The Albanese Government is today releasing the first report of the interim Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee.
We thank the committee for the report, which is helping inform the Government’s considerations ahead of the Budget to be delivered on 9 May.
The Albanese Government will always look to provide support where we can to those most in need, where it is responsible and affordable to do so, and weighed up against other priorities and fiscal challenges.
While we can’t fund every good idea, there will be measures in the May Budget to address disadvantage. This will include energy bill price relief that prioritises those on payments and pensions.
The May Budget will build on the work the Government has already done in its first 11 months such as making it easier for pensioners to work more hours without losing their pension; improving employment services to better support people with disability to find employment; and by investing in Paid Parental Leave to give more families access to the payment and provide parents greater flexibility in how they take leave.
The Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee was established in December last year to provide advice in the lead-up to budgets on policies to address disadvantage and boost economic participation.
Its report spans topics including the adequacy of income support payments, full employment, place-based arrangements, and support for families.
Some of the Committee’s 37 recommendations will be considered as part of other government processes that are currently underway, such as the development of the Employment White Paper, the Measuring What Matters Statement and the Early Years Strategy.
The Committee will continue to play an important role providing advice to Government on barriers to work as well as the adequacy and effectiveness of payments in the future.
In the May Budget and beyond, the Albanese Government will continue its work to build a stronger, fairer and more inclusive society where more Australians have the chance to contribute and share in our economic success.
Download the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee report.