A new law that punishes people before they’re guilty + Rob Irwin wins DWTS

The federal government has introduced a major change to social security payments, which allows financial support to be cut off if recipients with outstanding warrants, even before they’re found guilty. The government says the new powers will only be used in exceptional circumstances based on expert advice from law enforcement.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Kristin O’Connell from the Anti-Poverty Centre who raises serious concerns that some of our most vulnerable will be unfairly targeted in these changes that have just passed the Senate. 

Statement from a Spokesperson for Minister Tanya Plibersek: 

The social safety net is a pillar of this country, and we are deeply committed to upholding its integrity.

If someone is charged with a serious offence like murder or child sexual abuse and is on the run, they should not continue receiving a payment from the Government. 

Continuing to provide support in these circumstances is not appropriate, but there is currently no legal authority to cancel a payment. 

These powers will only be used in exceptional circumstances, based on expert advice from law enforcement agencies. 

Any impact on dependents must be considered by the Minister for Home Affairs before issuing a notice. 

It is a serious power, for the most serious of circumstances. 

Headlines: South Australian police have announced they’ve concluded a new search for missing four-year-old Gus Lamont, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has admitted inflation is higher than the federal government would like, and Robert Irwin has won Dancing with the Stars in the US. 

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