949.30 every fortnight until their youngest child turns eight. However, as part of the Federal Budget, the age limit for the payment will increase to when the youngest child is 14 in September.

Unfortunately, Ms Blowers falls into a gap where she will lose the payment for a month since her daughter's 8th birthday is four weeks before the new rules come into effect.

The mother fears she won't be able to pay her rent when her daughter turns eight in August, as the payment increase does not kick in until September. Credit: Unsplash/Krzysztof Kowalik.

Ms Blowers will also be facing a rent increase during this period from $900 to $960 every fortnight. During the Q&A program, she expressed her concern and asked the Treasurer about her options.

She said, 'What am I going to do? What is my choice, other than I am doing my best to get a job so that I can keep a house over my daughter's head.'

Ms Blowers raised concerns about the challenging job market where she faces stiff competition, with more than 100 other candidates applying for the same positions. She expressed uncertainty about how she could effectively compete against such a large pool of applicants for a single job.

She also requested information on the government's plans to address the gap that she and other parents in similar situations will encounter. Ms Blowers explained that due to high rent costs, she has limited options and nowhere else affordable to relocate within her city.

In response, Treasurer Jim Chalmers empathised with Ms Blowers and acknowledged that individuals like her were the driving force behind the decision to extend the age limit from eight to 14. He explained that the government recognised the immense pressure faced by single parents.

However, the Treasurer emphasised that implementing the new system earlier than September 20 was not feasible. 'We think September is the soonest that we can do it,' he explained.

He shared that the government had made efforts to introduce the changes as soon as possible and acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the transition period from the current payment to JobSeeker and then back to the single parenting payment.

'I would love to avoid that if we could, but what we're trying to do is provide this extra assistance that you need and deserve. If we could avoid those couple of weeks, we would, but September is the best we can do,' he went on to say.

Dr Chalmers assured Ms Blowers that the government aimed to provide the additional assistance she needed and deserved, even though it meant a temporary adjustment period.

You can watch the full episode of ABC’s Q&A program here in the video below, and the conversation with Ms Blowers starts at the 9:00 time mark:

Credit: abcqanda.​

During an appearance on Paul Murray Live, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton expressed concerns that the Federal Budget did not offer enough support for middle-class Australians struggling with the increasing cost of living.

He reiterated the sentiment that the budget offered little for these individuals, stating: 'It didn't take the Australian public too long to work out, once they cut through all the spin and Jim Chalmers charm offensive, there's not much there for them.'

Mr Dutton further expressed worries that the Labor Party's policies could create a working poor in Australia, leaving millions of Australians without any support. He said: 'For millions of Australians, I really worry that Labor is creating a working poor. They're saying to many Australians, “We don't have any support for you.”'

He also emphasised that families were facing higher electricity and gas bills, and interest rates would remain high for longer and that these were all issues that Labor had failed to provide solutions to.

'Interest rates are staying up higher for longer, and the fact that people are paying more and more and more for their electricity and gas bills. That's all Labor's making, yet they don't have any solutions for families,' he stated.

Key Takeaways

• During ABC's Q&A program, an unemployed single mother expressed concerns about upcoming changes in the Federal Budget promises for parents.
• Due to a gap in the new policy, she will be forced off the Single Parent Payment for a month when her daughter turns eight in August, just before the age limit increases to 14.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers empathised with her situation but stated that September is the earliest possible timeframe to implement the new policy.

Hearing about these everyday struggles is a harsh reminder of the reality faced by many of us. It's important that our government offers practical solutions to help bridge such gaps and provide the vital support that vulnerable families need.

Let's hope that stories like Ms Blowers’ will prompt authorities to reconsider their policies and act swiftly to alleviate the burden on those who need it most.

What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments.

 

[POG]

During ABC’s Q&A program on Monday, a mother who is currently unemployed and relying on Centrelink benefits expressed her concerns regarding the upcoming changes in the Federal Budget promises for parents.

Jessica Blowers explained that she would no longer be eligible for the Single Parent Payment once her daughter turns eight in August. This will make it difficult for her to manage her finances, especially with an impending rent increase.

Currently, single parents can claim the Parenting Payment of $949.30 every fortnight until their youngest child turns eight. However, as part of the Federal Budget, the age limit for the payment will increase to when the youngest child is 14 in September.

Unfortunately, Ms Blowers falls into a gap where she will lose the payment for a month since her daughter's 8th birthday is four weeks before the new rules come into effect.

View attachment 19911

The mother fears she won't be able to pay her rent when her daughter turns eight in August, as the payment increase does not kick in until September. Credit: Unsplash/Krzysztof Kowalik.

Ms Blowers will also be facing a rent increase during this period from $900 to $960 every fortnight. During the Q&A program, she expressed her concern and asked the Treasurer about her options.

She said, 'What am I going to do? What is my choice, other than I am doing my best to get a job so that I can keep a house over my daughter's head.'

Ms Blowers raised concerns about the challenging job market where she faces stiff competition, with more than 100 other candidates applying for the same positions. She expressed uncertainty about how she could effectively compete against such a large pool of applicants for a single job.

She also requested information on the government's plans to address the gap that she and other parents in similar situations will encounter. Ms Blowers explained that due to high rent costs, she has limited options and nowhere else affordable to relocate within her city.

