Parliamentary inquiry launched into Newstart rate

The adequacy of Newstart payments will be examined by a Senate inquiry amid growing calls to increase the rate.

Centrelink signage at the Yarra branch in Melbourne. Source: AAP

Newstart and related welfare payments will be examined in a wide-ranging Senate inquiry as calls grow for an increase to the unemployment support payment. 

The motion to establish the upper house inquiry succeeded after the crossbench backed the joint push by Labor and the Greens.

 

Liberal Senator Dean Smith thinks the Newstart payment is too low. 

AAP

 

The government opposed the inquiry as it continues to resist pressure to increase Newstart which has not risen above inflation since 1994. 

The move comes after the Greens private members bill to increase the rate by $75 a week was rejected in the Senate. 

Read more here.