The petition of certain citizens of Australia draws to the attention of the House the critical disconnect between the cost of essential grocery items and the liveability of the Age Pension and low-income wages.

Evidence of Market Failure: Independent tracking of mean grocery prices conducted via Caring4Change.au over the last 40 weeks reveals a consistent upward trend in "survival items" like bread, milk, and vegetables, that exceeds the Consumer Price Index (CPI). While the supermarket duopoly records stable or increasing profit margins, those on the Carer Payment, Parenting Payment, and Disability Support Pension (DSP) grapple with stagnant support payments that do not reflect the rising costs of living.

These payments are vital lifelines for many Australians, yet their base rates are inadequate, failing to keep pace with inflation, and leave recipients struggling to afford the most basic of necessities. To address this pressing issue, we propose the implementation of a "Fair Recognition Framework."

This framework aims to improve the financial security of carers, parents, and those with disabilities by raising the base rates of these payments to at least align with the National Minimum Wage. Additionally, we call for the Superannuation Guarantee to be mandated on all these payments, thus safeguarding recipients from retirement poverty, an all-too-common reality for many Australians reliant on government support.

Furthermore, we propose the creation of a formal "Skills Recognition" pathway, which would allow the years spent in caregiving to be acknowledged as prior learning towards professional qualifications. This recognition is not only fair but essential in empowering recipients to pursue further education and employment opportunities, improving their future prospects.

These proposed changes are actionable, concrete steps towards correcting the current market failures and ensuring that vulnerable Australians are not left behind in an increasingly costly economic climate.

Sign this petition to stand with us in urging the House to legislate a "Fair Recognition Framework" that aligns essential support payments with a living wage, safeguards retirement through superannuation, and honours the caregiving roles that so many play in our society.

Your support is crucial in making a real difference to the lives of countless Australians. Please add your signature today.