Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Storer for his question. The coalition knows that the best form of welfare is a job. The government wants a welfare system that supports the most vulnerable, encourages those capable of work or capable of study to do so, reduces intergenerational welfare dependency and is sustainable in the future. ACOSS argues that Newstart, on its own, is too low. However, less than one per cent of Newstart recipients receive Newstart alone. The other 99 per cent of Newstart recipients receive at least one additional payment and/or supplement based on their circumstances, as part of our strong social security safety net. This includes providing rent assistance to those in the private rental market and family tax benefit to those raising children. The coalition knows, as I have said, that the best form of welfare is a job, and under this government we have seen the largest increase in jobs since the GFC. The system also allows recipients to earn income from work or other sources before their payment is affected. It is also important to note that many recipients of Newstart do not remain on the payment for long. Around two-thirds of those granted Newstart exit income support within 12 months.

Our welfare system encourages those capable of work or study to do so, while supporting vulnerable people within our society. Specifically, Australia targets a bigger share of its cash transfers to households in the bottom income quintile than any other OECD country. The government remains committed to— (Time expired)