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This is a Bill, not an Act. For current law, see the Acts databases.
2022-2023
The Parliament of the
Commonwealth of Australia
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Presented and read a first time
Social Services and Other Legislation
Amendment (Strengthening the Safety
Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
(Social Services)
A Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to social
security
, family assistance and veterans'
entitlements, and for related purposes
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
i
Contents
1
Short title ........................................................................................... 1
2
Commencement ................................................................................. 1
3
Schedules ........................................................................................... 2
Schedule 1
--
Additional support for single parents
3
Social Security Act 1991
3
Schedule 2
--
Increase to working age payments
4
Part 1
--
Main amendments
4
Division 1
--
Disability support pension (under 21)
4
Social Security Act 1991
4
Division 2
--
Youth allowance
8
Social Security Act 1991
8
Division 3
--
Austudy payment
9
Social Security Act 1991
9
Division 4
--
Jobseeker payment
10
Social Security Act 1991
10
Division 5
--
Parenting payment (partnered)
12
Social Security Act 1991
12
Division 6
--
Application of amendments
13
Part 2
--
Other amendments
14
Social Security Act 1991
14
Schedule 3
--
Increased support for Commonwealth rent
assistance recipients
16
A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999
16
Social Security Act 1991
19
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986
31
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
1
A Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to social
1
security
, family assistance and veterans'
2
entitlements, and for related purposes
3
The Parliament of Australia enacts:
4
1 Short title
5
This Act is the
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment
6
(Strengthening the Safety Net)
Act 2023
.
7
2 Commencement
8
(1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table
9
commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with
10
column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect
11
according to its terms.
12
2
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
1
Commencement information
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Provisions
Commencement
Date/Details
1. The whole of
this Act
The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.
Note:
This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally
2
enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of
3
this Act.
4
(2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act.
5
Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it
6
may be edited, in any published version of this Act.
7
3 Schedules
8
Legislation that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or
9
repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule
10
concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect
11
according to its terms.
12
Additional support for single parents
Schedule 1
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
3
Schedule
1--Additional support for single
1
parents
2
3
Social Security Act 1991
4
1 Paragraph 500D(2)(c)
5
Omit "8", substitute "14".
6
2 Subparagraph 1061PJ(2A)(b)(iii)
7
Omit "8", substitute "14".
8
3 Paragraph 1061ZDA(1)(b)
9
Omit "8", substitute "14".
10
4 Application of amendments
11
(1)
The amendment of paragraph 500D(2)(c) of the
Social Security Act
12
1991
made by this Schedule applies in relation to working out whether
13
a person is qualified for parenting payment for days occurring on or
14
after 20 September 2023.
15
(2)
The amendment of subparagraph 1061PJ(2A)(b)(iii) of the
Social
16
Security Act 1991
made by this Schedule applies in relation to working
17
out whether a person is qualified for a pensioner education supplement
18
for days occurring on or after 20 September 2023.
19
(3)
The amendment of paragraph 1061ZDA(1)(b) of the
Social Security Act
20
1991
made by this Schedule applies in relation to working out whether
21
a person is qualified for a pensioner concession card for days occurring
22
on or after 20 September 2023.
23
Schedule 2
Increase to working age payments
Part 1
Main amendments
4
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Schedule
2--Increase to working age
1
payments
2
Part
1--Main amendments
3
Division 1
--
Disability support pension (under 21)
4
Social Security Act 1991
5
1 Point 1066A-B1 (table B)
6
Repeal the table (not including the notes), substitute:
7
8
Table B
--
Maximum basic rates
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate per year
Column 4
Rate per fortnight
1
Not a member of a
couple and person:
(a) is under 18 years
of age; and
(b) is not
independent; and
(c) is not living away
from the person's
parental home
because of a
medical condition
of the person
$9,695.40
$372.90
2
Not a member of a
couple and person:
(a) is under 18 years
of age; and
(b) either:
(i) is
independent;
or
(ii) is living away
from the
$15,672.80
$602.80
Increase to working age payments
Schedule 2
