Doctors call for rise in dole as people are struggling
AMA president Dr Tony Bartone says the low level of allowance is causing 'significant stress'
Doctors have weighed in on the need to lift the dole, saying people on the Newstart allowance are experiencing “significant stress”.
The Morrison Government has repeatedly refused to consider lifting Newstart other than its six-monthly changes linked to the rate of inflation.
This is despite a growing chorus of welfare and business groups, economists, unions and politicians on both sides of the divide — including former prime minister John Howard — calling for a decent increase for the first time in 25 years.
“People on that allowance are experiencing significant stress … and that must have a health impact on their wellbeing,” AMA president Tony Bartone told the National Press Club on Wednesday.
