How can anyone possibly complain about Australian welfare?

SlavOz on 26/03/2020 - 11:31
Last edited 30/03/2020 - 14:51 by 1 other user

I'm sorry, but I have to vent here. I probably deserve the dose of stupidity I've experienced the last couple of days because it's my fault for spending so much time reading social media, but I really can't fathom how so many of our people have the nerve to complain about Australia's welfare system.

Our welfare is so good that the main complaint against it in recent years has been that it's too good. We have among the highest rates of tax redistribution in the world and have rightfully earned the moniker of a "welfare state".

Now we suddenly have a massive influx of unemployment, and Centrelink has agreed to waive the requirements to means test or even prove that you're looking for another job, and people are still complaining!

Where is this coming from? Have we really bred an entire generation of adult brats who have been taught that the world is an injustice if they don't get exactly what they want, when they want it?

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Financial

Comments

- - ddn2004 on 27/03/2020 - 08:41
    
    +1
    
    True.
    
    Lots of people here don't know how it all works beyond "bludgers getting free monies".
    
    A wage subsidy paid via ATO would've been better, but the government is insistent on not spending money.
    - twjr on 28/03/2020 - 18:36
      
      Yep. Since the introduction of the single touch payroll it would have been a lot easier to implement too. Employers already have their employees details. No need to queue up at Centrelink or spend hours on hold. And it would have captured temporary migrants now trapped here due to border closures, without work and unable to access welfare.
      - ddn2004 on 30/03/2020 - 09:54
        
        @twjr: Haha, they're now doing it. Did they realize it would last longer than a couple of weeks?
- gravel on 28/03/2020 - 09:13
  
  Asset test Yes 100% all be it in a watered down version. Perhaps exclude the family home. Income test is still valid under the new arrangemments mutual obligation is a waste of time when unemployment reaches this level. Why waste govt funds when you know the person has no chance of employment.
bdl on 26/03/2020 - 13:56

+2

Damnit I want my Ben and Jerry's cashback
- darkly on 27/03/2020 - 08:56
  
  Still too soon!
mbck on 26/03/2020 - 14:09

+23

the double payment should be only for those who just lost their jobs due to the pandemic. Those who were already jobless (say since November), they shouldn't receive more.

The idea of this payment is to support those who lost their jobs due to the virus. This will help them to keep spending the money they no longer have. These are the people who's revenue/income has been impacted.

Those who are longterm on welfare, why should they get more money? Their revenue and expenses has not changed. I suppose the extra money will still be spent, but I'd guess some will be whittled away; that's the last thing we need at this time.
- zonra on 26/03/2020 - 18:04
  
  +8
  
  Those who are longterm on welfare, why should they get more money?
  
  It’s practically a pay rise due to the pandemic. I find it insulting to people who have just lost their jobs as well as people who are still going to work, putting themselves at risk during the pandemic.
- Emerald Owl on 26/03/2020 - 19:12
  
  The double payment is an economic stimulus. We would be better following the Americans and giving low-middle income workers a cash stimulus instead of double welfare for someone whose been on it for 20 years.
  The most pathetic thing is those on long-term Newstart always get an increase - long term unemployement or whatever.
  I'd say we should be inspired by the Americans and pay a high rate for 6 months and then phase it down drastically.
- jetblack on 27/03/2020 - 08:44
  
  +10
  
  I'm really having trouble with understanding people who say only someone who just lost their job should get double the regular rate, and not someone already on it.
  Let's say someone lost their job at the end of February for non-Corona reasons, and looked to centrelink for support. Are you saying that person should just suck up the misfortune of being let go 3 weeks too soon? Are you saying people who lost their jobs in the last week and a half magically need/deserve more? OR ARE YOU INSINUATING THAT THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE ALREADY ON WELFARE ARE LAZY BASTARDS AND DESERVE TO LIVE BELOW THE POVERTY LINE?
  
  I'm sick of the populist crowd that jump to the lowest 'logical' conclusion that people are inherently awful and the (profanity) you I got mine attitude. Like thinking people who have never had to seek assistance before this pandemic are somehow above anyone else who has fallen on hard times. What a horrible attitude.
  
