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

As I was saying, this includes providing rent assistance to those in the private rental market and providing family tax benefits to those raising children. The combination of these supplementary payments often exceeds the value of the Newstart payment.

The coalition knows that, as I said, the best form of welfare is a job, and under this government we have seen the largest increase in jobs since the GFC. For this reason, 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. (Time expired)