Main amendments
Part 1
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
5
Table B
--
Maximum basic rates
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate per year
Column 4
Rate per fortnight
person's
parental
home
because of a
medical
condition of
the person
3
Not a member of a
couple and person:
(a) has reached 18
years of age; and
(b) is living at home
of parent or
parents; and
(c) is not
independent
$11,164.40
$429.40
4
Not a member of a
couple and person:
(a) has reached 18
years of age; and
(b) either:
(i) is not living at
a home of
parent or
parents; or
(ii) is living at a
home of
parent or
parents, but
is
independent
$15,672.80
$602.80
5
Partnered
$15,672.80
$602.80
6
Member of illness
separated couple,
member of respite
care couple or
$15,672.80
$602.80
Schedule 2
Increase to working age payments
Part 1
Main amendments
6
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Table B
--
Maximum basic rates
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate per year
Column 4
Rate per fortnight
partnered (partner in
gaol)
2 Point 1066B-B1 (table B)
1
Repeal the table (not including the notes), substitute:
2
3
Table B
--
Maximum basic rates
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate per year
Column 4
Rate per fortnight
1
Not a member of a
couple and person:
(a) is under 18 years
of age; and
(b) is not
independent; and
(c) is not living away
from the person's
parental home
because of a
medical condition
of the person
$9,695.40
$372.90
2
Not a member of a
couple and person:
(a) is under 18 years
of age; and
(b) either:
(i) is
independent;
or
(ii) is living away
from the
person's
parental
home
$15,672.80
$602.80
Increase to working age payments
Schedule 2
Main amendments
Part 1
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
7
Table B
--
Maximum basic rates
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate per year
Column 4
Rate per fortnight
because of a
medical
condition of
the person
3
Not a member of a
couple and person:
(a) has reached 18
years of age; and
(b) is living at home
of parent or
parents; and
(c) is not
independent
$11,164.40
$429.40
4
Not a member of a
couple and person:
(a) has reached 18
years of age; and
(b) either:
(i) is not living at
a home of
parent or
parents; or
(ii) is living at a
home of
parent or
parents, but
is
independent
$15,672.80
$602.80
5
Partnered
$15,672.80
$602.80
6
Member of illness
separated couple,
member of respite
care couple or
partnered (partner in
gaol)
$15,672.80
$602.80
Schedule 2
Increase to working age payments
Part 1
Main amendments
8
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Division 2
--
Youth allowance
1
Social Security Act 1991
2
3 Point 1067G-B2 (table BA)
3
Repeal the table (not including the note), substitute:
4
5
Table BA
--
Maximum basic rates (people who are not
independent)
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's situation
Column 3
Rate
1
Lives at home and not yet 18 years old
$372.90
2
Lives at home and at least 18 years old
$429.40
3
Required to live away from home
$602.80
4 Point 1067G-B3 (table BB)
6
Repeal the table (not including the note), substitute:
7
8
Table BB
--
Maximum basic rates (people who are independent)
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's situation
Column 3
Rate
1
Accommodated independent person and
not yet 18 years old
$372.90
2
Accommodated independent person and at
least 18 years old
$429.40
3
In supported State care and not yet 18
years old
$372.90
4
In supported State care and at least 18
years old
$429.40
5
In unsupported State care
$602.80
6
Not a member of a couple and has a
dependent child
$760.40
7
Member of a couple and has a dependent
child
$652.60
Increase to working age payments
Schedule 2
Main amendments
Part 1
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
9
Table BB
--
Maximum basic rates (people who are independent)
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's situation
Column 3
Rate
8
Not an accommodated independent
person, not in supported State care, not in
unsupported State care and does not have a
dependent child
$602.80
5 Point 1067G-B4 (table BC)
1
Repeal the table (not including the note), substitute:
2
3
Table BC
--
Maximum basic rates (long term income support
students)
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's situation
Column 3
Rate
1
Not independent, lives at home and not a
member of a couple
$505.20
2
Not independent, required to live away
from home and not a member of a couple
$711.90
3
Accommodated independent person and
not a member of a couple
$505.20
4
Independent, not an accommodated
independent person and not a member of a
couple
$711.90
5
Member of a couple
$652.60
Division 3
--
Austudy payment
4
Social Security Act 1991
5
6 Subpoint 1067L-B2(1) (table BA)
6
Repeal the table (not including the note), substitute:
7
8
Schedule 2
Increase to working age payments
Part 1
Main amendments
10
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Table BA
--
Maximum basic rates (persons who are not long term
income support students)
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's situation
Column 3
Rate
1
Does not have a dependent child or a YA
child
$602.80
2
Is a member of a couple and has a
dependent child
$652.60
3