  Whether the payment should have been increased or not (and by how much) is a very different argument, but you're an awful human being if you want to kick someone while they're down and tell them they're not worthy because they didn't happen to need assistance at the exact same time you or your 'hardworking' family/friends do. Have some compassion.
  - Ghosteye on 27/03/2020 - 17:07
    
    +3
    
    I agree with you.
    
    I honestly think that the guys who lost their jobs and have to get welfare this time should NOT get the double payment at all. In fact, no one should so they know what it's like to be on the basic welfare, THEN will we be able to see some change and empathy.
    
    If the majority of Australians think that welfare is enough for the common man, why should there be any bonus for these guys? After all, it is enough to survive. Just cut down on unnecessary spending just like everyone else on welfare. Why should they have the luxury of keeping their lifestyle?
    
    By drawing the line and bumping the payments for guys who recently applied they're literally saying 'x amount is enough because you were clearly alive before the crisis but x amount will never be enough for me'
    
    The gall of OP and guys of similar calibre are insane. Either everyone gets to enjoy the bonuses or no one gets to enjoy them. You don't get to decide who's more valuable and who's not. A life is a life.
kanad on 26/03/2020 - 14:31

+4

For the immediate support in some cases for couples it is better off if both loses job becaue if I has job and earn min income threshold the other gets nothing. This is poor design and penalises honest tax payers. See https://twitter.com/DPlunky/status/1242599342239670272

Next, other countries like Denmark and even UK is direct web subsidies.

Also for pensioners Australia is second last for pensioners poverty among OECD.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2015/12/02/which-…
SolidworksError on 26/03/2020 - 14:33

+1

Well, I do see "I can't access this service to help me put food on the table" at a time of mass unemployment as a reasonable complaint

IMO, rates were a bit too low before- and with the current stimulus, too high.
netjock on 26/03/2020 - 14:49

+2

Please complain because they don't understand welfare. It is welfare, not "living it up". Neither is it getting all their taxes back. If they read the second page of their tax assessment they can see where all the money goes such as roads, hospital and schools. That is sunk cost.
kizzy on 26/03/2020 - 14:56

+8

Agree. So many people around me complaining that $550 a fortnight is not enough! IMO you're lucky to get anything and should be greatful that we even have a welfare system!
- Diji1 on 26/03/2020 - 15:07
  
  +8
  
  So many people around me complaining that $550 a fortnight
  
  You realise that barely covers rent right?
  - HighAndDry on 26/03/2020 - 15:16
    
    +11
    
    Go live in a cheaper area. You can find rooms and share rooms for $150/wk. Still $125/wk for expenses.
    
    Not someone else's job to budget for other adults.
    - Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 15:26
      
      +2
      
      Not someone else's job to budget for other adults.
      
      Sadly not everyone is taught how to manage finances growing up, that's why there are Financial Planners who teach their clients how to budget. It's also why there are lots of people who live paycheck to paycheck, and are now out of money so have to request welfare ASAP. I suspect a lot of people don't even know what an emergency fund is.
      
      I think a more empathetic approach would be better in uncertain times like this to be honest.
      - HighAndDry on 26/03/2020 - 15:35
        
        +9
        
        @Ghost47:
        
        Sadly not everyone is taught how to manage finances growing up
        
        I'm sorry but this is the exact mentality I dislike. No, a lot of people aren't taught a lot of things. They're still completely capable of going out there and learning it themselves.
        
        Adults shouldn't have to be spoonfed the basics of adulting.
        
        Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 15:38
        
        +5
        
        @HighAndDry:
        
        They're still completely capable of going out there and learning it themselves.
        
        And they learn it the hard way, which I'm sure thousands of Australians are doing now, and in the future it'll extend to millions. Telling them "you shouldn't be spoonfed this information, you're an adult" doesn't help anything.
        
        HighAndDry on 26/03/2020 - 15:39
        
        +3
        
        @Ghost47: Neither does defending them on an online forum and yet here you are…
        
        Just having a discussion. I'm not asking for welfare payments for my participation here.
        
        Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 15:44
        
        @HighAndDry: Yeah, here I am showing compassion to people who don't know how to manage finances — and there are a lot of people who don't.
        
        HighAndDry on 26/03/2020 - 15:49
        
        +13
        
        @Ghost47:
        
        Yeah, here I am showing compassion to people who don't know how to manage finances
        
        Right and to use your words, that doesn't help anything.
        
