The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and Salvation Army have both called for an increase to Newstart payments in their respective reports Jobs you can count on and Feeling the Pinch. The ACTU report recommends addressing inequality and discrimination by supporting the role of women in the workforce through the provision of accessible, affordable, quality child care, improvements to paid parental leave and family-friendly work arrangements. The report also recommends Increasing the Newstart allowance substantially and supporting workers with disabilities through improved training and employment support. The Salvation Army reported that their data showed Newstart Allowance recipients had the least amount to live on with only $17 of disposable income per day after accommodation expenses, with 95% of all households living under the poverty line and single parents and couples with children experiencing the lowest standard of living. Over two thirds (67%) of children experienced severe deprivation, where parents could not afford more than five essential items for their children.