In response, Treasurer Jim Chalmers empathised with Ms Blowers and acknowledged that individuals like her were the driving force behind the decision to extend the age limit from eight to 14. He explained that the government recognised the immense pressure faced by single parents.

However, the Treasurer emphasised that implementing the new system earlier than September 20 was not feasible. 'We think September is the soonest that we can do it,' he explained.

He shared that the government had made efforts to introduce the changes as soon as possible and acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the transition period from the current payment to JobSeeker and then back to the single parenting payment.

'I would love to avoid that if we could, but what we're trying to do is provide this extra assistance that you need and deserve. If we could avoid those couple of weeks, we would, but September is the best we can do,' he went on to say.

Dr Chalmers assured Ms Blowers that the government aimed to provide the additional assistance she needed and deserved, even though it meant a temporary adjustment period.

You can watch the full episode of ABC’s Q&A program here in the video below, and the conversation with Ms Blowers starts at the 9:00 time mark:

Credit: abcqanda.​

During an appearance on Paul Murray Live, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton expressed concerns that the Federal Budget did not offer enough support for middle-class Australians struggling with the increasing cost of living.

He reiterated the sentiment that the budget offered little for these individuals, stating: 'It didn't take the Australian public too long to work out, once they cut through all the spin and Jim Chalmers charm offensive, there's not much there for them.'

Mr Dutton further expressed worries that the Labor Party's policies could create a working poor in Australia, leaving millions of Australians without any support. He said: 'For millions of Australians, I really worry that Labor is creating a working poor. They're saying to many Australians, “We don't have any support for you.”'

He also emphasised that families were facing higher electricity and gas bills, and interest rates would remain high for longer and that these were all issues that Labor had failed to provide solutions to.

'Interest rates are staying up higher for longer, and the fact that people are paying more and more and more for their electricity and gas bills. That's all Labor's making, yet they don't have any solutions for families,' he stated.

Key Takeaways

• During ABC's Q&A program, an unemployed single mother expressed concerns about upcoming changes in the Federal Budget promises for parents.
• Due to a gap in the new policy, she will be forced off the Single Parent Payment for a month when her daughter turns eight in August, just before the age limit increases to 14.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers empathised with her situation but stated that September is the earliest possible timeframe to implement the new policy.

Hearing about these everyday struggles is a harsh reminder of the reality faced by many of us. It's important that our government offers practical solutions to help bridge such gaps and provide the vital support that vulnerable families need.

Let's hope that stories like Ms Blowers’ will prompt authorities to reconsider their policies and act swiftly to alleviate the burden on those who need it most.

What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments.

Social Welfare should step in to support Ms Blowers and like her for those few weeks: not let her drown

 

[LynneM]

Oh dear, What would she have done, when the government didn't increase the age limit.

Go on Jobseeker and get a job!

 

[Squizzy1]

During ABC’s Q&A program on Monday, a mother who is currently unemployed and relying on Centrelink benefits expressed her concerns regarding the upcoming changes in the Federal Budget promises for parents.

Jessica Blowers explained that she would no longer be eligible for the Single Parent Payment once her daughter turns eight in August. This will make it difficult for her to manage her finances, especially with an impending rent increase.

Currently, single parents can claim the Parenting Payment of $949.30 every fortnight until their youngest child turns eight. However, as part of the Federal Budget, the age limit for the payment will increase to when the youngest child is 14 in September.

Unfortunately, Ms Blowers falls into a gap where she will lose the payment for a month since her daughter's 8th birthday is four weeks before the new rules come into effect.

View attachment 19911

The mother fears she won't be able to pay her rent when her daughter turns eight in August, as the payment increase does not kick in until September. Credit: Unsplash/Krzysztof Kowalik.

Ms Blowers will also be facing a rent increase during this period from $900 to $960 every fortnight. During the Q&A program, she expressed her concern and asked the Treasurer about her options.

She said, 'What am I going to do? What is my choice, other than I am doing my best to get a job so that I can keep a house over my daughter's head.'

Ms Blowers raised concerns about the challenging job market where she faces stiff competition, with more than 100 other candidates applying for the same positions. She expressed uncertainty about how she could effectively compete against such a large pool of applicants for a single job.

She also requested information on the government's plans to address the gap that she and other parents in similar situations will encounter. Ms Blowers explained that due to high rent costs, she has limited options and nowhere else affordable to relocate within her city.

In response, Treasurer Jim Chalmers empathised with Ms Blowers and acknowledged that individuals like her were the driving force behind the decision to extend the age limit from eight to 14. He explained that the government recognised the immense pressure faced by single parents.

However, the Treasurer emphasised that implementing the new system earlier than September 20 was not feasible. 'We think September is the soonest that we can do it,' he explained.

He shared that the government had made efforts to introduce the changes as soon as possible and acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the transition period from the current payment to JobSeeker and then back to the single parenting payment.

'I would love to avoid that if we could, but what we're trying to do is provide this extra assistance that you need and deserve. If we could avoid those couple of weeks, we would, but September is the best we can do,' he went on to say.

Dr Chalmers assured Ms Blowers that the government aimed to provide the additional assistance she needed and deserved, even though it meant a temporary adjustment period.