        Plus, not knowing how to manage their finances isn't just some kind of punishment - it's a trade off.
        
        These people aren't living frugally and saving like other people, and then magically without savings.
        
        These people go on holidays they can't afford. Buy shiny cars they don't need. Spend less time in training and education and have more free time. They spend less time comparing prices. They buy more luxuries and non essential goods and services.
        
        Other, more financially responsible people, don't. They sacrifice and that's why they have savings.
        
        The ones who don't know how to manage their money want to have their cake and eat it too. Spend big and live it up, then cry poor and demand handouts so they don't have to bear the consequences of their spending.
        
        You want to help them, give them your own money instead of everyone else's.
        
        Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 15:57
        
        +2
        
        @HighAndDry:
        
        Right and to use your words, that doesn't help anything.
        
        Where exactly did I state that through my comments, I was trying to actually help people? Sure, my comments DON'T ACTUALLY HELP (why on earth would you even think that they would???) but they're sure as hell better than saying "Not someone else's job to budget for other adults." I thought this was "just a discussion"?
        
        Plus, not knowing how to manage their finances isn't just some kind of punishment - it's a trade off.
        
        I never said it was a punishment. If anything you're saying these people should be punished for their lack of wisdom.
        
        These people aren't living frugally and saving like other people, and then magically without savings.
        
        Do you have the data to back this up? You sure that people who have an emergency fund (however large or small) may not be the same people in line at Centrelink asking for a welfare payment?
        
        These people go on holidays they can't afford. Buy shiny cars they don't need. Spend less time in training and education and have more free time. They spend less time comparing prices. They buy more luxuries and non essential goods and services.
        
        More baseless claims.
        
        Other, more financially responsible people, don't. They sacrifice and that's why they have savings.
        
        And that's good for them.
        
        The ones who don't know how to manage their money want to have their cake and eat it too. Spend big and live it up, then cry poor and demand handouts so they don't have to bear the consequences of their spending.
        
        More claims.
        
        You want to help them, give them your own money instead of everyone else's.
        
        I can help them enough by telling people like you to extend some compassion in uncertain times like this.
        
        HighAndDry on 26/03/2020 - 16:00
        
        +7
        
        @Ghost47:
        
        If anything you're saying these people should be punished for their lack of wisdom.
        
        It's not a punishment, it's a natural consequence. It's like saying someone who's not bright enough to work a higher paying job is being "punished" by being paid less for their menial labour, so we should pay them the same as doctors and rocket scientists.
        
        People who save less are spending more. That's just maths.
        
        I can help them enough by…
        
        Pretty sure they're complaining about money, not about missing your thoughts and prayers.
        
        Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 16:07
        
        @HighAndDry:
        
        It's not a punishment, it's a natural consequence. It's like saying someone who's not bright enough to work a higher paying job is being "punished" by being paid less for their menial labour, so we should pay them the same as doctors and rocket scientists.
        
        So what if it's a "natural consequence"? These people are learning the hard way, it doesn't give you a right to tell them to grow up.
        
        aspirepranesh on 26/03/2020 - 16:04
        
        +1
        
        @Ghost47: Good on you for being compassionate mate!
        
        I sometimes wish I could be like that, but it is things like this and this so close to home that drives me nuts! and makes me sometimes not feel sorry for people!
        
        I know someone who has been in the country for 7+ years, always had a job and they just bought of a house recently only to lost both their jobs now. and they have never claimed welfare and are applying for one out of necessity but also looking for jobs at the same time.
        
        My compassion extends to the effort people put in (whether it is during good or bad times)
        
        Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 16:22
        
        @aspirepranesh: Those cases aggravate me also, but that isn't to say that everyone in line at Centrelink right now are the same as those people like some people are assuming. I don't have any compassion for dole bludgers who want more money, and was not implying that with my comments. My compassion does extend to people who are recently out of a job who will have to wait for months for Centrelink to help them out — which is no doubt what will happen as I have heard often that Centrelink can take a while to pay claims (I've never had to claim myself and am very proud of that fact).
        
        I feel sorry for that person you know, the system isn't robust enough to help them out in a short amount of time, they're going to have to wait for a while.
        
