The Australian Greens have challenged Minister for Employment Bill Shorten to try living on $35 per day after making comments about Newstart Allowance that show how out of touch he is with the costs of living.
 
"It is very clear that our current income support system needs an overhaul, that it doesn't adequately support people and address the current employment market," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens community services spokesperson said today.

"The differences between payments is unfair, doesn't provide an adequate minimum cost of living and condemns people to live in poverty.

"The system needs overhaul and this year the Greens will be campaigning for a $50 a week increase in Newstart and a revamp of the entire system," Senator Siewert concluded.