Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap WATCH to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LISTEN to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LATEST NEWS to start the live stream.

LISTEN
Watch
on air now

Create a 2GB account today!

You can now log in once to listen live, watch live, join competitions, enjoy exclusive 2GB content and other benefits.


Joining is free and easy.

You will soon need to register to keep streaming 2GB online. Register an account or skip for now to do it later.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Could you live on $40 a day? A Liberal MP says she could

Article image for Could you live on $40 a day? A Liberal MP says she could

Today, Liberal backbencher Julia Banks said she could live on $40 a day.

This comes amid a thick debate over welfare payments.

Australians on Newstart Allowance get a maximum of $545 a fortnight or $40 a day.

One of Australia’s leading economists wants to increase doll payments by $50 a week.

Chris Richardson, Senior Partner at Deloitte Access Economics says the amount of money people on welfare receive is unnecessarily cruel.

He tells Ben Fordham he couldn’t live on $40 a day, and it shouldn’t be expected people looking for work can.

“When you’re applying for jobs and they’re across town and you have to spend money to get from A to B, it is a tough thing.”

Listen to the full interview below

Liberal MP Craig Kelly weighs in on the debate, telling Ben he “probably” couldn’t live on $40 a day.

But he says it’s not meant for that reason.

“The dole is not something that is there to live on, it’s a temporary payment to help you until you can get another job.

“If you set the dole too high, it becomes a discouragement for people to go out and work.”

Listen to the full interview with Craig below 

Ben Fordham
Advertisement