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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Caitlin Cassidy

Peak unemployment bodies say raising jobseeker rate should take priority over lifting pension income test

A Centrelink sign on the street
Pensioners can earn $480 a fortnight without reducing their payment; people on jobseeker can only earn $150 before their payment is docked. Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Increasing the jobseeker rate should take priority over other welfare reforms including allowing aged pensioners to work more without having their payments reduced, peak unemployment bodies say.

A private member’s bill introduced by independent MP Rebekha Sharkie on Monday would increase the income test threshold for pensioners, permitting older Australians to work more hours before their payments were docked.

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