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

I move:

That items 1 to 3 of Schedule 1 and item 4 of Schedule 2 of the Social Security (Coronavirus Economic Response—2020 Measures No. 14) Determination 2020, made under the Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Act 2020 and the Social Security Act 1991, be disallowed [F2020L01093].

Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

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

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Labor will not be supporting this motion. Our priority is to see the government permanently increase the base rate for JobSeeker and to see the liquid assets waiting period remain suspended, because those changes are targeted at the people who need help the most at this time. When the government decided to stop the asset test, not just temporarily increase it, they allowed over 3,000 people with assets of $1 million or more in addition to their home to receive unemployment payments. Support should go to those who need it the most.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

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

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government does not support the disallowance motion. Means testing is a longstanding fundamental component of the income support system, and the reintroduction of the assets test is an appropriate step in providing targeted support.

Question negatived.