Dear supporter,
Our social security system is meant to protect and support us -
like a forest whose tall trees shelter young plants from harsh sun and heavy rain, and strong roots that hold the soil in place so nothing gets washed away. With the right support, people can find their footing, grow strong, and in time support others.
Most of us need Centrelink at some point in our lives. When we leave home to study. When we become parents. When we need childcare, lose a job, live with illness or disability, or reach retirement. The social security system must be fair and accessible.
But right now, our social security safety net isn’t working as it should. Too many people are going without the basics: they're hungry, can't pay the rent or afford heating/cooling and medicine. Some are being pushed into financial crisis by unfair debts or cancelled Centrelink payments. Others are wrongly refused support altogether.
Our representatives need to do the right thing and commit to strengthening our social security system. Centrelink must be accessible, and provide the financial support that allows us to live with dignity.
And when Centrelink gets it wrong, people need access to justice. That’s why specialist services like Welfare Rights Centre exist: to help people enforce their rights and shine a light on systemic problems - like Robodebt.
The upcoming Federal Election is your chance to create change.
Australia can afford a strong social security system for everyone.
Ask your local candidates where they stand. Use this tool to find your candidates: buildaballot.org.au/research/candidate-finder
What to ask candidates:
- Will you raise the rate of JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and other payments?
- Will you increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance?
- Will you increase the Remote Area Allowance?
- Will you fund specialist social security legal services?
- Will you ensure Robodebt never happens again?
- Will you abolish harmful mutual obligations?
- Will you ensure fair access to the Disability Support Pension?
- Will you ensure the system supports victim-survivors of domestic and family violence?
Learn more about the issues and what’s at stake: ejaustralia.org.au/election-2025 | 
