Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The government will not be supporting this motion. Australia currently spends $150 billion a year on social security. Funds available for social security must be directed to those most in need while ensuring that the system remains sustainable for Australian taxpayers. An increase to rates for one payment would have an impact on government outlays and savings would need to be identified elsewhere.

The best way to reduce poverty is to grow the economy. By putting in place policies to drive growth and job creation we will be putting Australia in a position to prosper in a difficult global environment.