Jobseeker Survey shows majority sustained support for higher rate

Our most recent survey data shows sustained majority support in WA for a higher rate of JobSeeker. The survey question, conducted by Painted Dog Research, asked:  

For a single adult in Australia, the poverty line is $457 per week. The current rate of JobSeeker is below this, at $310. Do you think the rate of JobSeeker should be: 

Much higher   Slightly higher     Stay the same     Slightly lower     Much lower 


We previously asked the same question at the height of the pandemic response in June 2020 and again in November 2020. 

Jobseeker Rates for Singles: 

• 69% of respondents believe that the rate of Jobseeker for singles should be higher than it is. 
• Females are significantly more likely than males to believe that the rate of Jobseeker for singles should be higher.
• Those earning less ($0-$100,000) are significantly more likely to believe that the rate of Jobseeker for singles should be much higher than those who earn over $150,000. 

For the first time we also asked about JobSeeker Rates for Parents: 

• 78% of respondents believe that the rate of Jobseeker for parents should be higher than it currently is.  This is 9 percentage points higher than singles. 
• Again, females are significantly more likely than males to believe that Jobseeker should be higher for parents.  
• Individuals aged between 34-54 are the most likely to believe that parents should receive a higher rate of Jobseeker.
  

The base rate of JobSeeker is now $44 a day for a single person. Youth Allowance is even less at $36 a day. The relative poverty line (50% of median income) is around $65 a day. Even if eligible for various supplements, the base rate still leaves individual and families well below the poverty line. 

The experiences of the people with whom we work backs up the research and the Senate’s own report1 that a punitive level of income support is detrimental to physical and mental health and, rather than acting as an incentive to work, produces material barriers to entering the workforce or other meaningful economic and civic participation.  The recent Anglicare Australia report 'Australia Fair - Valuing Every Contribution' provides detailed analysis of the enabling effect of a basic income and the public support for it.  

What you can do

• Share our survey data with your Federal MP.
• Support the Raise the Rate campaign for social security payments that keep people above the poverty line and afford the basics of living.