Indexation, together with our Budget measures, means maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance will have increased by around 45 per cent since Labor was elected.

A range of pensions and payments will increase in the latest round of indexation – including Age Pension, Disability Pension and Carers and Jobseeker payment – delivering timely cost-of-living relief.

Age pensioners will see an increase of $28.10 a fortnight for singles and $42.40 a fortnight for couples combined and are the largest cohort in the Bendigo electorate to see an increase to their payments.

The same increase will apply to the Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment taking the total per fortnight to $1144.40 for singles, and $862.60 for each member of a couple.

Since May 2022, the base rate of JobSeeker for a single person has increased by $135 per fortnight. This is an increase of 21 per cent since Labor was elected.

The complete list of payments increased on 20 September 2024 can be found on the Department of Social Services website.


NEW SERVICES AUSTRALIA BOOKING SYSTEM TO SAVE LOCALS TIME

People in the Bendigo electorate will also benefit from now being able book appointments to see Services Australia online, reducing frustrating wait times and unnecessary travel.

Customers can book a 15-minute phone appointment or 30-minute face to face appointment by accessing the myGov or the Centrelink Express Plus mobile app.

The new booking system allows people book, reschedule or cancel an appointment online so they don’t have to spend time in a queue in person or over the phone.


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP: 

“The Federal Labor Government is firmly committed to delivering greater assistance to Bendigo electorate households facing cost of living challenges.

“This indexation will deliver timely boosts to people receiving allowance payments and pensions, ensuring that they have more money in their pockets for everyday expenses.

“45% increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance and a 21% increase to the Job Seeker payment are big increases, but they are necessary when rents and cost-of-living pressures have never been higher and more keenly felt.

"Plus, the new Services Australia online booking system will help ensure more people in the Bendigo electorate can access the assistance they need, when they need it. 

“At last, you can book appointments to see Services Australia online, not just turn up and be kept waiting or left on hold waiting for your turn.

"The Federal Labor Government is working for the Bendigo electorate. We know that people are doing it tough and that's why helping with the cost-of-living is our Government's number one priority.”