By REBECCA BILLS
LOW unemployment benefits and cuts to single parent payments have meant thousands of locals around Belgrave are not able to afford basic needs, according to the Greens.
Lead Senate candidate for the Greens Janet Rice and fellow La Trobe candidate Michael Schilling have been taking to Centerlinks around the area, encouraging locals to send a postcard to the government, calling for the restoration of parenting payments.
Ms Rice said the campaign was to increase the Newstart allowance by $50 a week and restore single-parent payments cuts under the current Parliament.
“After rent, 3200 unemployed people have as little as $17 a day for food, bills, and other expenses in the La Trobe electorate,” she said.
“We want people to be able to afford fresh fruit and vegetables, new clothes, and transport to visit family and friends – it’s basic health and dignity.
“A caring society protects people and their families from falling into poverty.”
Mr Schilling said single parents had been struggling with the cuts and are being locked out of the workforce due to their humiliating dive into poverty.
“That’s not the way to help them get a job,” he said.
“The Greens will also increase the allowance for 470 young people living independently in La Trobe, so they can concentrate on their studies and training, instead of worrying how to make ends meet.”
The Greens plan will cost $9.2 billion over the next four years, which can be paid for by a fairer mining tax.
For more information, visit greensmps.org.au/single-parents