You can watch the full episode of ABC’s Q&A program here in the video below, and the conversation with Ms Blowers starts at the 9:00 time mark:

Credit: abcqanda.​

During an appearance on Paul Murray Live, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton expressed concerns that the Federal Budget did not offer enough support for middle-class Australians struggling with the increasing cost of living.

He reiterated the sentiment that the budget offered little for these individuals, stating: 'It didn't take the Australian public too long to work out, once they cut through all the spin and Jim Chalmers charm offensive, there's not much there for them.'

Mr Dutton further expressed worries that the Labor Party's policies could create a working poor in Australia, leaving millions of Australians without any support. He said: 'For millions of Australians, I really worry that Labor is creating a working poor. They're saying to many Australians, “We don't have any support for you.”'

He also emphasised that families were facing higher electricity and gas bills, and interest rates would remain high for longer and that these were all issues that Labor had failed to provide solutions to.

'Interest rates are staying up higher for longer, and the fact that people are paying more and more and more for their electricity and gas bills. That's all Labor's making, yet they don't have any solutions for families,' he stated.

Key Takeaways

• During ABC's Q&A program, an unemployed single mother expressed concerns about upcoming changes in the Federal Budget promises for parents.
• Due to a gap in the new policy, she will be forced off the Single Parent Payment for a month when her daughter turns eight in August, just before the age limit increases to 14.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers empathised with her situation but stated that September is the earliest possible timeframe to implement the new policy.

Hearing about these everyday struggles is a harsh reminder of the reality faced by many of us. It's important that our government offers practical solutions to help bridge such gaps and provide the vital support that vulnerable families need.

Let's hope that stories like Ms Blowers’ will prompt authorities to reconsider their policies and act swiftly to alleviate the burden on those who need it most.

What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments.

If I remember correctly this was a single mother of five and she was offered help by an agency toward the end of the show, and had rejected asking the Landlord for a stay on the increase.

 

[Da Freddo]

This is the most in-depth conversation I have read in SDC.
Look at what you are saying, Please.
In 1970s, Justice Murphy setup the system so that any woman could divorce her husband by NOT interacting with him for a period of 12 months .. Marriage is then dissolved due to INCOMPATIBILITY with NO evidence required.
Then the governments were gaining votes by offering "Hand-outs" in the way of all sorts of payments for NOTHING .
Remember the days, when it was NOT necessary for the both Husband and Wives to go to work, leaving "Latch-key" kids to fend for themselves till they came home from work.
Look Again, and now we see extreme amounts of Taxes, Fees and Levies being burdened on the Tax Payers who work so hard to DESERVE their aged pensions.

Bob Meanzies and Arthur Caldwell BOTH agreed to a small levy to be collected at Tax Time and that money placed in the care of the Government of the day. Who, in 1970s decided to use that enormous fund to pay for the increase in Politician Wages, while we still pay that levy.
NEXT in this very same conversation. one person says that people have to go on support and cannot find a job and to GO cleaning for aged people on a paltry amount of money to support their way of life. Landlords twisting and turning around every loophole to increase their rental charges.. Cost of living soaring like it has never done before, while the Governmentt whinges about loss of income .. THEY SOLD THE BLOODY FARM. Who gets the income for Power, Gas and Heating fuels .. Not the Aussie Government.
Who owns the most profitable Utilities in this country Not the Aussie Government
Enormous loss of income and an enormous raises in Pollie Wages.
You don't have to be Einstein to figure that out.

WHOA THERE... we cannot find enough jobs for everyone SO WE HAVE TO PAY them assistance to go Surfing, Alpine Skiing etc Oh! and to destroy their brains on drugs ... COOL STUFF EH? Especially when medical care has to pay millions to keep them alive and well enough to go back to the streets (become homeless) and buy more drugs for their parties etc.
In the end of 1970s, I heard single girls talking about having kids so they could live at home on the Single Parent Income schemes. Not one, but many of them .. even kids at school were taking their babies to school .. No one knew who the husbands were, no DNA those days. Sex out of Wedlock was running rife.

Near the end of WWll .. Japan said that they didn't have to attack and take over Australia BECAUSE after the war they would simply buy it.

Take back what Aussie are working for. Put the money back in our Government Coffers. recall all the tax fees and levies. Freezes price rises, rental increases. Boot big Companies, WHO PROFIT FROM AUSSIES AND PAY TAXES TO THEIR OWN COUNTRIES. Stop Coutries buying up the cash cow farms, like they do in Saudi Arabia and many other countries, AND STOP BLOODY WHINGEING.

Said all that without taking a breath, WELL SAID, about time the "hordes" were fronted with the un-deniable truth. ☺

 

[SGH]

Our daughter was required to find work when our grandson turned six, and now they are making it 14 years. The government is digging their a plot that the country will never be able to get out of. There is no excuse for a sole parent not to be supporting their own household once a child goes to school these days with the amount of jobs being advertised for work between 9am and 3pm.

 

[ShannyN]

Not gunna say too much here except what single mum on whatever benefit she gets can afford a current rent of 450 pw? I'm on a full DSP with appropriate rent assistance have a car to run, a very cheap old mobile phone and a 18 dollar per mth plan

My luxury is a 4g internet plan at 70 per mth and there is NO way I can afford 450 pw on rent and I have NO kids partner etc

Someone is definitely living outside their means, the gov should investigate how much her mobile phone cost is it on a monthly plan with huge data limits and what phone has daughter got to view tik tok all day perhaps
?

