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Budget 2023: Single parents could get cash boost

The upcoming federal budget could see single parents get a major cash boost.

A composite image of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australian currency to represent higher payments for single parents.
Single parents could be the big winners in the federal budget next month. (Source: AAP / Getty)

Single parents could be a big winner next month when the Albanese Government releases the federal budget.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the budget would aim to “support the most vulnerable Australians”, with many thinking the government may help single parents.

The women’s economic equality taskforce and the economic inclusion advisory panel have both called on the government to raise the children’s cut-off age above eight years old.

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At the moment, single parents receive about $961 a fortnight, but are shifted to the JobSeeker payment when their child turns eight, receiving about $176 less a fortnight.

Gallagher told reports on Thursday that the recommendations were being considered by the expenditure review committee.

“We have a couple of important reports provided to government that go to those issues about payments and support, particularly for single parents, mums primarily,” she told reporters in Canberra.

“We’re working through those in the final stages of budget decisions. [Treasurer] Jim [Chalmers] and I have made it clear that … we see the budget as an opportunity to look at ways to support the most vulnerable Australians.”

Welfare payments need to rise

The government has been urged to lift JobSeeker and Youth Allowance payments to at least $76 per day in the upcoming federal budget.

The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) made the recommendation as part of a pre-budget submission, along with more than 60 other proposals.

The JobSeeker rate is currently around $48 per day. The increase would bring JobSeeker and Youth Allowance in line with Age Pension payments, which are currently $513 per week.

ACOSS estimated the move would cost $10.5 billion in 2023-24.

“The Labor government came to power promising that no-one would be left behind. But right now, people on income support are skipping meals, foregoing essential medicines and turning off their hot water just to keep a roof over their head,” ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie said.

“They cannot wait a second longer for action to alleviate this unnecessary suffering.”

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