Is not a member of a couple and has a
dependent child or YA child
$760.40
7 Point 1067L-B3 (table BB)
1
Repeal the table, substitute:
2
3
Table BB
--
Maximum basic rates (persons who are long term
income support students)
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's
situation
Column 3
Rate
1
Is a member of a couple
$652.60
2
Is not a member of a couple
$711.90
Division 4
--
Jobseeker payment
4
Social Security Act 1991
5
8 Point 1068-B1 (table B)
6
Repeal the table (not including the notes), substitute:
7
8
Increase to working age payments
Schedule 2
Main amendments
Part 1
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
11
Table B
--
Maximum basic rates
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Rate
Item
Person's family
situation
Column 3A
Person with
dependent
child
Column 3B
Person
without
dependent
child
4A
Not member of couple
and person:
(a) receives jobseeker
payment; and
(b) has not turned 55
$785.20
$733.10
4B
Not member of couple
and person:
(a) receives jobseeker
payment; and
(b) has turned 55; and
(c) has not been
receiving one, or a
combination, of
social security
pension or social
security benefit or
service pension,
income support
supplement or
veteran payment for
a continuous period
of at least 9 months
$785.20
$733.10
Schedule 2
Increase to working age payments
Part 1
Main amendments
12
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Table B
--
Maximum basic rates
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Rate
Item
Person's family
situation
Column 3A
Person with
dependent
child
Column 3B
Person
without
dependent
child
5
Not member of couple
and person:
(a) has turned 55; and
(b) has been receiving
one, or a
combination, of
social security
pension or social
security benefit or
service pension or
income support
supplement for a
continuous period of
at least 9 months
$785.20
$785.20
7
Partnered
$671.20
$671.20
9
Member of illness
separated couple
$785.20
$785.20
11
Partnered (partner in
gaol)
$785.20
$785.20
Division 5
--
Parenting payment (partnered)
1
Social Security Act 1991
2
9 Point 1068B-C2 (table C)
3
Repeal the table (not including the notes), substitute:
4
5
Increase to working age payments
Schedule 2
Main amendments
Part 1
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
13
Table C
--
Maximum basic rates
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family situation
Column 3
Rate
1
Person not covered by item 2, 3 or 4
$671.20
2
Member of illness separated couple
$785.20
3
Member of respite care couple
$785.20
4
Partnered (partner in gaol)
$785.20
Division 6
--
Application of amendments
1
10 Application of amendments
2
(1)
The amendments of the
Social Security Act 1991
made by this Part
3
apply in relation to working out the following:
4
(a)
the rate of a person's disability support pension, youth
5
allowance, austudy payment, jobseeker payment or benefit
6
PP (partnered) for days occurring on or after 20 September
7
2023;
8
(b)
the rate of a person's farm household allowance under the
9
Farm Household Support Act 2014
for days occurring on or
10
after 20 September 2023.
11
(2)
For the purposes of indexing an amount:
12
(a) specified in a table of the
Social Security Act 1991
as
13
substituted by an item of this Part; and
14
(b) on the first indexation day for the amount that occurs after
15
the day this item commences;
16
the current figure for the amount immediately before that first
17
indexation day is taken to be that specified amount.
18
Schedule 2
Increase to working age payments
Part 2
Other amendments
14
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Part
2--Other amendments
1
Social Security Act 1991
2
11 Paragraphs 1061Q(2B)(d), (3)(c), (3A)(c), (3F)(c) and
3
(3G)(c)
4
Omit "60", substitute "55".
5
12 Paragraph 1061ZA(2)(a)
6
Omit "60", substitute "55".
7
13 Paragraph 1067L-C1(b)
8
Omit "60", substitute "55".
9
14 Point 1068-D3 (heading)
10
Omit "
60
", substitute "
55
".
11
15 Paragraph 1068-D3(a)
12
Omit "60", substitute "55".
13
16 Subparagraph 1068B-E1(d)(i)
14
Omit "60", substitute "55".
15
17 Section 1190 (table item 2, column 4)
16
Omit "
items 4
A, 4B, 5, 7 and 9", substitute "all amounts".
17
18 Application of amendments
18
(1)
The amendments of section 1061Q of the
Social Security Act 1991
19
made by this Part apply in relation to each telephone allowance payday
20
for a person, that occurs on or after 20 September 2023, on which
21
telephone allowance is payable to the person.
22
(2)
The amendment of paragraph 1061ZA(2)(a) of the
Social Security Act
23
1991
made by this Part applies in relation to working out whether a
24
person is qualified for a pensioner concession card for days occurring
25
on or after 20 September 2023.
26
Increase to working age payments
Schedule 2
Other amendments
Part 2
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
15
(3)
The amendment of paragraph 1067L-C1(b) of the
Social Security Act
1
1991
made by this Part applies in relation to working out the rate of a
2
person's
austudy payment for days occurring on or after 20 September
3
2023.
4
(4)
The amendment of paragraph 1068-D3(a) of the
Social Security Act
5
1991
made by this Part applies in relation to working out the rate of a
6
person's
jobseeker payment for days occurring on or after 20 September
7
2023.