 

[GLS]

During ABC’s Q&A program on Monday, a mother who is currently unemployed and relying on Centrelink benefits expressed her concerns regarding the upcoming changes in the Federal Budget promises for parents.

Jessica Blowers explained that she would no longer be eligible for the Single Parent Payment once her daughter turns eight in August. This will make it difficult for her to manage her finances, especially with an impending rent increase.

Currently, single parents can claim the Parenting Payment of $949.30 every fortnight until their youngest child turns eight. However, as part of the Federal Budget, the age limit for the payment will increase to when the youngest child is 14 in September.

Unfortunately, Ms Blowers falls into a gap where she will lose the payment for a month since her daughter's 8th birthday is four weeks before the new rules come into effect.

View attachment 19911

The mother fears she won't be able to pay her rent when her daughter turns eight in August, as the payment increase does not kick in until September. Credit: Unsplash/Krzysztof Kowalik.

Ms Blowers will also be facing a rent increase during this period from $900 to $960 every fortnight. During the Q&A program, she expressed her concern and asked the Treasurer about her options.

She said, 'What am I going to do? What is my choice, other than I am doing my best to get a job so that I can keep a house over my daughter's head.'

Ms Blowers raised concerns about the challenging job market where she faces stiff competition, with more than 100 other candidates applying for the same positions. She expressed uncertainty about how she could effectively compete against such a large pool of applicants for a single job.

She also requested information on the government's plans to address the gap that she and other parents in similar situations will encounter. Ms Blowers explained that due to high rent costs, she has limited options and nowhere else affordable to relocate within her city.

In response, Treasurer Jim Chalmers empathised with Ms Blowers and acknowledged that individuals like her were the driving force behind the decision to extend the age limit from eight to 14. He explained that the government recognised the immense pressure faced by single parents.

However, the Treasurer emphasised that implementing the new system earlier than September 20 was not feasible. 'We think September is the soonest that we can do it,' he explained.

He shared that the government had made efforts to introduce the changes as soon as possible and acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the transition period from the current payment to JobSeeker and then back to the single parenting payment.

'I would love to avoid that if we could, but what we're trying to do is provide this extra assistance that you need and deserve. If we could avoid those couple of weeks, we would, but September is the best we can do,' he went on to say.

Dr Chalmers assured Ms Blowers that the government aimed to provide the additional assistance she needed and deserved, even though it meant a temporary adjustment period.

You can watch the full episode of ABC’s Q&A program here in the video below, and the conversation with Ms Blowers starts at the 9:00 time mark:

Credit: abcqanda.​

During an appearance on Paul Murray Live, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton expressed concerns that the Federal Budget did not offer enough support for middle-class Australians struggling with the increasing cost of living.

He reiterated the sentiment that the budget offered little for these individuals, stating: 'It didn't take the Australian public too long to work out, once they cut through all the spin and Jim Chalmers charm offensive, there's not much there for them.'

Mr Dutton further expressed worries that the Labor Party's policies could create a working poor in Australia, leaving millions of Australians without any support. He said: 'For millions of Australians, I really worry that Labor is creating a working poor. They're saying to many Australians, “We don't have any support for you.”'

He also emphasised that families were facing higher electricity and gas bills, and interest rates would remain high for longer and that these were all issues that Labor had failed to provide solutions to.

'Interest rates are staying up higher for longer, and the fact that people are paying more and more and more for their electricity and gas bills. That's all Labor's making, yet they don't have any solutions for families,' he stated.

Key Takeaways

• During ABC's Q&A program, an unemployed single mother expressed concerns about upcoming changes in the Federal Budget promises for parents.
• Due to a gap in the new policy, she will be forced off the Single Parent Payment for a month when her daughter turns eight in August, just before the age limit increases to 14.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers empathised with her situation but stated that September is the earliest possible timeframe to implement the new policy.

Hearing about these everyday struggles is a harsh reminder of the reality faced by many of us. It's important that our government offers practical solutions to help bridge such gaps and provide the vital support that vulnerable families need.

Let's hope that stories like Ms Blowers’ will prompt authorities to reconsider their policies and act swiftly to alleviate the burden on those who need it most.

What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments.

Both my husband and I worked for years so to me the answer is simple ....... get a job ...... I am now on the pension but I have paid my taxes for 48 years ........ why do some people think it is their right to be supported by people who work and pay taxes and now have to pay superannuation to be able to retire. It is not the Government who is paying it is the workers and if they pay certain categories of people on welfare more money then of course they will stay home. Why work when you can get paid for doing nothing.

