Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Bilyk, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) the Coronavirus crisis has increased costs for many people with disability and carers, for instance: higher energy bills, extra transport costs from avoiding public transport, grocery delivery charges, missing out on shopping at the market for specials, as well as extra health, and protective equipment costs,

  (ii) despite the two $750 Economic Support Payments, many people on the Disability Support Pension are temporarily receiving a lower payment rate than people on JobSeeker Payment, when the Coronavirus Supplement is taken into account,

  (iii) many carers are also being left in situations where they are worse off—particularly if they are caring for children with disability,

  (iv) the Government can make changes to extend additional support to people who need it with the stroke of a pen; and

  (v) the second Economic Support Payment will not be paid until 13 July—nine weeks away—despite people with disability and carers facing extra costs now; and

(b) calls on the Government to allow people with disability and carers who have increased costs to bring forward the second $750 Economic Support Payment.

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a very short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Greens will be supporting this motion, but we do not think it replaces the fact that people with disability and carers should have access to increased payments and the supplement. But, of course, the Greens will support anything that helps people with disability and carers.

Question agreed to.