We gave Labor the year to make good on their promises of noone left behind. We submitted to their enquiries, committees that recommended they raise the rate of welfare dramatically for those of the lowest payments. We held out hope to the last that they might agree to give a little more from their $20b surplus, or agree to take rent freezes to national cabinet. We watched ACOOSS and the rest of the poverty industrial complex ask for more on our behalf but then praise the scraps we were thrown.
Today Labor passed the $20/wk increase to job seeker, the raising of single parent payments back until the child turns 14 (not 16 like it was before) and the 15% rent assistance increase.
In reality the increases have all been soaked up already with time and inflation. They and the next indexing (2.2%) come in in 7 weeks, 49 days,
I’m tired and disappointed. I honestly was hoping a tiny amount that Labor might come through and not leave so many people behind.
But here we are.
Excuse me while I regather, focus on the pressing issue. My stepdaughter and their partner moved in with us on Sunday and their baby is due this Saturday. It’s exciting and scary and stressful as all hell. We’re off to get the last scan now! I’m cooking dinners for everyone for the timebeing to keep control of the kitchen, and cos I love to cook and to ensure everyone is fed.
If you wanna help materially, I have a groceries wishlist and paylinks. One internet sweetheart send a months worth of nappies which will not go astray.