The Australian Government has released the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee’s second report as well as a progress update on its actions, two weeks before the 2024-25 Budget.
The independent report from the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee includes 22 recommendations, covering issues including the adequacy of working age payments, Commonwealth Rent Assistance, removing barriers to employment and employment services reform, support for families and children, and the culture, purpose and intent of the social security system.
The Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee was first established in November 2022 before the 2023-24 Budget. The committee’s role is to provide independent advice to the Government before every budget on economic inclusion and tackling disadvantage.
On 8 December 2023, the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee Act 2023 (the Act) received Royal Assent, permanently establishing a role for the committee.
The membership of the committee includes economists, academics, philanthropists and community advocates.
The separate progress update outlines the Government’s investments so far to support economic inclusion and provide support to the vulnerable. This includes the changes announced in last year’s Budget to boost JobSeeker and other working age and student payments, increase maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance, and expand eligibility for Parenting Payment Single.
Recent Comments