 

[gordon1940]

My ex-husband left me and the kids (aged 4 1/2 and 2 at the time) to go and shack up with his mistress, who he married, had kids to and then left to go and shack up with another mistress, back in 1980. I had no confidence to work, no experience to work and was on the Sole Parents Benefits which, at the time was incredibly low. When my daughter turned 14 a woman at Centrelink told me that I would lose the pension when she turned 16 and I should do something to make a better future for myself. So that conversation started the long trek to TAFE and Uni. 2 years into studying, I lost the pension and had to go on Austudy which was so much less. Just to be able to feed my daughter and pay rent (my son had left home and was making a life for himself elsewhere), I had to take out a loan which took me all of the years I worked to pay off. I worked damn hard to get a degree and diploma and then worked damn hard in my job until I retired. Through my taxes I paid back every cent the government had given me, and then some. I went without everything until I started earning an income; my kids would get excited going shopping at the OP shop for "new" clothes and shoes. I bet this woman owns a mobile phone and pays for the phone bills, I bet she has heating that she pays for. (A) learn to go without and (B) get qualified for something, or take a job (I know that can be very difficult for people without confidence or skills, been there done that), but its time to take your future in your own hands and make a life for you and your kids.
The only mothers who should get help from the government, are those who are deserted and abandoned by their husband, or have a proven disability.
Single, unmarried mothers...nope, nothing. Maybe they will learn to snap their legs shut!

What a Life Lesson! Bless you.

 

[Oldgirl1]

I feel for all genuine single parents - those widowed, deserted, or forced to flee from abuse - but I think it's time our society paused and considered just how the increasingly smaller percentage of taxpayers are supposed to cover the horrific costs of the ever-expanding welfare system. When I was a child, widows were supported. Those who chose to be single parents were not. Now, anyone can choose to be a single parent and get handouts. People are choosing to be unemployed when there are jobs available. People are choosing to rent and travel rather than save for a home of their own, then demanding rent assistance. We are creating more and more disabled through medical procedures designed to save lives or enable infertile couples to reproduce, and we are handing out mega millions in NDIS support. I see the benefits of IVF, life-saving medical procedures, supporting people to leave abusive relationships, etc. etc. etc. But I think it's time we recognized that utopia can't happen and somebody has to pay for all this. The recent budget is being heavily criticized for not doing enough for working families - the people who are paying for all this welfare. We are creating a class of working poor and downgrading the middle class to poor. At some point, we have to say ""sorry, enough. There just isn't any money to give you"" Chalmers used the word ''deserve'', but single parents DO NOT DESERVE to be supported by the taxpayer. They may NEED support. They don't DESERVE it. Nobody DESERVES welfare. So let's stop pretending that welfare recipients have some mythical entitlement to demand that working taxpayers be ground into poverty so they can keep collecting benefits and go back to the once popular notion that benefits are basically charity, paid for by strangers who may be struggling themselves, and should be allocated only to the desperately needy who can demonstrate they are needy despite doing everything possible to help themselves, only temporarily until they can help themselves, and something to be deeply grateful for rather than complain about. Bottom line: Mrs Blower is no needier nor more deserving than thousands of struggling working families who get nothing from the taxpayer purse. Her story is sad. So is theirs. We cannot support everyone with a sad tale to tell.

a person doesnt CHOOSE to travel

 

[Oldgirl1]

I feel for all genuine single parents - those widowed, deserted, or forced to flee from abuse - but I think it's time our society paused and considered just how the increasingly smaller percentage of taxpayers are supposed to cover the horrific costs of the ever-expanding welfare system. When I was a child, widows were supported. Those who chose to be single parents were not. Now, anyone can choose to be a single parent and get handouts. People are choosing to be unemployed when there are jobs available. People are choosing to rent and travel rather than save for a home of their own, then demanding rent assistance. We are creating more and more disabled through medical procedures designed to save lives or enable infertile couples to reproduce, and we are handing out mega millions in NDIS support. I see the benefits of IVF, life-saving medical procedures, supporting people to leave abusive relationships, etc. etc. etc. But I think it's time we recognized that utopia can't happen and somebody has to pay for all this. The recent budget is being heavily criticized for not doing enough for working families - the people who are paying for all this welfare. We are creating a class of working poor and downgrading the middle class to poor. At some point, we have to say ""sorry, enough. There just isn't any money to give you"" Chalmers used the word ''deserve'', but single parents DO NOT DESERVE to be supported by the taxpayer. They may NEED support. They don't DESERVE it. Nobody DESERVES welfare. So let's stop pretending that welfare recipients have some mythical entitlement to demand that working taxpayers be ground into poverty so they can keep collecting benefits and go back to the once popular notion that benefits are basically charity, paid for by strangers who may be struggling themselves, and should be allocated only to the desperately needy who can demonstrate they are needy despite doing everything possible to help themselves, only temporarily until they can help themselves, and something to be deeply grateful for rather than complain about. Bottom line: Mrs Blower is no needier nor more deserving than thousands of struggling working families who get nothing from the taxpayer purse. Her story is sad. So is theirs. We cannot support everyone with a sad tale to tell.

A person doesnt CHOOSE to rent 'and travel' (sic) It's usually one or the other; your comment doesn't make sense on this, because where are people supposed to live, while they're saving to buy a house, if the'yre not renting or 'traveling' ( by trasveling i mean, living in their vehicle because there aren't enough rental houses anymore for the people needing them).

Are you aware that wealthy people also get welfare?

Farmers get welfare money to send their kids to urban private boarding schools.

Wealthy people, invluding investors in housing, get tax breaks through super and negative gearing. That's m9ney that could be otherwise received by Govt.

Please dont blame the pooor for our allegedly burgeoning welfare bills.

