‘Raise the rate’: Protesters crowd Marles’ office

The cluster of young people rallied outside Richard Marles’ Brougham St office on Monday morning calling for an increase to welfare support payments like JobSeeker.

“I have to work three jobs just to be able to pay rent, to be able to pay for medical bills, medication and keep up with the cost of living in general,” protester Imo Quah, who uses they/them pronouns, said.

“Young people everywhere are struggling to pay their bills, relying on friends, welfare and parents and it’s not conducive for a growing environment.”

“One or two of my entire jobs goes toward rent, I have rent, plus medication and groceries and that’s all I spend money on.”

The Albanese Government last week announced JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and Austudy would increase by $40 per fortnight, increasing the budget by $4.9bn over five years.

Australians aged over 55 on JobSeeker for more than nine months will receive $92 more per fortnight, in line with base payments for those over 60.

“The majority of people aged 55 and over on JobSeeker are women, many with little to no savings or superannuation, and who are at risk of homelessness,” federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in his budget speech last week.

“We’re extending the extra support for those aged 60 and over to include Australians aged 55 and over – more help for some of the most vulnerable in our community.”

But economic analysts and hoards of young people have said the increase amounted to a “drop in the bucket” when contrasted with the rising cost of living.

Shrishti Chatterjee said Australia wanted to see a more “holistic” approach to the budget that cared for people from all walks of life.

“Policy should not be made behind closed doors by people who wear suits more expensive than my rent,” he said.

“I could sell whatever they’re having for high tea this afternoon and pay for a month of food.”

Mr Marles declined to comment on Monday.

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