The St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia is marking International Women’s Day (Friday, March 8) with a renewed call on the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition to jointly support an increase to the Newstart Allowance.
Chief Executive, Dr John Falzon said women are over-represented in national homelessness, domestic violence and poverty statistics.
“Pushing single parents onto the lower Newstart payment is an unforgivable kick in the teeth to so many women,” said Dr Falzon.
“The St Vincent de Paul Society urges the Prime Minister to respond to requests from the United Nations to account for the sole parents’ policy and to increase Newstart by $50 a week as a means of alleviating the poverty women face today.”
National President Anthony Thornton said: “The time for talking has long passed. There is no excuse for a wealthy country like ours to make life even harder for women who are already struggling.”
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I am a Sole Parent, after the death of my partner in a motorbike fatality, I have been raising our son for the past 13 yrs on my own!, This has been a Huge effort, on The Pension!, January I lost $137 a fortnight!, We are Struggling Bad!, at times I feel we may go under! I am constantly stressed!, due to health issues! It is hard for me to find work!, My Heart goes out to ALL The Parents struggling at the moment!, I fear for our future!, I have given up meat! Un affordable! We have no Social Outings!, can’t remember the last time I had a Bowl of fruit on the table! Each week! I cannot do a Supermarket shop! our diet is suffering!……..
Hi Debra, Very sorry to hear your account of life on a support payment. The St Vincent de Paul Society will keep advocating on this matter. In the meantime if you or someone you know needs urgent assistance please contact the St Vincent de Paul Society in your state or territory. Contact numbers are available here http://www.vinnies.org.au
National Council office of the
St Vincent de Paul Society