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23.01.2022 JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PROTEST!! Join our JobSeeker Facebook Protest on Tuesday, when we will be 'checking-in' to Prime Minister Scott Morrison's office, with a message about how the $300 a fortnight cut will affect our ability to cover the basics. It's a quick, easy, fun activity, find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/655869561668445/

23.01.2022 'CHECK-IN' TO SCOTT MORRISON'S OFFICE TODAY!! Today is our JobSeeker Facebook Protest!! Wherever you are, we are asking you to take some time out of your day to 'check-in' to Prime Minister Scott Morrison's electorate office on Facebook, with a message about how the $300 a fortnight JobSeeker cut will affect people's ability to cover the basics, and why people on payments need certainty, not being kept in the dark about what will happen to their incomes.... Remember to also tag his Facebook page, and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's, and to use the #RaisetheRateforGood and the #CoverTheBasics hashtags.

23.01.2022 KRISTIE'S STORY Kristie, a sole parent from Sydney, speaks about how hard it was getting by, on the old rate of Newstart: "There was a constant thought of, if there is a big bill coming in, what can I sell in my house, what can I do without?"... Kristie is one of 1.6 million people on JobSeeker who, because of the $550 a fortnight COVID supplement, has not had to constantly stress about how to cover the cost of her bills and other expenses. But on Friday, the supplement is being cut by $300 a fortnight, and we do not know if the rest of the supplement will be removed at the end of the year, returning JobSeeker to a brutally low $40 a day. Now, more than ever, as people try to get through this crisis and rebuild their lives, they need the certainty of a permanent, adequate raise to JobSeeker and other allowances, not cuts to their already low incomes. TAKE ACTION: **Contact your local Member of Parliament to tell them how devastating the JobSeeker cut will be for people's health and finances, and why people on JobSeeker need certainty about the future: tinyurl.com/y3tr2d6wlt **And tell the Prime Minister and Treasurer what you think of the JobSeeker cut. Call the Prime Minister's office on 02 6277 7700 and the Treasurer's office on 02 6277 7340. www.raisetherate.org.au

22.01.2022 DANELLA'S STORY "I was medically-retired some years ago and have remained (according to medical experts) unable to work. Applications for the Disability Support Pension have been rejected and Ive not been well enough to jump through the bureaucratic hoops to keep trying so Ive existed (note: existed, not lived) on Newstarve since then. In 2019 I had to leave my beloved Melbourne with less than a fortnights notice as I was unable to find appropriate accommodation within my b...udget so I landed in a rural town with no support network. But I wasnt homeless, Ive been homeless before and couldnt cope with that again. Even moving to another town my benefits couldnt cover the costs of basic existence and my best friend was paying a portion of my rent each week, so that I could afford to eat. Since the Coronavirus Supplement was started my quality of life has improved immeasurably; I have paid back all of last winter's outstanding gas and electricity bills, and gotten this year's payments up to date. The relief of not owing all that money, not getting threatening letters from utility companies or having to beg for leniency and extensions. I dont have the power to describe that relief. Ive been able to save to pay registration on my car without having to sacrifice a month's worth of food and bills. I havent yet been able to seek the additional medical care I require, my health needs continue largely unaddressed because the out of pocket expenses are beyond my means. Nor have I been able to address the myriad of issues that require attention in my vehicle, or the replacement of barely functional white goods in my home. If the rate was raised for good I could actually seek help, proper medical assistance, regular therapies. I could eat fresh fruit and vegetables regularly obviously increasing my general well-being. I could feel like a valued and respected member of the community again." - Danella. (Photo not of Danella.) TAKE ACTION!! Contact your local Member of Parliament to tell them here how devastating this cut will be for people's health and finances: tinyurl.com/y3tr2d6w And tell the Prime Minister and Treasurer what you think of the JobSeeker cut. Call the Prime Minister's office on 02 6277 7700 and the Treasurer's office on 02 6277 7340. www.raisetherate.org.au

21.01.2022 Yesterday at the Press Club, a unique alliance came forward - the community, economists, and business - to call for permanent, adequate rate of JobSeeker. Dr Cassandra Goldie from ACOSS, Chris Richardson from Deloitte Access Economics, and Paul Zahra from the Australian Retailers Association came together to speak about how critical is that our economic recovery from the current crisis includes ensuring that people looking for paid work have the income they need to be able to... cover the basics. You can view the full Press Club address here: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/national-press-club-address Take this time to contact your local Member of Parliament, tell them here how devastating the impending cut to JobSeeker will be for people's health and finances: https://raisetherate.org.au/contactyourmp And tell the Prime Minister and Treasurer what you think of the JobSeeker cut. Call the Prime Minister's office on 02 6277 7700 and the Treasurer's office on 02 6277 7340.

