Community Industry Group welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of a six month moratorium on evictions as a result financial distress from COVID-19, but cautioned that measures must be taken to ensure that both tenants and landlords are not left with crippling debts. “The moratorium will be incredibly reassuring for people who are struggling to meet their rental payments,” said Nicky Sloan, CEO of Community Industry Group. “People are feeling particularly anxious at the moment, and with concerns about further job losses and reduced income, some certainty about keeping a roof over their heads will provide a sense of calm in the face of overwhelming unease.” Community Industry Group are concerned, however, that the announcement comes without any supports such as rental subsidies or rent assistance. “The Prime Minister’s announcement was somewhat oblique as to how the moratorium will be implemented,” Ms Sloan added. “He has just asked tenants and landlords […]

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The second stage of the Federal Government’s Stimulus Package holds the first acknowledgement that the $40 a day paid to job seekers under the Newstart Allowance is insufficient to support a reasonable life. As part of the Package, Government will increase the Jobseeker Allowance (formerly known as Newstart), and the Youth Allowance Job Seeker payment, through the introduction of a temporary coronavirus supplement of $275 per week. Community Industry Group welcomed the announcement, but cautioned that the fight to increase Newstart and Youthstart is not over. The temporary payment, which will be paid to both existing and new recipients of the JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance jobseeker, as well as to recipients of Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit will only be in place for the next six months. “There is no doubt that effectively doubling Newstart and Youth Allowance for six months will make an enormous difference […]