        My point was that not everyone is taught how to manage money or how to budget. Some people realise this in their mid 20s, other people don't realise it until later in life. But having people say to about these people "you shouldn't have to be spoonfed you're an adult" is just plain ignorant.
        
        aspirepranesh on 26/03/2020 - 16:32
        
        +2
        
        @Ghost47: Likewise, I am 34 and I take pride in having a job/savings and being self sufficient! and yes, I do like to spend/buy things that I sometimes don't need. I am one of those people that doesnt understand credit cards, stock markets, super, etc. I am plain dumb and I will openly admit that. And I have one of the most expensive tastes(my wife can vouch for this), but I am firm believer in self sufficiency. All I have is a good old spreadsheet of what we earn and what we spend and budget! And yes, this same friend of mine has called me nuts for doing that.
        
        I always tell anyone and everyone, atleast have something in savings for 2 months to survive, which I believe is reasonable. If they have more savings, good on them! If they have less, that is on them! and I believe those are the ones that are complaining now.
        
        Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 16:39
        
        +2
        
        @aspirepranesh: That's good you're self sufficient, it's clear to me without even having to do any research that there are plenty of people who don't understand the concept of budgeting or living within their means — this is probably why Centrelink lines right now are stretching around the block. It's not a hard concept to understand (i.e. living within your means), but at the same time so many people live paycheck to paycheck unknowingly realising they can better their situation just by saving 10% or 20% of their paycheck each fortnight/month.
        
        I always tell anyone and everyone, atleast have something in savings for 2 months to survive, which I believe is reasonable. If they have more savings, good on them! If they have less, that is on them! and I believe those are the ones that are complaining now.
        
        I agree. I'd say they have some reason to complain, Centrelink from what I've heard can be abhorrently slow, to the point where it'd would take >2 months for a claim to be processed. Even a 3 month emergency fund may not be sufficient, especially in a crisis time like this were Centrelink are no doubt getting hammered.
        
        aspirepranesh on 26/03/2020 - 15:59
        
        +5
        
        @HighAndDry: I have a mate (known him for close to 20 years) and both of us moved here in 2008 as overseas students for our Masters degree.
        
        Never bothered to find a job when he was student.
        
        Never bothered to find a career oriented job until 4 years after he graduated.
        
        Only aim in life is to travel and eat! Has taken 3 out of the last 5 months to travel!
        
        Left a full time role to take on contract work a year ago and is currently locked out of the country despite multiple requests to come back and is guaranteed to be jobless by this Friday.
        
        Has 3 months worth of rent and expects the property agent/landlord to let him off.
        
        His only response is, stay put where he is and ride this out and come back into the country! he is the sort of person who wouldnt change even if someone gave him financial advice!
        
        I would hate for my hard earned tax dollars to go to someone like him! And yes, he is a good mate! But for someone so lazy and irresponsible, I would not want my money to go to him, but rather to someone who has been working hard and needs it in desperate times like this.
        
        HighAndDry on 26/03/2020 - 16:02
        
        +6
        
        @aspirepranesh: Exactly! I have compassion for people who've worked hard, tried their best, and are still in a bad financial situation.
        
        But other people… I know a guy who's still living at home, takes only short contracts (or quits his job regularly), and uses effectively all his income on international holidays while his parents are paying for his living expenses.
        
        It's crazy.
        
        srr on 26/03/2020 - 22:15
        
        +1
        
        @HighAndDry: If you think high level the people who consume to the brim are actually growing economy the most. They are exactly the source of everyone’s wealth.
  - kizzy on 26/03/2020 - 15:16
    
    +2
    
    I understand, but it's a hell of a lot better than nothing
  - [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 16:06
    
    +4
    
    It's not the government's problem you chose to rent an $800/week property and have 4 children you couldn't afford in the first place.
  - sakurashu on 27/03/2020 - 12:02
    
    That's exactly why the solution should involve freezing/subsidising rents/mortgages and other bills and not involve doubling welfare payments.
    
    As people have said before, the reason the government is doing this is to try and stimulate spending and the economy - it's not really to assist these people.
Diji1 on 26/03/2020 - 15:18

+12

Those who are longterm on welfare, why should they get more money?

Their revenue and expenses has not changed. I suppose the extra money will still be spent, but I'd guess some will be whittled away; that's the last thing we need at this time.

