The Federal Election will happen 3 May, and that means being bombarded with new promises and assurances from all sides that we will be safer and better off under the government they would form. If it feels like a lot, there’s a reason for that.
Victoria has some of the most contested seats in the country and politicians are devoting a lot of time and money campaigning here. This means this is a great time to make our voices heard.
We have identified four critical issues for single mothers this Federal Election. If these issues are important to you, now is the time to contact Parlimentarians in your electorate, tell them what you think and what you want them to be doing.
Here’s the four key issues for single mothers this Federal Election.
1: FIX CHILD SUPPORT: Unpaid or under-paid child support is a huge issue for mothers and children and for the Australian economy, with over $1.8B currently owing. A new report from the Tax Ombudsman recognises links between unpaid child support and financial abuse
Tax avoidance to be stopped and penalised.
Family tax benefit and child support to be de-linked so no debt is generated when child support comes in late.
Where family violence is involved, the government must pay child support directly to the receiving parent and recover the amount due from the payer parent.
2: HOUSING: Single mothers and their children are disadvantaged at every step of the housing journey - as a family, as young people seeking to live independently, and as older single women.
Establish a National Cabinet to ensure safe and secure housing for single mothers and their children throughout the family lifecycle.
Government investment and legislation to deliver sufficient public, social and affordable housing for single mother families in all states and territories.
Nationally consistent protections for renters - including limits on rent increases, longer tenancy agreements, and minimum living standards - and 50 per cent increase to Rent Assistance.
3: IMPROVE SOCIAL SECURITY: The win to increase access to Parenting Payment Single until the youngest child is 14 is a great improvement. More must be done.
All working-age payments to be aligned with the age pension.
Mutual obligations abolished as punitive and harmful to both women and children. Work readiness programs must be voluntary.
Implementation of government inquiry recommendations about child support, social security and taxation systems which identified weaponisation by family violence perpetrators that causes more harm.
4: FAMILY VIOLENCE, FAMILY LAW & RECOVERY: Many single mothers are fighting to protect and provide for their children whilst facing continuing family violence, custody issues, poverty, and barriers to re-establishing a home and financial security.
Make Centrelink and related systems experiences more supportive for women and children leaving abuse and recovering. Prioritise housing support for renters and homeowners, assist women to study, and taper taxes for single parents earning less than $80,000.
Monitor improvements to family law and family courts via key indicators of children’s wellbeing and safety and the lived experience of all parties.
The Federal Election will happen 3 May, and that means being bombarded with new promises and assurances from all sides that we will be safer and better off under the government they would form. If it feels like a lot, there’s a reason for that.
Victoria has some of the most contested seats in the country and politicians are devoting a lot of time and money campaigning here. This means this is a great time to make our voices heard.
We have identified four critical issues for single mothers this Federal Election. If these issues are important to you, now is the time to contact Parlimentarians in your electorate, tell them what you think and what you want them to be doing.
Here’s the four key issues for single mothers this Federal Election.
1: FIX CHILD SUPPORT: Unpaid or under-paid child support is a huge issue for mothers and children and for the Australian economy, with over $1.8B currently owing. A new report from the Tax Ombudsman recognises links between unpaid child support and financial abuse
Tax avoidance to be stopped and penalised.
Family tax benefit and child support to be de-linked so no debt is generated when child support comes in late.
Where family violence is involved, the government must pay child support directly to the receiving parent and recover the amount due from the payer parent.
2: HOUSING: Single mothers and their children are disadvantaged at every step of the housing journey - as a family, as young people seeking to live independently, and as older single women.
Establish a National Cabinet to ensure safe and secure housing for single mothers and their children throughout the family lifecycle.
Government investment and legislation to deliver sufficient public, social and affordable housing for single mother families in all states and territories.
Nationally consistent protections for renters - including limits on rent increases, longer tenancy agreements, and minimum living standards - and 50 per cent increase to Rent Assistance.
3: IMPROVE SOCIAL SECURITY: The win to increase access to Parenting Payment Single until the youngest child is 14 is a great improvement. More must be done.
All working-age payments to be aligned with the age pension.
Mutual obligations abolished as punitive and harmful to both women and children. Work readiness programs must be voluntary.
Implementation of government inquiry recommendations about child support, social security and taxation systems which identified weaponisation by family violence perpetrators that causes more harm.
4: FAMILY VIOLENCE, FAMILY LAW & RECOVERY: Many single mothers are fighting to protect and provide for their children whilst facing continuing family violence, custody issues, poverty, and barriers to re-establishing a home and financial security.
Make Centrelink and related systems experiences more supportive for women and children leaving abuse and recovering. Prioritise housing support for renters and homeowners, assist women to study, and taper taxes for single parents earning less than $80,000.
Monitor improvements to family law and family courts via key indicators of children’s wellbeing and safety and the lived experience of all parties.