19.01.2022 JOIN OUR JOBSEEKER ONLINE PROTEST!! This Tuesday is our JobSeeker Facebook Protest. We will be 'checking-in' to Prime Minister Scott Morrison's office, with a message about how the $300 a fortnight cut will affect our ability to cover the basics.... It's a quick, easy, fun activity, find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/655869561668445/

18.01.2022 Today's a grim day - 2.3 million people on JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, and other payments - are having their incomes cut by $300 a fortnight, with the lowering of the COVID Supplement. We know these cuts are going to make life tougher and more stressful for so many people. But we're going to keep speaking out, keep taking action, till we get a permanent, adequate raise to JobSeeker. Our supporters meet every Friday afternoon at 2:30pm for our Weekly Organising Meeting. Now, more than ever, we need your help, so if you can, please join us today. All welcome

18.01.2022 A MESSAGE FROM AVERY The $300 per fortnight cut to my payments will be detrimental to my survival in the coming months. Ill have to go back to skipping meals. Ill continue to be unable to access healthcare, leaving chronic issues unaddressed. My mental health has never been worse than it has been in the past few weeks stressing about the cut, and I believe that the stress will get worse as the cuts get implemented. ... The uncertainty of the changes generates a sense of desperation. Im lucky that my rent is currently partially subsidised, but my lease runs out in January. Not knowing if Ill be put back onto $33 a day on Youth Allowance means that I dont know what housing I should be looking for, and what could be considered affordable to me. I cant save up to access healthcare, because I dont know if Ill need to use that money to pay for food in the future. We need to keep fighting for a permanent and adequate rate to these payment. The Government should not have the ability to put Australians in such a precarious position, as they are going to do this week, and potentially further so in December. The Government needs to be upfront about what they plan to do. - Avery. This Friday, JobSeeker will be cruelly cut by $300 a fortnight. Now more than ever, we need your help to fight for a permanent, adequate raise. People on JobSeeker should be able to plan ahead, and have certainty about what their income will be in the future, not be left hanging. Here is how you can take action: **Contact your local Member of Parliament to tell them how the JobSeeker cut will affect you, and why you need the certainty of a permanent, adequate income: https://raisetherate.org.au/contactyourmp **Call Prime Minister Scott Morrison (02 6277 7700) and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg (02 6277 7340) to share your views with their offices. www.raisetherate.org.au

18.01.2022 TODAY!! MAKE CALLS TO THE POLLIES WITH US!! Raise the Rate supporters are getting together every Wednesday afternoon in September, 2pm-3pm AEST, to call politicians' offices to tell them why we JobSeeker needs a permanent, adequate raise, not a $300 a fortnight cut. Make calls with us in a fun, friendly environment.... Join us today at 2pm AEST for Phone-Calling Party - Part 2. Here is the link: http://us02web.zoom.us/j/82027821584

18.01.2022 3/4 OF PEOPLE ON JOBSEEKER 'EXTREMELY WORRIED' ABOUT $300 A FORTNIGHT CUT Today we released the results of our survey of over 600 people on JobSeeker about how they feel about the September 25 JobSeeker cut. People told us that the $300 cut will have a substantial impact on their ability to cover the cost of housing, bills, medicine, food, and other essentials.... More than half of people told us that they will definitely have to skip meals, and buy less fresh food when JobSeeker is cut in 2 weeks. People on JobSeeker need a permanent, adequate income, not a huge cut. The Government needs to listen to the evidence, to the people on JobSeeker, and act. Read the full report here: tinyurl.com/y2xmlyhh Contact your local Member of Parliament to tell them here how devastating this cut will be for people's health and finances: tinyurl.com/y3tr2d6w And tell the Prime Minister and Treasurer what you think of the JobSeeker cut. Call the Prime Minister's office on 02 6277 7700 and the Treasurer's office on 02 6277 7340. www.raisetherate.org.au

