Welfare

Greens raise serious concerns over DSP changes

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Tuesday 16th August 2011, 4:33pm
in

The Australian Greens have raised serious concerns that changes to the eligibility criteria for the disability support pension will see many people living with a disability placed on unemployment benefits.

Support for WA families in future-focused climate package

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Monday 11th July 2011, 8:44am
in

WA families will be assisted with tax cuts and increased assistance as part of the newly announced package to put a price on carbon, the Australian Greens said today.

Cost cutting measures to hit vulnerable people

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Friday 24th June 2011, 4:54pm
in

The Australian Greens say cost cutting measures in the newly passed Family Assistance laws risk the financial security of vulnerable Australians.

Social Security Amendment (Parenting Payment Transitional Arrangement) Bill

Speech | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Thursday 16th June 2011, 3:33pm
in

Senator SIEWERT (Western Australia—Australian Greens Whip) (17:02):  Madam Acting Deputy President, thank you for your graciousness in allowing me to speak on the Social Security Amendment (Parenting Payment Transitional Arrangement) Bill. I will admit I was in the Opposition Whip's rooms with the class of 2004, saying farewell to some of our colleagues. So thank you for holding my spot for me.

Greens concerned over potential double-hit for single parents

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Thursday 2nd June 2011, 12:53pm
in

Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens community services spokesperson has used today's Senate Estimates hearings to question the Government over planned changes to income support for single parents.

Tough Love and other strange stories…

Blog Post | Blog of Rachel Siewert
Monday 16th May 2011, 11:49am
by ChrisRedman in

I have to admit that the use of the phrase ‘tough love’ to describe the latest wave of mostly punitive welfare reforms makes me cringe.

Greens question 'voluntary' health checks as parents face payment cuts

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Thursday 12th May 2011, 7:39pm
in

The Australian Greens says the government needs to get its message straight on child health checks, with families facing the prospect of losing over $700 a child from family tax benefit supplements unless their children attend so-called 'voluntary' health checks.

Government’s welfare reforms misguided - Greens

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Wednesday 11th May 2011, 1:23pm
in

The Australian Greens say the phrase ‘tough love’ could not be more inappropriate when used to describe budget welfare measures announced by the Federal Government.

Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Budget and Other Measures) Bill 2010

Speech | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Tuesday 10th May 2011, 12:45pm
in

Senator SIEWERT (Western Australia—Australian Greens Whip) (13:26):  The Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Budget and Other Measures) Bill 2010 is a bit of a grab bag of miscellaneous measures with certain schedules in and then out, in and then out.

Greens seek support, not more pressure for single parents

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Thursday 5th May 2011, 1:31pm
in

The Australian Greens have called on the Government to better support single parents rather than subjecting them to new, punitive measures.