Disregarding the coronavirus - and I agree with you, it's a stupid way to do economic stimulus - the unemployment benefits desperately requires increasing.

It has not increased in over 39 years. What tends to happen in the current system is if people are unemployed for more than six months then they lose the ability to seek work because they are in entrenched poverty. It is no longer a safety net because it doesn't supply enough income to survive.

There is an easy way to supply an economic stimulus to the entire country, every household and every business, regardless of income, without tax payers paying anything: nationalise electricity. The private sector has been "severely damaging" (ACCC quote) the Australian economy for over 25 years.

Getting this much needed reform through should have been done years ago let alone now.

Unfortunately Laberal will never do this because that would mean admitting that they're either idiots or charlatans when they told you privatisation would:

make electricity cheaper (LOL),

more efficient (30% loss in productivity 2007 - 2012: they hired 13,000 middle management LMAO).

better customer service. (according to the ACCC most Australian's don't understand what they're purchasing with electcity … so they rely on price comparison sites, including the ones operated by the AER - but they are scams).

Whereas nationalised electrity has a more than 80 year history of prices increasing with inflation.
- [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 15:29
  
  +4
  
  I thought this was an original song and then I recognised the chorus.
- Baysew on 26/03/2020 - 15:50
  
  without tax payers paying anything: nationalise electricity.
  
  It would be a huge cost to tax payers to buy back from AGL, Alinta, Energy Australia etc
  - [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 19:53
    
    You don't bring a ~~gun~~ reason into a ~~fist~~… I don't even know what this is… but don't bring that into this.
Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 15:20

+7

Our welfare system may be good in the sense that it keeps people at the poverty line, but people have to wait several MONTHS to get that welfare.

I think that is reasonable to complain about.
- [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 15:38
  
  -3
  
  I think that is reasonable to complain about.
  
  Complain about receiving free money? ok
  - Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 15:39
    
    +10
    
    That's not what I said. It's the time it takes for Centrelink to process payments that is the issue.
    
    I never said it was about receiving free money, or the amount of money.
    - [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 15:46
      
      +8
      
      My point is beggars can't be choosers.
      - abb on 26/03/2020 - 15:48
        
        +9
        
        @[Deactivated]: You're right, people should starve to death instead.
        
        edit in case it's not clear: /s
        
        [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 15:52
        
        +7
        
        @abb: Centrelink will reduce or waive your waiting period for a payment if you meet the severe financial hardship provisions. Those complaining don't meet those provisions.
        
        HighAndDry on 26/03/2020 - 17:19
        
        +5
        
        @abb: No, they should've saved more before.
        
        abb on 27/03/2020 - 08:58
        
        +1
        
        @HighAndDry:
        
        they should've saved more before.
        
        I agree.
        
        But I don't think that punishment by starvation to death is appropriate for those that made the mistake of not doing so.
        
        HighAndDry on 27/03/2020 - 10:20
        
        -1
        
        @abb: Again, one, no one is starving. And it wouldn't be punishment. If you're careless when taking photos on a cliff top and fall over, that's not punishment for a moment's lapse in concentration, but it is the natural and direct consequence.
        
        [Deactivated] on 28/03/2020 - 13:03
        
        +1
        
        @abb:
        
        abb on 26/03/2020 - 15:48
        @Jar Jar binks: You're right, people should starve to death instead.
        
        You know who are more at risk of becoming homeless and starving to death? International students. Many have lost their jobs and can't go back home because their home country have closed their borders. They are stuck here in limbo, without any social or financial support.
        
        But hey, no one gives a damn about them.
      - Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 15:50
        
        +5
        
        @[Deactivated]: People already on welfare, sure they have no right to complain "where's my extra money", but the thousands and potentially millions of hard working tax paying Australians suddenly out of a job have every right to question and complain why Centrelink won't process their claim for several months, and that will happen because of how slow the system is.
        
        [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 16:01
        
        +5
        
        @Ghost47:
        
        the thousands and potentially millions of hard working tax paying Australians suddenly out of a job have every right to question and complain why Centrelink won't process their claim for several months, and that will happen because of how slow the system is.
        
        But weren't they the same people who have been complaining that it was too easy to access welfare in this country in the first place?
        