 

[Jennie]

I feel for all genuine single parents - those widowed, deserted, or forced to flee from abuse - but I think it's time our society paused and considered just how the increasingly smaller percentage of taxpayers are supposed to cover the horrific costs of the ever-expanding welfare system. When I was a child, widows were supported. Those who chose to be single parents were not. Now, anyone can choose to be a single parent and get handouts. People are choosing to be unemployed when there are jobs available. People are choosing to rent and travel rather than save for a home of their own, then demanding rent assistance. We are creating more and more disabled through medical procedures designed to save lives or enable infertile couples to reproduce, and we are handing out mega millions in NDIS support. I see the benefits of IVF, life-saving medical procedures, supporting people to leave abusive relationships, etc. etc. etc. But I think it's time we recognized that utopia can't happen and somebody has to pay for all this. The recent budget is being heavily criticized for not doing enough for working families - the people who are paying for all this welfare. We are creating a class of working poor and downgrading the middle class to poor. At some point, we have to say ""sorry, enough. There just isn't any money to give you"" Chalmers used the word ''deserve'', but single parents DO NOT DESERVE to be supported by the taxpayer. They may NEED support. They don't DESERVE it. Nobody DESERVES welfare. So let's stop pretending that welfare recipients have some mythical entitlement to demand that working taxpayers be ground into poverty so they can keep collecting benefits and go back to the once popular notion that benefits are basically charity, paid for by strangers who may be struggling themselves, and should be allocated only to the desperately needy who can demonstrate they are needy despite doing everything possible to help themselves, only temporarily until they can help themselves, and something to be deeply grateful for rather than complain about. Bottom line: Mrs Blower is no needier nor more deserving than thousands of struggling working families who get nothing from the taxpayer purse. Her story is sad. So is theirs. We cannot support everyone with a sad tale to tell.

Well said, firms are crying out for staff but people keep saying they can't get a job. I worked at whatever I could get when I was retrenched until a good job was available, some seem to be too fussy. There is nothing wrong with Warehouse or factory work.

 

[Jennie]

I fail to see why this lady is not working, everywhere you go I see signs "we are hiring" or "staff wanted", across all types of positions, surely there is something out there or is it just to easy to stay on job seeker?

Too easy to stay on it. There doesn't seem to be any follow-up after people get on these payments.

 

[mitchellowe]

During ABC’s Q&A program on Monday, a mother who is currently unemployed and relying on Centrelink benefits expressed her concerns regarding the upcoming changes in the Federal Budget promises for parents.

Jessica Blowers explained that she would no longer be eligible for the Single Parent Payment once her daughter turns eight in August. This will make it difficult for her to manage her finances, especially with an impending rent increase.

Currently, single parents can claim the Parenting Payment of $949.30 every fortnight until their youngest child turns eight. However, as part of the Federal Budget, the age limit for the payment will increase to when the youngest child is 14 in September.

Unfortunately, Ms Blowers falls into a gap where she will lose the payment for a month since her daughter's 8th birthday is four weeks before the new rules come into effect.

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The mother fears she won't be able to pay her rent when her daughter turns eight in August, as the payment increase does not kick in until September. Credit: Unsplash/Krzysztof Kowalik.

Ms Blowers will also be facing a rent increase during this period from $900 to $960 every fortnight. During the Q&A program, she expressed her concern and asked the Treasurer about her options.

She said, 'What am I going to do? What is my choice, other than I am doing my best to get a job so that I can keep a house over my daughter's head.'

Ms Blowers raised concerns about the challenging job market where she faces stiff competition, with more than 100 other candidates applying for the same positions. She expressed uncertainty about how she could effectively compete against such a large pool of applicants for a single job.

She also requested information on the government's plans to address the gap that she and other parents in similar situations will encounter. Ms Blowers explained that due to high rent costs, she has limited options and nowhere else affordable to relocate within her city.

In response, Treasurer Jim Chalmers empathised with Ms Blowers and acknowledged that individuals like her were the driving force behind the decision to extend the age limit from eight to 14. He explained that the government recognised the immense pressure faced by single parents.

However, the Treasurer emphasised that implementing the new system earlier than September 20 was not feasible. 'We think September is the soonest that we can do it,' he explained.

He shared that the government had made efforts to introduce the changes as soon as possible and acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the transition period from the current payment to JobSeeker and then back to the single parenting payment.

'I would love to avoid that if we could, but what we're trying to do is provide this extra assistance that you need and deserve. If we could avoid those couple of weeks, we would, but September is the best we can do,' he went on to say.

Dr Chalmers assured Ms Blowers that the government aimed to provide the additional assistance she needed and deserved, even though it meant a temporary adjustment period.

You can watch the full episode of ABC’s Q&A program here in the video below, and the conversation with Ms Blowers starts at the 9:00 time mark:

Credit: abcqanda.​

During an appearance on Paul Murray Live, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton expressed concerns that the Federal Budget did not offer enough support for middle-class Australians struggling with the increasing cost of living.

He reiterated the sentiment that the budget offered little for these individuals, stating: 'It didn't take the Australian public too long to work out, once they cut through all the spin and Jim Chalmers charm offensive, there's not much there for them.'

Mr Dutton further expressed worries that the Labor Party's policies could create a working poor in Australia, leaving millions of Australians without any support. He said: 'For millions of Australians, I really worry that Labor is creating a working poor. They're saying to many Australians, “We don't have any support for you.”'

