Financial counsellors label increase to JobSeeker nowhere near enough

Financial counsellors are disappointed with today’s decision by the Federal Government to only increase JobSeeker by $50 a fortnight.

“This is well below what is needed. We support a permanent and reasonable increase to JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and other income support payments,” said the CEO of Financial Counselling Australia, Fiona Guthrie.

The Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) had called for at least an extra $25 a day, but instead the Government has only announced an extra $25 a week.

“When JobSeeker was first introduced to help with the impact of COVID, demand for financial counselling reduced because many of our clients had enough money to live on for the first time in ages,” said Ms Guthrie.

“While any increase is better than nothing, this does not go anywhere near enough to help the most vulnerable.

“The Federal Government must ensure that people are given enough money to live on. This minuscule increase is simply cruel.

“This is not the sort of Australia we want,” Ms Guthrie said.

“We urge anyone in financial stress to contact a financial counsellor. They can speak with one by calling the National Debt Helpline (NDH) on 1800 007 007 or find their closest face-to-face service by going to www.ndh.org.au,” Ms Guthrie said.

Financial counsellors are skilled professionals who provide FREE, independent and confidential advice for people in financial hardship. They are not planners or advisers. They don’t provide investment advice or earn commissions.

To organise an interview with Fiona Guthrie, contact [email protected]