        I feel for everyone who has been / will be affected by this pandemic but some of us are in pretty dire situations and they are the ones who should be given priority. Everyone else just need to stop complaining , take a number and a wait in line for their free money.
        
        Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 16:03
        
        +1
        
        @[Deactivated]:
        
        But weren't they the same people who have been complaining that it was too easy to access welfare in this country in the first place?
        
        Don't know, you need to go and survey them if you want to know that. Plenty of people unemployed right now are in small business, hospitality, tourism, aviation. I'd say the mix of people in those demographics could possibly show that not all of them live in ivory towers.
        
        [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 16:10
        
        +1
        
        @Ghost47: Like I said , if they are facing severe financial hardship contact centrelink.
        
        not all of them live in ivory towers.
        
        Was that a dig at me? I have worked hard for everything I have and have paid my fair share of tax along the way. The difference between me and many others is that I have lived well within my means and have always saved for a rainy day.
        
        Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 16:15
        
        +3
        
        @[Deactivated]:
        
        Was that a dig at me?
        
        Umm, no? If you live in an ivory tower it would be simply coincidental.
        
        I too have budgeted heavily and started investing outside of super approximately 4 years ago. I know what it's like to work hard, pay tax and make sacrifices to save for a rainy day. Never had to ask for a handout either. Doesn't mean that everyone in the queue at Centrelink isn't deserving of a handout.
        
        I know if I was to lose my job I'd be okay for a while (probably a year at least) since I do have an emergency fund, but I also know that I would be just another number and the fact that I've worked hard and paid my fair share of tax wouldn't give me any priority in receiving a handout, and that's what is lacking about the system. The loser dole bludger would get priority if he was before me in the line, and you're sure as hell I would complain about that.
        
        [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 16:53
        
        @Ghost47:
        
        The loser dole bludger would get priority if he was before me in the line, and you're sure as hell I would complain about that.
        
        Or you could access your super early , wait patiently for the supplements to come in and then contribute back to your super. There might even be some tax advantages to doing this.
        
        Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 16:55
        
        +1
        
        @[Deactivated]: I could do that, but it doesn't negate the fact that Centrelink is slow.
        
        I would rather not dig into my investments because the point of my investments is to hold them for long term growth. Selling now would just lock in my losses, drawing down should be considered as a last resort where practical.
        
        [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 17:01
        
        @Ghost47:
        
        I would rather not dig into my investments because the point of my investments is to hold them for long term growth. Selling now would just lock in my losses, drawing down should be
        
        But this is not the point of welfare payments, is it?
        
        Ghost47 on 26/03/2020 - 17:03
        
        +1
        
        @[Deactivated]: I never said it was?
        
        Just because because the government gives people an easy out doesn't mean that I can't think logically and prudently about how to proceed. Drawing down on super is instant gratification and you will lose long term gains if you draw down. Sadly I can imagine people going to draw down on their super once it becomes available to them.
        
        [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 17:13
        
        @Ghost47:
        
        Sadly I can imagine people going to draw down on their super once it becomes available to them.
        
        Same.
  - ThithLord on 26/03/2020 - 15:47
    
    +2
    
    Complain about receiving free money? ok
    
    It really is that black and white to you, huh?
    - HighAndDry on 26/03/2020 - 15:57
      
      +5
      
      It's free money, they're complaining.
      - Blitzfx on 26/03/2020 - 16:21
        
        +2
        
        @HighAndDry: The issue is the money takes too long to be approved. Any number of things will happen to someone when they have $0 to their name and are forced to live with no support.
        
        [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 16:37
        
        +5
        
        @Blitzfx:
        
        Any number of things will happen to someone when they have $0 to their name and are forced to live with no support.
        
        How does someone have $0 to their name in the first place? Worst case scenario: you sell your car, you use your credit card to buy essentials, you negotiate a payment plan with your landlord and you apply to access your super early.
        
        Blitzfx on 26/03/2020 - 17:16
        
        +2
        
        @[Deactivated]: I know one or two people who have made some bad decisions in their life and cannot get it together. One of them with mental illness.
        They have literally nothing to their name save for their clothes, laptop and phone, and must rely on living with their parents + partner.
        