18.01.2022 4 IN 10 PEOPLE ON JOBSEEKER WILL HAVE $14 A DAY AFTER PAYING THEIR RENT, FROM SEP 25 Today our JobSeeker survey showed how devastating the $300 a fortnight cut to people's incomes will be. The September 25 cut will mean that 4 in 10 people on JobSeeker will have only $14 a day left, after paying their rent or mortgage. $14 a day to cover bills, food, medicine, and other essentials is nowhere near enough. We all know it.... People on JobSeeker need a permanent, adequate income. Not a huge cut. We need the Government to listen to what people on JobSeeker are saying, and act. Read the full report here: tinyurl.com/y2xmlyhh Contact your local Member of Parliament to tell them here how devastating this cut will be for people's health and finances: tinyurl.com/y3tr2d6w And tell the Prime Minister and Treasurer what you think of the JobSeeker cut. Call the Prime Minister's office on 02 6277 7700 and the Treasurer's office on 02 6277 7340. www.raisetherate.org.au

17.01.2022 WELCOME SESSION THIS ARVO!! If you have been following us for some time, and have been thinking of getting active, this is the event for you!! Come along to learn more about what the Raise the Rate campaign is fighting for, and what we have coming up!! TODAY, 3pm AEST, details below.

16.01.2022 SANDRA'S STORY "I used some of the supplement to finely get my eyes tested due to my diabetes. My Doctor had mentioned this on several occasions but when you are on an allowance money's tight. I knew I needed glasses but couldn't afford them, buying cheapies from Cheap as Chips.... I didn't have an issue with my Diabetes, however, I had Glaucoma. Had I not had this extra money, I wouldn't have found out about this. I'm now saving to have Laser treatment which has put a visit to the dentist on hold for a little while. It's sad when just the simple things to help an older person are so out of reach." - Sandra. TAKE ACTION!! **Contact your local Member of Parliament to tell them how devastating the $300 a fortnight JobSeeker cut will be for people's health and finances: tinyurl.com/y3tr2d6w **And tell the Prime Minister and Treasurer what you think of the JobSeeker cut. Call the Prime Minister's office on 02 6277 7700 and the Treasurer's office on 02 6277 7340. www.raisetherate.org.au

16.01.2022 SOMETIMES, YOU JUST HAVE TO SHOW UP!! Huge congratulations to our Adelaide supporters, Aidan, Denise, and Margie, who visited Senator Simon Birmingham's office in Adelaide earlier this week. Across the country, people have popping in to their Member of Parliament, and other politicians, to tell them how devastating this week's $300 a fortnight JobSeeker cut will be.... Showing up, in person, can be a great way to make an impact, especially if you have already e-mailed or called. If you have not already written to your Member of Parliament, here is an easy, quick way of doing so: https://raisetherate.org.au/contactyourmp And if you can, call Prime Minister Scott Morrison (02 6277 7700) and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg (02 6277 7340) to share your views with their offices. www.raisetherate.org.au

16.01.2022 JOIN US THIS ARVO TO GET BUSY!! Every Friday afternoon at 2:30PM AEST is our Weekly Organising Meeting!! This is your chance to learn more about what the Raise The Rate campaign is working on, and share your ideas and feedback for activities and events.... All welcome!! Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86900499955

16.01.2022 CALL THE PRIME MINISTER!! In a few days, on the 25th, JobSeeker faces a devastating $300 a fortnight cut. We do not know if the rest of the supplement will be removed at the end of the year, returning JobSeeker to a brutally low $40 a day. ... But we know that people on JobSeeker need certainty: they need to know what the Government's plans are so they can make decisions about housing, education, and other essentials. Now, more than ever, we need a permanent, adequate raise to JobSeeker and other allowances so that people can put food on the table and keep a roof over their head. Can you call the office of Prime Minister Scott Morrison on 02 6277 7700 and tell them how the JobSeeker cut will affect you? You might also like to write to your local Member of Parliament: https://raisetherate.org.au/contactyourmp Keep up the pressure!! www.raisetherate.org.au

