Cashless welfare card trial is a terrible waste of money

The decision to extend cashless debit card trials is a terrible one. Remember this card has been trialled since 2014 at a cost of tens of millions of taxpayers’ dollars.…

Why raising the rate of Centrelink payments makes sense

Yet another report has been released which explains again how raising the rate of Centrelink pensions & payments would be the most efficient way to reduce financial stress & poverty…

It’s as easy as two clicks: Govt confirms it has no idea about Centrelink processes

“The Government’s response to my question in Question Time today goes to show that it’s still in denial over the significant problems with Centrelink and its debt recovery systems,” Mr…

What’s left to do on the Bass Highway anyway? Diamond-encrusted cat’s eyes?

The Federal Budget is good so far as it starts to address serious problems in areas as diverse as aged care, the NDIS, mental health, skilling workers, childcare and the…

No real relief for those living on struggle street

Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, says the Scrooge-like increase to the JobSeeker payment will do next to nothing to ease the pain for Australians living on struggle street. “Returning…

Automated data-matching reminiscent of Robodebt

The Prime Minister’s dismissal of Independent Member for Clark Andrew Wilkie’s question, during Question Time today, shows just how out of touch the Federal Government is with the deep distress…

Government’s robodebt a zombie – many victims not eligible for payouts

The Commonwealth Ombudsman has agreed to my request to again investigate robodebt because the Federal Government’s announcement that it will repay robodebts does not include people who appealed their debt,…

Andrew’s question in Parliament on Australia Post delays in the lead-up to Christmas

“Minister we’re counting down the sleeps until Christmas but Australia Post is obviously in disarray. “Indeed constituents regularly report bills arriving after due dates, medical reminders turning up after appointments,…

Andrew speaks on the Social Services Amendment (Coronavirus and Other Measures) Bill

All Australians on government pensions and payments need to live with dignity on a living income above the poverty line. So the Federal Government must not cut the Jobseeker rate…