        How does someone have $0 to their name in the first place? Worst case scenario: you sell your car, you use your credit card to buy essentials, you negotiate a payment plan with your landlord and you apply to access your super early.
        
        But here you are judging people wholesale, throwing out words easier said than done. It must be nice living a comfortable life whilst essentially condemning these people to death, one of whom has been dealt a terrible hand from birth.
        
        HighAndDry on 26/03/2020 - 17:20
        
        +8
        
        @Blitzfx: Even you said it yourself, it's because
        
        people who have made some bad decisions in their life
        
        Why do their decisions not warrant the consequences?
        
        Eeples on 26/03/2020 - 17:31
        
        +3
        
        @HighAndDry: Up to a point, sure.
        
        If you have seen the scores of homeless in the USA first hand, on a cold night, living in boxes or under bridges it truely is affecting.
        
        I suppose it comes down to compassion and the type of society we want.
        
        HighAndDry on 26/03/2020 - 18:07
        
        +8
        
        @Eeples: Where's the limit for society to bail out people who make bad decisions?
        
        Eeples on 26/03/2020 - 18:21
        
        +3
        
        @HighAndDry: I suppose it depends on the people.
        
        Is it really okay to defer mortgage payments for 6 months but not allow some sort of rent deferment?
        
        Is it really okay to give newly unemployed people twice the Newstart payment? (The OP and others already think Newstart is too generous).
        
        I think the system is skewed too much to the people who already have a lot. But, I know, not everyone thinks that.
        
        Blitzfx on 27/03/2020 - 00:50
        
        +2
        
        @HighAndDry: Because some people don't start on a level playing field and don't get a chance to dig themselves out of it. Some people grow up in an abusive house hold, become suicidal, consequently don't do well in school and make bad life decisions, wake up 6am to catch public transport for a 2 hour ride into class because they can only afford to stay in a place that's far away, go part time at a bar until late and get home midnight before PT stops running, and repeat.
        
        [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 17:30
        
        +11
        
        @Blitzfx:
        
        I know one or two people who have made some bad decisions in their life and cannot get it together. One of them with mental illness.
        
        My missus was a social worker for over a decade. If there is one thing she has learned during that time is that you cannot save someone who does not want to be saved. Throwing more money at them will not make any difference.
        
        Blitzfx on 27/03/2020 - 00:54
        
        @[Deactivated]: And what if this person is actually trying but isn't getting the help they need due to their mental illness, like I said.
        What're you're saying to them is go die.
        
        [Deactivated] on 27/03/2020 - 01:33
        
        @Blitzfx: Where there's a will, there's a way…
        
        This is a good place to start
    - [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 16:16
      
      +3
      
      I'm not begrudging anyone receiving free money the government has decided they are entitled to. But please, spare me the whinging regarding the waiting time. It's free money. What is there to complain about?
      - ThithLord on 26/03/2020 - 16:26
        
        +2
        
        @[Deactivated]: Would you say the same to a pensioner, JJB? You're happy to send a pensioner out in the proverbial cold, cos hey, it's free money!
        
        [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 16:41
        
        +2
        
        @ThithLord: If pensioners have been able to survive on what they were getting before, waiting a couple a weeks to get extra money shouldn't be a problem. Not sure what your point is.
WreckTangle on 26/03/2020 - 15:33

+11

Long term unemployed bludgers? Lets give them a coronavirus supplement to spend.

And if your really a loser, here…have a subsidised or free Sydney house to live in, don’t worry if its a million dollar home in a fancy area, the govt will pick up the bill.

Hard workers who lose their jobs with mortgages? Ooooh sorry you’ve got a partner that earns an income. No support for you.

Priorities are all wrong, what a joke.
- [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 15:38
  
  +7
  
  Hard workers who lose their jobs with mortgages? Ooooh sorry you’ve got a partner that earns an income. No support for you.
  
  I couldn't agree more.
- [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 16:09
  
  +2
  
  Say it louder for the people at the back!
  - Some Guy on 26/03/2020 - 16:42
    
    We like Roy!!
    - [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 17:01
      
      +2
      
      I was saying boo urns.
abb on 26/03/2020 - 15:50

+3

So, you've currently living off said welfare, SlavOz?