13.01.2022 DEBORAH'S STORY The COVID19 supplement has enabled me to more easily budget to catch- up and pay bills and afford my medications, plus food such as meat, fish, chicken, fresh fruit, and vegetables, and to have 2 to 3 meals a day instead of just 1 a day. I have also been more able to afford my prescribed medications of $38 to $58 per month which helps control my illnesses more consistently.... Despite an extremely tight budget, I will again find it challenging to make ends meet when the supplement is reduced to $250. The final reduction to the supplement will make New Years Eve 2020 the nail in the coffin for an extremely challenging year for so very many. Deborah (Photo not of Deborah) This is a devastating cut, and to make matters worse, there might not be an announcement about JobSeeker till after the Federal Budget, meaning weeks of uncertainty for people already struggling to get by. But we will keep advocating, till we get a permanent, adequate raise, for as long as it takes. TAKE ACTION: **How will the JobSeeker cut and the lack of certainty about your income affect you? Share your story here: tinyurl.com/y4lu52yq **Contact your local Member of Parliament to tell them how the JobSeeker cut will impact you and the people you know:: tinyurl.com/y3tr2d6wlt www.raisetherate.org.au

12.01.2022 VISITING YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT Sometimes you just have to show up!! Many of our supporters, where safe have been getting together to visit their local MP to tell them how the $300 a fortnight JobSeeker cut will affect their ability to pay their rent and cover bills, food, and medicine.... Visiting a politician's office to chat to their staff - even when you do not have an appointment - can be a good way of making an impact. And it is good fun, especially if you bring someone with you. If you cannot visit your local MP, send them an e-mail instead: https://raisetherate.org.au/contactyourmp

12.01.2022 Four young people on JobSeeker and Youth Allowance share their thoughts on how the $300 a fortnight cut to the COVID Supplement, starting TOMORROW, will affect them. "If the payment goes down, I cannot afford to rent a room in a share house, I cannot afford to access healthcare for my arthritis, I will barely be able to pay my bills. I feel sick to my stomach trying to figure out how I will maintain my life, while I am forced to continue my degree online, accrue a student deb...t, maintain my mental health and somehow survive." - Freya This is a devastating cut, and to make matters worse, there might not be an announcement about JobSeeker till after the Federal Budget, meaning weeks of uncertainty for people already struggling to get by. But we will keep advocating, till we get a permanent, adequate raise, for as long as it takes. TAKE ACTION: **How will the JobSeeker cut and the lack of certainty about your income affect you? Share your story here: tinyurl.com/y4lu52yq **Contact your local Member of Parliament to tell them how the JobSeeker cut will impact you and the people you know:: tinyurl.com/y3tr2d6wlt www.raisetherate.org.au

11.01.2022 WEEKLY ORGANISING MEETING!! Every Friday, supporters across the country get together for our Weekly Organising Meeting. This is a space for people to share your ideas for the campaign, what we should do next, and to share what you have been working on. All welcome!!

10.01.2022 "IT'S AN AVOCADO, NOT A DIAMOND RING" Rita from Adelaide speaks about the huge impact of the $550 a fortnight Coronavirus Supplement, which is being cut by $300 a fortnight in 9 days. Fresh fruit and vegetables are basics, but for people who were living on the brutal old Newstart rate of $40 a day, they were very often items people went without. ... For Rita, being able to buy an avocado once the rate was doubled brought her to tears. Now, more than ever we need a permanent, adequate raise to JobSeeker and other allowances so that people can put food on the table and keep a roof over their head. TAKE ACTION: **Contact your local Member of Parliament to tell them here how devastating this cut will be for people's health and finances: tinyurl.com/y3tr2d6w **And tell the Prime Minister and Treasurer what you think of the JobSeeker cut. Call the Prime Minister's office on 02 6277 7700 and the Treasurer's office on 02 6277 7340. www.raisetherate.org.au

10.01.2022 We need your help! In just over two weeks the Government is cutting the rate of Jobseeker and other income support payments by $300 a fortnight. This is devastating for the 2.2 million people that are on the Coronavirus supplement and rely on these payments to buy fresh food, pay the rent and cover the basics. ... Join with campaign supporters at the Campaign Action Meeting next Wednesday to help stop these devastating cuts. Please join us and lend a hand.

