Grannies for Action and the Anti-Poverty Network SA would like Australians to sign this petition.

Australians on JobSeeker are being forced to live in poverty in one of the richest countries in the world.

Right now, the payment sits well below the poverty line. People are skipping meals, going without medication, and struggling to keep a roof over their heads. No one can look for work, stay healthy, or participate in their community while living in this level of financial stress.

A December 2024 report found that around 10,000 Australians are being pushed into homelessness every month — nearly half of them ending up rough sleeping. Inadequate income support is a key driver of this crisis.

We know this is a policy choice. The Federal Government has the power to raise JobSeeker — and it has chosen not to. 

Before the 2022 election, they fought to stop the Liberals from permanently reducing the COVID‑19 doubling of JobSeeker. Yet, after gaining power, they have not overturned that decision.

Older women, people with disabilities, carers, and those between jobs are being pushed deeper into hardship by a system that is meant to support them. No one should have to live in poverty — yet nearly 1 in 6 children, around 800,000 young Australians, are growing up in it.

As older Australians, Grannies for Action refuse to accept a society that leaves people behind like this. Together with the Anti-Poverty Network SA we call on the Government to:

• Immediately raise JobSeeker to at least the Henderson Poverty Line
• Commit to ongoing increases so payments keep up with the cost of living
• Ensure everyone has enough to live with dignity

Poverty is a political choice. It can be changed.

Grannies for Action are a group of older women who:

• Believe that individual problems can be social;
• Engage in careful analysis of political issues; and,
• Take action for a more just and fair society.

 GfA are affiliated with Sophia Feminist, Ecumenical, Spirituality Centre Inc; a not-for-profit organisation.