Most of the complaints (that I have seen) are about getting the payments started for the recently unemployed bartenders etc.
picklewizard on 26/03/2020 - 16:14

+8

Get a load of old mate on his pedestal having a go at welfare recipients would ya…

Mate, you go live off $225 a a week and see how far it gets ya eh? That's $32 bucks a day. Go on, I'll wait.
- [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 16:27
  
  +4
  
  $225 a week is better than $0. The government is also allowing individuals affected by COVID-19 to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019–20 and a further $10,000 in 2020–21. They will not need to pay tax on amounts released and the money they withdraw will not affect Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments.
  
  From mid-April eligible individuals will be able to apply online through myGov to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation before 1 July 2020. They will also be able to access up to a further $10,000 from 1 July 2020 until 24 September 2020.
  
  To apply for early release, you must satisfy any one or more of the following requirements:
  
  You are unemployed.
  
  You are eligible to receive a job seeker payment, youth allowance for jobseekers, parenting payment (which includes the single and partnered payments), special benefit or farm household allowance.
  
  On or after 1 January 2020, either:
  
  i) you were made redundant
  ii) your working hours were reduced by 20% or more
  
  if you are a sole trader, your business was suspended or there was a reduction in your turnover of 20% or more.
  - greatlamp on 27/03/2020 - 07:42
    
    +2
    
    Superannuation is their money, and it has already been taxed going in.
    
    Only someone who is desperate would pull put of super, it isn't a wise decision especially after the market has just tanked.
- MementoMori on 26/03/2020 - 16:34
  
  +2
  
  It's not designed to be 'lived off'…
  - SydStrand on 26/03/2020 - 16:47
    
    +12
    
    That's exactly what it's designed for. Welfare keeps people alive and off the streets while they study, train, look for work, etc.
    - MementoMori on 11/04/2020 - 11:58
      
      I meant 'long term'.
      
      It should be temporary help for the majority, not a life style.
  - picklewizard on 27/03/2020 - 11:06
    
    Um, you sure there mate?
    
    Explain what else you're supposed to do. I'm too ugly to be turning tricks.
- HighAndDry on 26/03/2020 - 17:21
  
  +6
  
  No, I think OP got off his arse and got a job instead.
  - [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 19:55
    
    +5
    
    Wait… you mean instead of $32/day, you can just go out and get more $32s with this job thing?
    
    Holy shit. This changes everything!
    - picklewizard on 27/03/2020 - 11:06
      
      +2
      
      Haha almost everything you post annoys me but this is gold :)
MementoMori on 26/03/2020 - 16:34

+5

To answer the OPs question, a deliberate agenda by the Globalists/Deep State/NWO to have the masses dependent on centralised government.

Such a huge number of people don't even have $1,000 in the bank for emergencies.
TSH on 26/03/2020 - 16:43

+24

I love how one person thinks his taxes alone are holding up the fabric of entire society.

Its like a share holder holding 1/10000000th worth of a company deciding he will sack the CEO.
Grow the #u<k up!

I'm happy my taxes go to welfare.
I actually love the fact that every soul gets to eat and has a roof when it rains.
- [Deactivated] on 26/03/2020 - 16:55
  
  +7
  
  I'm happy my taxes go to welfare.
  I actually love the fact that every soul gets to eat and has a roof when it rains.
  
  So am I. I just don't think they should be complaining about the wait time. It takes time to process all those "soul(s)".
- outlander on 26/03/2020 - 17:34
  
  +1
  
  Love how you phrased that
- HighAndDry on 26/03/2020 - 18:08
  
  +1
  
  You're always free to donate your money yourself.
  - Zarcady on 26/03/2020 - 19:53
    
    +14
    
    Mate, I think you should piss off with your negativities. All you've been doing this entire thread is to antagonize other people and act like your orifices are filled with gold. Noone wants to hear about how you never received welfare and how great of a person you are. This entire thread you come off as a condescending and pompous twat.
    - cathole on 27/03/2020 - 02:04
      
      +4
      
      Hey did you hear? He had to slum it out in a share house in university, he even had a part time job and managed to save some money!
      - HighAndDry on 27/03/2020 - 10:22
        
        +5
        
        @cathole: Right? It wasn't even that hard.
        
        And yet it's apparently beyond some people.

How can anyone possibly complain about Australian welfare?

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