List of recommendations

Recommendation 1

2.130The committee recommends that the Australian Government take urgent action so that Australians are not living in poverty, including through considering the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the income support system.

Recommendation 2

2.132The committee recommends that the Australian Government take action to better support applicants and recipients of the Disability Support Pension and ensure people can participate in their communities and cover their living costs.

Recommendation 3

2.135The committee recommends the Australian Government consider asking the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee to review Commonwealth Rent Assistance, to determine effectiveness and appropriateness at alleviating cost of living pressures.

Recommendation 4

2.140The committee recommends the Australian Government reform mutual obligations, giving consideration to the report of the Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services.

Recommendation 5

2.141The committee recommends that the Department of Social Services and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations undertake a review of all employment services programs to ensure they move to a strengths-based, person-centred approach.

Recommendation 6

3.128The committee recommends the Australian Government commit to the principles of First Nations-led co-design of all First Nations employment services, and accelerate the Community Development Program reforms.

Recommendation 7

3.131The committee recommends that the Australian Government consider asking the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee to review the adequacy of the Remote Area Allowance with the view to set an adequate rate of payment to address the higher costs of living in remote Australia; and to consider appropriate indexation arrangements.

Recommendation 8

3.133The committee recommends the Australian Government continue to reform income management with the view to replace compulsory income management with voluntary models that empower families and communities.

Recommendation 9

4.169The committee recommends that all levels of government invest significantly to ensure that children, especially those from disadvantaged or vulnerable backgrounds, have access to high quality early education and care.

Recommendation 10

4.177The committee recommends the Australian Government review all student payments, giving consideration to the work of the University Accord panel.

Recommendation 11

4.180The committee recommends the Australian Government conduct a review of Australia’s child support scheme, which specifically considers:

the adequacy of the current child support formula and rates;

improving and increasing the enforcement of unpaid child support payments;

ensuring the system adequately addresses the needs of victim-survivors of domestic and family violence; and

improving the overall administration of the scheme.

Recommendation 12

4.187The committee recommends the Australian Government continue to invest, and consider increasing investment, in early intervention and place-based initiatives to address child poverty.Any initiatives aimed at supporting FirstNations families and children must be led by and co-designed with FirstNations people, and support existing commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Recommendation 13

4.193The committee recommends the Australian Government takes action to reduce child poverty.

Recommendation 14

5.85The committee recommends the Australian Government, in consultation with stakeholders, continue developing funding of longer-term place-based initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and disadvantage.