He also emphasised that families were facing higher electricity and gas bills, and interest rates would remain high for longer and that these were all issues that Labor had failed to provide solutions to.

'Interest rates are staying up higher for longer, and the fact that people are paying more and more and more for their electricity and gas bills. That's all Labor's making, yet they don't have any solutions for families,' he stated.

Key Takeaways

• During ABC's Q&A program, an unemployed single mother expressed concerns about upcoming changes in the Federal Budget promises for parents.
• Due to a gap in the new policy, she will be forced off the Single Parent Payment for a month when her daughter turns eight in August, just before the age limit increases to 14.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers empathised with her situation but stated that September is the earliest possible timeframe to implement the new policy.

Hearing about these everyday struggles is a harsh reminder of the reality faced by many of us. It's important that our government offers practical solutions to help bridge such gaps and provide the vital support that vulnerable families need.

Let's hope that stories like Ms Blowers’ will prompt authorities to reconsider their policies and act swiftly to alleviate the burden on those who need it most.

What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments.

if she cannot afford a child she should not have had one
the smith family say 1.2 million children need help which meams 2.4 million adults are negligent and yet no.one is facing court for treating there children as money banks as i can gaurantee most of these parents had children in as single parents or unemployed or just did not care enough to take precautions

 

[siameezer]

I agree with everything you have said. I’m sure Mrs Blower will manage for the several weeks until her payment goes back up, even if she has to go to a charity for food vouchers or help with bills. It makes me wonder how many of these hard done by Centrelink recipients are wasting money smoking, drinking and using drugs while their kids are missing out and they are crying poor. The same for low income workers who are struggling. People need to prioritise where their money goes

 

[siameezer]

I agree with everything you have said. I’m sure Mrs Blower will manage for the several weeks until her payment goes back up, even if she has to go to a charity for food vouchers or help with bills. It makes me wonder how many of these hard done by Centrelink recipients are wasting money smoking, drinking and using drugs while their kids are missing out and they are crying poor. The same for low income workers who are struggling. People need to prioritise where their money goes.

What a vile and judgmentally nasty comment! Are you really that unkind that you think all welfare recipients drink, smoke and use drugs? Shame on you!!!! I worked in welfare for over a decade and the amount of people who fit into your category is tiny.

 

[mitchellowe]

meanwhile singleparentsand doleys received $6.thousand dollars more in the stimulous package and a pay rate increase on top of the 6 monthly increasePENSIONERS DID NOT GET ANY OF THAT
Now theyare getting a further increase in payment on top of the 6 monthly increase PENSIONERS NOTHING IT is a a known fact that a lot of these so called single parents and doleys live together and share cost or still live at home IT WAS shown on a current affair 5 people living together and sharing cost
I am sure the aging population did there share of work in the community as the baby boomers did not get welfare growing up as there was none and even more sure that vets should not be going without heating or cooling as they are because the govt puts single parents and doleys above people who have earnt the right to be looked after
IN fact if you look up the govts minutes when giving out the stimulous packages it states DO NOT WORRY ABOUT PENSIONERS AND VETS AS THEY WILL GET BY

 

[siameezer]

My ex-husband left me and the kids (aged 4 1/2 and 2 at the time) to go and shack up with his mistress, who he married, had kids to and then left to go and shack up with another mistress, back in 1980. I had no confidence to work, no experience to work and was on the Sole Parents Benefits which, at the time was incredibly low. When my daughter turned 14 a woman at Centrelink told me that I would lose the pension when she turned 16 and I should do something to make a better future for myself. So that conversation started the long trek to TAFE and Uni. 2 years into studying, I lost the pension and had to go on Austudy which was so much less. Just to be able to feed my daughter and pay rent (my son had left home and was making a life for himself elsewhere), I had to take out a loan which took me all of the years I worked to pay off. I worked damn hard to get a degree and diploma and then worked damn hard in my job until I retired. Through my taxes I paid back every cent the government had given me, and then some. I went without everything until I started earning an income; my kids would get excited going shopping at the OP shop for "new" clothes and shoes. I bet this woman owns a mobile phone and pays for the phone bills, I bet she has heating that she pays for. (A) learn to go without and (B) get qualified for something, or take a job (I know that can be very difficult for people without confidence or skills, been there done that), but its time to take your future in your own hands and make a life for you and your kids.
The only mothers who should get help from the government, are those who are deserted and abandoned by their husband, or have a proven disability.
Single, unmarried mothers...nope, nothing. Maybe they will learn to snap their legs shut!

Not gunna say too much here except what single mum on whatever benefit she gets can afford a current rent of 450 pw? I'm on a full DSP with appropriate rent assistance have a car to run, a very cheap old mobile phone and a 18 dollar per mth plan

My luxury is a 4g internet plan at 70 per mth and there is NO way I can afford 450 pw on rent and I have NO kids partner etc

Someone is definitely living outside their means, the gov should investigate how much her mobile phone cost is it on a monthly plan with huge data limits and what phone has daughter got to view tik tok all day perhaps
?

