Central Coast Council joins campaign to raise Newstart and Youth Allowance payments
Alarming statistics around unemployment, homelessness and low incomes across the coast has seen Central Coast Council join a campaign to raise the Newstart and Youth Allowance.
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More than 61,000 households across the Central Coast are struggling on less than $500 a week, our youth unemployment rate is 11.6 per cent and homelessness has increased across the region by 35 per cent.
These alarming statistics have seen Central Coast Council call on the federal government to “Raise the Rate” of Newstart and Youth Allowance by at least $75 per week.
Council has lodged a submission for the increase, with more than 13,000 coast residents receiving Newstart or Youth Allowance.
The move follows the launch of the Raise the Rate campaign by the Australian Council of Social Service, aimed at reducing poverty and inequality in Australia.
Councillor Jillian Hogan led the push for council to get involved, however she had been “mocked and mimicked” and told this was a federal issue.
“Our area, especially in the old Wyong Shire, is severely disadvantaged in terms of employment, high rates of child protection reports, poverty, homelessness and domestic violence,” she told last week’s council meeting.
“Newstart is $278.00 a week and I don’t believe anybody in this chamber could actually live on that and pay their utilities, bills and put food on the table.
“If you are a parent and your child is over the age of seven that’s what you get … $278 a week to raise, educate and clothe a child. Please take a thought for people for once.”
Council’s submission acknowledged the allowances were a federal government responsibility however stated “it is at a local level where the effects of poverty are felt”.
“Social issues such as unemployment, homelessness and lack of affordable housing, poverty and domestic violence have significant impact on many residents within the Central Coast community,” the submission states.
“Raising the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance will assist to reduce poverty, strengthen
the social fabric and increase spending in local communities.”
Mayor Lisa Matthews said the submission was showing support for the most vulnerable people in society.
“The figures for vulnerable people on the Central Coast are staggering and the current level of assistance provided is inadequate,” she said.
Councillor Jilly Pilon said she could not support council joining the campaign.
“I believe in self responsibility, however I do acknowledge there are many people on the Central Coast in need,” she said.
“Newstart and Youth Allowance is a federal government responsibility and the best form of welfare is a job created through a stronger economy and providing new opportunities.”
She highlighted projects council had rejected including the Winney Bay Clifftop Walk and aviation hub at Warnervale which would have boosted jobs and tourism.
“When I don’t feel we are taking responsibility and playing our part at a local level, I cannot vote to pass the buck to the federal government,” she said.