08.01.2022 WE'RE MAKING PHONE CALLS THIS ARVO!! We've been catching-up every Wednesday afternoon in September to make phone calls to politicians, and you can join us today at 2pm AEST. People on JobSeeker need the certainty of a permanent, adequate raise, not the devastating $300 a fortnight cut that is happening this week. ... We need them to feel the pressure. Let's keep the calls coming in!! More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/598878210801649

07.01.2022 CASSANDRA'S STORY Cassandra from Melbourne speaks about the huge feeling of relief, when the Coronavirus Supplement was introduced in April, doubling the rate of JobSeeker. It meant she was able to afford other foods besides rice and potatoes. "I didn't even realise I had been carrying that anxiety around with me, because it was so constant in my life, and I never imagined I'd see a time where JobSeeker would actually be liveable."... In a week, the supplement is being cut by $300 a fortnight, which for people like Cassandra, will mean having to make lots of difficult choices about how often you can eat, and whether you can afford fresh fruit and vegetables. It will mean more anxiety about your budget, and about whether you can get by till your next payment. Now, more than ever we need a permanent, adequate raise to JobSeeker and other allowances so that people can put food on the table and keep a roof over their head. TAKE ACTION: **Contact your local Member of Parliament to tell them how devastating the JobSeeker cut will be for people's health and finances: tinyurl.com/y3tr2d6wlt **And tell the Prime Minister and Treasurer what you think of the JobSeeker cut. Call the Prime Minister's office on 02 6277 7700 and the Treasurer's office on 02 6277 7340. www.raisetherate.org.au

07.01.2022 Last week, Sonia, a sole parent on JobSeeker, and Hayden, a Disability Pensioner, visited the office of Senator Simon Birmingham in Adelaide to share their views about the $300 a fortnight JobSeeker cut on September 25. As Sonia put it, "I'm not just doing this for myself, I am speaking out for everyone who is not able to, that's why I'm visiting offices". They did not have an appointment - they just decided to politely show-up, and share their experiences and thoughts with t...he Senator's staff. Visiting a politician's office, where safe to do so, is one of many ways that you can raise your voice. It is easy and quick, but an effective way of engaging them. You can go by yourself, or bring a family member, friend, or another campaign supporter. If you cannot visit, why not contact your local MP instead: https://raisetherate.org.au/contact-your-mp www.raisetherate.org.au

07.01.2022 Want to get involved with the Raise the Rate for Good campaign? Come along to the Campaign Action Meeting on Tuesday September 15. Campaign supporters will be strategising on how to take action ahead of the cuts to Jobseeker, and other income payments, at the end of September. ... We need all hands on deck, so please join us to #RaisetheRateforGood!

06.01.2022 We’re looking for a Senior Campaigner and a Community Organiser to join the ACOSS team and help make a change! If you’re passionate about working in the community sector, have demonstrated campaign skills, and are driven by the want to end poverty and inequality for good, then we want to hear from you. We know our work is stronger with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences across our team, including lived experience of the issues we work on. People from diverse cultural... and socio-economic backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people of colour, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with firsthand experience living on income support encouraged to apply! Click here for more information on how-to apply: www.acoss.org.au/jobs/

05.01.2022 ALMOST HALF WILL HAVE TO SKIP MEALS On Friday, we released the results of our survey of over 600 people on JobSeeker, who shared their thoughts with us about the $300 a fortnight cut on September 25. Almost half (48%) said they would definitely need to skip meals, and reduce how much fresh food they purchase. Another 33% percent said they would probably have to buy less fresh fruit and vegetables.... As one survey participant told us: Fresh produce is difficult for me to purchase regularly due to costs. I live with someone in a high-risk group for Covid, and have chronic illnesses myself, so we try to shop online but it is so difficult, most fresh fruit and veg is expensive. We live in the suburbs. Having the supplement has meant we can eat fresh fruit and vegetables every day. The Government needs to put in place a permanent, adequate JobSeeker rate, not a $300 a fortnight cut. Read the full report here: tinyurl.com/y2xmlyhh TAKE ACTION!! Contact your local Member of Parliament to tell them here how devastating this cut will be for people's health and finances: tinyurl.com/y3tr2d6w And tell the Prime Minister and Treasurer what you think of the JobSeeker cut. Call the Prime Minister's office on 02 6277 7700 and the Treasurer's office on 02 6277 7340. www.raisetherate.org.au

