Payment cancellations hitting local welfare recipients hard its claimed
Local members of the Australian Unemployed Workers' Union are joining a statewide campaign to protest against the suspension of welfare payments through the reintroduction of the federal government's Targeted Compliance Framework.
LOCAL people on welfare payments such as job seeker and disability pensions are at breaking point according to the Australian Unemployed Workers' Union (AUWU).
According to Jessica Harrison, a Wonthaggi-based advocacy representative for the AUWU, payment cancellations were originally paused when they were discovered to be operating unlawfully in 2024.
Ms Harrison claims the federal government is now re-starting cancellations.
"The federal government is re-starting the suspension of welfare payments after a pause," Ms Harrison stated. "Hundreds of people will be affected, leading to a return of punitive measures.
Welfare recipients in regional areas face unique geographic hurdles according to Ms Harrison particularly the added cost of fuel required to travel long distances for mandatory face-to-face appointments.
The AUWU has argued that mutual obligations including compulsory activities, appointments, and Work for the Dole must cease permanently.
“It is happening locally, adding to the rising cost of living and unaffordable rents,” said Ms Harrison. "We hear daily from people about surviving illness, rising food and fuel costs, high rents, and the stress of keeping up with their JSP appointments,” she said.
“Job Service Providers must not have the power to issue demerit points or suspend or cancel payments by saying that clients are not 'engaging' with their 'services'.”
A protest rally is being organised outside the Department of Energy and Workplace Relations in support of the campaign against the Targeted Compliance Framework.
A broad coalition including the Welfare Rights Centre, ACOSS, Economic Justice Australia, the Antipoverty Centre, and NATSILS, has called on the government to remove the Targeted Compliance Framework immediately.
They are demanding an end to all suspensions, full backpay and compensation for those affected by past unlawful decisions, and an immediate increase to Centrelink payments so no one is forced to live below the poverty line.
According to the AUWU the Commonwealth Ombudsman found that around 1,000 people had their payments unlawfully cancelled and hundreds of thousands more were also affected in other ways.
“Cutting off a person's income does not help us find work. Suspended or cancelled payments mean missed rent, going without food, increased financial stress and a risk of homelessness.” said Ms Harrison.
The Australia Unemployed Workers Union runs an Advocacy Line from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday on 1800 289 848 or 03 9811 7064 or email advocacy@auwu.org.au