And just WHERE do you think a cheaper rental is available for a family? Are you offering them one? I am also a single pensioner and in the private rental market and I am lucky to be paying under $400 a week. If a bigger property was needed because they have a family then $450 would be CHEAP. You are out of touch with current rental prices and you are certainly very rude in assuming her phone plan must be expensive! I am disgusted with the people of my generation who are lacking so much when it comes to compassion and empathy.

 

[siameezer]

meanwhile singleparentsand doleys received $6.thousand dollars more in the stimulous package and a pay rate increase on top of the 6 monthly increasePENSIONERS DID NOT GET ANY OF THAT
Now theyare getting a further increase in payment on top of the 6 monthly increase PENSIONERS NOTHING IT is a a known fact that a lot of these so called single parents and doleys live together and share cost or still live at home IT WAS shown on a current affair 5 people living together and sharing cost
I am sure the aging population did there share of work in the community as the baby boomers did not get welfare growing up as there was none and even more sure that vets should not be going without heating or cooling as they are because the govt puts single parents and doleys above people who have earnt the right to be looked after
IN fact if you look up the govts minutes when giving out the stimulous packages it states DO NOT WORRY ABOUT PENSIONERS AND VETS AS THEY WILL GET BY

Lies and nastiness! So you assume jobseekers (I won't use the vile term you did) and single parents all live together? SMH. If they share a property (and most don't but of course if your gold standard is "Current Affair" then that is not surprising you'd believe that) it is so they can afford rent in this horrid time of extravagant cost of living costs.
No one and I repeat NO ONE is more deserving than another ... ALL people are deserving of compassion, respect and assistance.

 

[mitchellowe]

Lies and nastiness! So you assume jobseekers (I won't use the vile term you did) and single parents all live together? SMH. If they share a property (and most don't but of course if your gold standard is "Current Affair" then that is not surprising you'd believe that) it is so they can afford rent in this horrid time of extravagant cost of living costs.
No one and I repeat NO ONE is more deserving than another ... ALL people are deserving of compassion, respect and assistance.

well why are doleys and that is what they are called and i know it for a fact as i have seen it more than once myself MY stepson who is 45 has worked 1 year in his life for one
HE pays $80 /week rent as welfare covers the rest and i know people who have 6 children and never worked a day in their A current affair is only a show so open your eyes and look around
GO to the shops and see how many women with kids are wearing wedding rings and how many of these single parents took precautions not to have children
I also stated its a common fact that these people NOT ALL PEOPLE live together through necessity or reluctance to get a job as well as negligence in getting pregnant without any forethought for the future
How long have you been unemplyed ALSO IF YOU THINK THAT ALL PEOPLE SHOULD BE TREATED WITH RESPECT ASSISSTENCE AND COMPASSION THEN AS A VET WHY WASNT I TREATED THE SAME IF NOT BETTER than single parents and the unemployed as i certainly earned the right I DO NOT GET RENT RELIEF OR extra increases in aged pension other than the 6 monthly and out of that i pay thousands of dollars in council rates and a mortgage HOW MANY SINGLE PARENTS AND UNEMPLOYED ESPECIALLY THE PROFFESSIONAL UNEMPLOYED SAY THAT

 

[siameezer]

well why are doleys and that is what they are called and i know it for a fact as i have seen it more than once myself MY stepson who is 45 has worked 1 year in his life for one
HE pays $80 /week rent as welfare covers the rest and i know people who have 6 children and never worked a day in their A current affair is only a show so open your eyes and look around
GO to the shops and see how many women with kids are wearing wedding rings and how many of these single parents took precautions not to have children
I also stated its a common fact that these people NOT ALL PEOPLE live together through necessity or reluctance to get a job as well as negligence in getting pregnant without any forethought for the future
How long have you been unemplyed ALSO IF YOU THINK THAT ALL PEOPLE SHOULD BE TREATED WITH RESPECT ASSISSTENCE AND COMPASSION THEN AS A VET WHY WASNT I TREATED THE SAME IF NOT BETTER than single parents and the unemployed as i certainly earned the right I DO NOT GET RENT RELIEF OR extra increases in aged pension other than the 6 monthly and out of that i pay thousands of dollars in council rates and a mortgage HOW MANY SINGLE PARENTS AND UNEMPLOYED ESPECIALLY THE PROFFESSIONAL UNEMPLOYED SAY THAT

Number 1 ... they are NOT and NEVER have been called "doleys". What a vile term to use!
I worked in welfare for over a decade so I have seen way more of people on benefits than you ever will see and it is nastiness like yours that makes these people lose their self-esteem. The majority, the VAST majority are just regular folks who have hit a rough patch in their lives. There is a huge number of people on Jobseeker who are over 50 and can't get employers to get over their ageism and hire them too.
So you are going to judge everyone based on your stepson? That is one person and attitudes like that are reprehensible.
Who gives a flying you-know-what how many women are wearing wedding rings? Who made you the arbiter of whether people have to be wearing a band on their hand?
I am not unemployed ... I am a pensioner but luckily not a nasty and judgemental one.
So many people are in the same position as you ... employment issues affect those with mortgages as well as renters. Your post however just shows how bitter you are and there is no getting through to you. You may be a veteran but I can guarantee none of the people I mixed with today at my RSL were as harsh and cruel as you. The fact you use such reprehensible terms as "professional unemployed" just shows how out of touch with the real situation you are.