05.01.2022 JOIN US TODAY, 1:30PM AEST!! This is crunch-time, and we need all hands on deck for our Campaign Action Meeting!! Bring your ideas, bring your energy, it is going to be a terrific afternoon!!... REGISTER HERE: tinyurl.com/yyr89ga9

04.01.2022 There is NO evidence that doubling income support payments discouraged people from looking for paid work. That's what top academics yesterday told the Senate Inquiry looking into the Government's plan to cut income support payments at Christmas time and then again next year. We know people are really struggling to find paid work. There is currently only one job vacancy available for every 12 people without a job or enough hours, with even fewer jobs in regional areas.... TAKE ACTION: If you're looking for paid work, share your story with us: https://raisetherate.org.au/share-your-story/

03.01.2022 With the recent cuts to JobSeeker income support Michael is doing it very tough once more and would like to let politicians know what it is like struggling to live: I can't pay my bills on time. I can't look after myself properly. For example, I can't afford reading glasses, hearing aids, dental work, even little things like putting fuel on my car or just buying a toothbrush. I would like, I would like you to humour me but when I say that I would like our politicians to liv...e on JobSeeker for a month and then evaluate the trauma from that experience at the other end I would say to them, now do you understand? They might be more empathetic with what Australians are going through. Instead of another cut at Christmas time, we need a permanent, adequate increase to JobSeeker and other income support. TAKE ACTION: Use our digital tool to have a physical holiday card sent to key Government leaders with your personal message: https://raisetherate.org.au/holiday-message-2020/ We’d also love for you to send your own card or print out the one on our website and post to other members of the Government: https://raisetherate.org.au/send-a-holiday-card-to-our.../ #StoptheXmasCuts #RaisetheRateforGood

02.01.2022 JOBSEEKER CUTS WILL COST US 145,000 JOBS The planned cuts to the Coronavirus Supplement for people on JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, and parenting payments would shrink the national economy by billions and cost tens of thousands of jobs, finds a new report out today. The report by Deloitte Access Economics also finds the worst impacts would be in regional communities.... More info: bit.ly/32unRiL We are calling on the Government to extend the existing Coronavirus Supplement to prevent the devastating cuts of $300 per fortnight in two weeks and to put in place a permanent, adequate JobSeeker rate that means people can cover the basics. We need to Raise the Rate for Good!! TAKE ACTION: **Contact your local Member of Parliament to tell them here how devastating this cut will be for people's health and finances: tinyurl.com/y3tr2d6w **And tell the Prime Minister and Treasurer what you think of the JobSeeker cut. Call the Prime Minister's office on 02 6277 7700 and the Treasurer's office on 02 6277 7340. www.raisetherate.org.au

01.01.2022 1094 APPLICANTS FOR A SINGLE ROLE We know there are nowhere near enough jobs to go around, as the screenshot below for an admin role in Sydney reminds us. Data from the Department of Jobs and Small Busines indicated that there is 1 job vacancy for every 13 people on JobSeeker in the capital cities, and 1 vacancy for every 27 people on JobSeeker in the regions.... Often, there are hundreds of applicants for job vacancies, sometimes more. This Friday, JobSeeker will be cut by $300 a fortnight. Now more than ever, we need your help to fight for a permanent, adequate raise. People on JobSeeker should be able to plan ahead, and have certainty about what their income will be in the future, not be left hanging. Here is how you can take action: **Share your job-seeking stories with us, to help us counter the Government's narratives: https://raisetherate.org.au/share-your-story **Contact your local Member of Parliament to tell them how the JobSeeker cut will affect you, and why you need the certainty of a permanent, adequate income: https://raisetherate.org.au/contactyourmp/ www.raisetherate.org.au