We know the CSHC is valued by cardholders as it provides eligibility for pensioner level PBS concessions and in principle for bulk billing of GP, other health service charges, as well as various concessions in different jurisdictions, sometimes at lower rates than for a pensioner.
COTA Australia welcomed the establishment of the Senate Select Committee on Job Security and appreciates the opportunity to present this submission, with a specific focus on mature age and older workers
COTA acknowledges the Bill’s $25 per week increase to the JobSeeker and other working age payments as the first real term increase in 26 years, but $25 is not enough to prevent job seekers, including tens of thousands of older Australians, falling into poverty.
Our submission also challenges the reinstatement of the Liquid Assets Waiting Period and failure to address a much-needed permanent increase to the base rate of Jobseeker.
COTA Australia commends the delivery of stimulus measures designed to incentivise employment. COTA Australia does wish to express a number of concerns. No older workers should be displaced due to JobMaker. Wait times and the rate of JobMaker eligibility should be reconsidered.