The current welfare system ties financial support to a partner’s income, leaving many struggling to survive or trapped in unsafe relationships. Under current rules, payments like the Disability Support Pension (DSP) are reduced when a partner earns over $372 per fortnight and cease entirely at $1,516.40. This policy assumes all relationships are safe and equitable, but for many, this is not the case. The impact is severe: -46% of disabled people cannot work and rely solely on DSP. -DSP pays just $24,636 annually, far below the average income of $55,310. -Financial dependence increases vulnerability to economic abuse, trapping individuals in unsafe situations. One supporter shared how Centrelink complications forced her to return to work during cancer treatment because her husband’s income disqualified her from adequate financial support under JobSeeker. Despite her health struggles, she had no choice but to risk her recovery to survive. The government’s National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children emphasises financial independence as a pathway to safety. Yet these rules undermine that goal, leaving vulnerable people without the resources to escape hardship or abuse.

Petition Request
We therefore ask the House to abolish partner income tests across all welfare payments, raise DSP rates to meet basic living costs, and implement safeguards to protect welfare recipients from economic abuse. These reforms are essential for dignity, safety, and equality for all .

>>513512855 (OP)
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