Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

To start with, Senator Rice, I would again point out that, in its most recent budget, the Albanese government did increase working-age payments for things like JobSeeker, Austudy and youth allowance by $40 per fortnight. That was something that was necessary, especially to assist people who are out of work and students with cost-of living challenges. And, as I've said, in addition, we've provided increased rent assistance and all of the other things that I was talking about.

As you know, Senator Rice, some of the challenges that we face in terms of Workforce Australia, and the programs and agencies that are funded through it, is that the former government entered into billions of dollars of contracts with these private sector agencies on the eve of the last election, and that is something that can't be undone overnight. But we are undertaking that inquiry, led by the member for Bruce, Julian Hill, and we look forward to recommendations being received so that we can take action.