Jobseeker polling - We Must Raise the Rate

Western Australians have consistently shown their support for a higher rate of JobSeeker than the current disastrous rate keeping people in poverty including thousands of children. Our latest survey data and infographic shows sustained majority support in WA for a higher rate of JobSeeker payments. The survey, conducted by Painted Dog Research, included 653 people in the Perth Metro area. It asked whether people felt the rate of JobSeeker should be lower, stay the same, or increased.   

Most recent findings 

Jobseeker Rates for Singles: 

• 68% of respondents believe that the rate of Jobseeker for singles should be higher than it is. This is a sustained strong majority since we began polling. 
• Females (73%) are significantly more likely than males (63%) to believe that the rate of Jobseeker for singles should be higher.  
• There is strong support for a higher rate across all income brackets with the strongest support (77%) being those in the $0-$50,000 range.

We also asked about JobSeeker Rates for Parents: 

• 79% of respondents believe that the rate of Jobseeker for parents should be higher than it currently is. This is 11 percentage points higher than for singles.
• Again, females are significantly more likely than males to believe that Jobseeker should be higher for parents.  
• Individuals aged between 50-59 are the most likely to believe that parents should receive a higher rate of Jobseeker alongside those in the lowest and highest income brackets. 

Overall, support has increased over the course of the pandemic which we attribute to a greater appreciation, and personal experience for some, that misfortune can hit any of us and a growth in compassion. 

The base rate of JobSeeker is now $46 a day for a single person. Youth Allowance is even less at $38 a day. The relative poverty line (50% of median income) is around $65 a day. Even if eligible for various supplements, the base rate still leaves individual and families well below the poverty line, including 1 in 6 Australian children. 

What you can do? 

• Share your story with, or support, the #RaiseTheRateForGood campaign. 
• Contact or visit your Federal MP or election candidate to ask them to support an increase above the poverty line.