The party will attempt to wedge Labor and capitalise on a growing agreement that the benefit is inadequate

A bill increasing Newstart by $75 per week will be placed before parliament later this year, as the Greens attempt to wedge Labor and capitalise on a growing push for change.
Former prime minister John Howard unexpectedly breathed new life into the campaign to increase the dole on Wednesday. Howard, speaking at a post-budget breakfast in Melbourne, said a 24-year freeze on the Newstart rate had “probably gone on too long”.
“Yeah, I think there is an argument about that, yeah I do,” Howard said. “I was in favour of freezing it when it happened, but I think the freeze has probably gone on too long.”
Howard’s comments add to a broadening consensus that Newstart is inadequate, and follow a similar assessment by Deloitte Access Economics last month.
The Newstart payment has not increased in real terms since 1994, and sits at $40 a day for single recipients. Welfare advocates say it is at poverty levels, and is not enough to meet even the most basic costs of living.
Labor have already signalled they believe the payment is too low, as have key crossbench senators Tim Storer and Derryn Hinch.
The Greens have now announced they intend to reintroduce a bill increasing the single rate of Newstart by $75 per week.
Greens senator Rachel Siewert said the bill will be reintroduced in the second half of the year.
“It is time we stopped leaving struggling Australians behind and for Newstart to be increased to a level where jobseekers can live with some dignity,” Siewert said. “We are a kind and generous nation and to leave Australians trying to find a job languishing well below the poverty is a national shame.”
The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) led the pre-budget campaign to increase Newstart. Its chief executive, Cassandra Goldie, said a large number of people made it clear, via social media and by contacting her organisation, that they’d rather forgo their $10 per week tax cut to help the most disadvantaged.