2019 Election ACOSS
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It’s not too late to show your support for the Raise the Rate campaign! Dear Miles, First, I want to thank all of you who have pledged your support for the Raise the Rate campaign. Since I contacted you on Monday, over 100 candidates, from every state and territory in the country, have endorsed our campaign to raise the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance. We thank you for recognising that Newstart, Youth Allowance and other allowances are not working. At $40 per day, the single rate of Newstart is too low to give people the support they need to get through tough times and into suitable paid work. More and more people realise this. If you have not already pledged your support, it is NOT too late. If you want to declare your support for raising the single rate of Newstart, Youth Allowance and related payments by a minimum of $75 per week, you can do so here (it’s quick and easy!). After 25 years of no real increase, it truly is time to Raise the Rate. We will be letting Raise the Rate supporters know which candidates have taken the pledge, and will be distributing a Raise the Rate tracker marking the major parties on their stance. If you do take the pledge, let everyone know! Tomorrow , Saturday the 11th, is a Raise the Rate Nat ional Day of Action : grassroots organisations throughout the country are hosting community events to highlight the growing groundswell of support! From Adelaide to Brisbane, from Townsville to Albury-Wodonga, people are taking action. Tomorrow, show your support! PRINT one of our Raise The Rate signs. GET A PHOTO like this one! POST to Facebook and Twitter with the #RaisetheRate hashtag. Thank you for your support. Kind regards Dr Cassandra Goldie ACOSS CEO
Response
Hi Cassandra, We support a reform of social security in Australia to provide a Universal Basic Income. Our policy calls for means testing by the ATO to provide the most support for those who need it most. The payment figures for our proposal are up to review however, and we would be guided by your recommendations on what a living wage would constitute (as we have in the past). Your figures look entirely reasonable and in line with our platform. Personally, I have been campaigning for a raise to Newstart for some years now as an activist and organiser for the Anti-Poverty Network Queensland and have spent time with Pas Forgione when he comes up to visit. Very proud and big supporters. Miles Whiticker, senate candidate for Queensland