By MIKE TZOUNIS
GREENS MPs have promised a $9.2 billion plan over the next four years to tackle poverty issues in the La Trobe electorate.
Senate candidates Janet Rice and Michael Schilling met with residents at the Narre Warren Centrelink office and discussed about their difficulties in covering basic needs such as food.
Their plan can be paid for by a fairer mining tax and can help families and individuals avoid poverty.
“After rent, 3,200 unemployed have as little as $17 a day for food, bills and other expenses,” Rice said.
“We want people to be able to afford fresh fruit and vegetables, new clothes and transport to visit family and friends – basic health and dignity. A caring society protects people and their families from falling into poverty.”
They also handed out over 100 postcards to be sent to Federal Employment Minister Brendan O’Connor as part of a campaign to increase the Newstart allowance by $50 a week and restore single-parent payments cut under the current parliament.
“Sole parents have been struggling with the cuts. It’s not just the humiliating dive into poverty. They are being locked out of the workforce and that’s no way to help them get a job,” said Schilling.
“The Greens will also increase the allowance for 470 young people living independently in La Trobe so they can concentrate on their studies and training, instead of worrying how to make ends meet.”