8
(5)
The amendment of subparagraph 1068B-E1(1)(d)(i) of the
Social
9
Security Act 1991
made by this Part applies in relation to working out
10
the rate of
a person's
benefit PP (partnered) for days occurring on or
11
after 20 September 2023.
12
(6)
The amendment of section 1190 of the
Social Security Act 1991
made
13
by this Part applies in relation to indexing an amount on each
14
indexation day for the amount that occurs after the day this item
15
commences.
16
Schedule 3
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
16
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Schedule
3--Increased support for
1
Commonwealth rent assistance
2
recipients
3
4
A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999
5
1 Subparagraph 38C(1)(f)(i) of Schedule 1
6
Omit "$3,073.30", substitute "
$4,807.05
".
7
2 Subparagraph 38C(1)(f)(ii) of Schedule 1
8
Omit "$4,547.90", substitute "
$7,102.90
".
9
3 Subparagraphs 38C(1)(f)(iii) and (iv) of Schedule 1
10
Omit "$3,073.30", substitute "
$4,807.05
".
11
4 Subparagraph 38C(1)(fa)(i) of Schedule 1
12
Omit "$2,332.35", substitute "
$3,657.30
".
13
5 Subparagraph 38C(1)(fa)(ii) of Schedule 1
14
Omit "$3,806.95", substitute "
$5,945.85
".
15
6 Subparagraphs 38C(1)(fa)(iii) and (iv) of Schedule 1
16
Omit "$2,332.35", substitute "
$3,657.30
".
17
7 Clause 38D of Schedule 1 (table)
18
Repeal the table, substitute:
19
20
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
Schedule 3
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
17
Rent assistance payable to individual who has at least one FTB child and who is
not a relevant shared carer
(Part A
--
Method 1)
Column 1
Family
situation
Column 2
Rate A
Column 3
Rate B
Column
3A
Column
3B
1 or 2 rent
assistance
children
3 or more
rent
assistance
children
1 Not member of
a couple
Annual rent
$4,807.05
3
4
−
$5,544.35
$6,259.75
2 Member of a
couple other
than a person
who is partnered
(partner in gaol)
or a member of
an illness
separated
couple, a respite
care couple or a
temporarily
separated couple
Annual rent
$7,102.90
3
4
−
$5,544.35
$6,259.75
3 Person who is
partnered
(partner in gaol)
or a member of
an illness
separated couple
or a respite care
couple
Annual rent
$4,807.05
3
4
−
$5,544.35
$6,259.75
Schedule 3
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
18
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Rent assistance payable to individual who has at least one FTB child and who is
not a relevant shared carer
(Part A
--
Method 1)
Column 1
Family
situation
Column 2
Rate A
Column 3
Rate B
Column
3A
Column
3B
1 or 2 rent
assistance
children
3 or more
rent
assistance
children
4 Member of a
temporarily
separated couple
Annual rent
$4,807.05
3
4
−
$5,544.35
$6,259.75
8 Clause 38E of Schedule 1 (table)
1
Repeal the table, substitute:
2
3
Rent assistance payable to individual who is a relevant shared carer or who has
only one or more regular care children
(Part A
--
Method 1 or 3)
Column 1
Family situation
Column 2
Rate A
Column 3
Rate B
1
Not member of a
couple
Annual rent
$3,657.30
3
4
−
$4,745.00
2
Member of a couple
other than a person
who is partnered
(partner in gaol) or a
member of an illness
separated couple, a
Annual rent
$5,945.85
3
4
−
$4,456.65
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
Schedule 3
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
19
Rent assistance payable to individual who is a relevant shared carer or who has
only one or more regular care children
(Part A
--
Method 1 or 3)
Column 1
Family situation
Column 2
Rate A
Column 3
Rate B
respite care couple or a
temporarily separated
couple
3
Person who is
partnered (partner in
gaol) or a member of
an illness separated
couple or a respite care
couple
Annual rent
$3,657.30
3
4
−
$4,745.00
4
Member of a
temporarily separated
couple
Annual rent
$3,657.30
3
4
−
$4,456.65
Social Security Act 1991
1
9 Subsection 1070L(2) (table)
2
Repeal the table, substitute:
3
4
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
Column 4
Rate B
1
Not a member of
a couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
2
Partnered and
partner does not
have rent
increased pension
Fortnightly rent
$227.40
3
4
−
$170.20
Schedule 3
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
20
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
Column 4
Rate B
3
Partnered and
partner:
(a) is receiving a
social security
pension; and
(b) has rent
increased
pension
Fortnightly rent
$227.40
3
8
−
Half the
rate
specified
in column
4 of
item 2
4
Partnered and
partner:
(a) is receiving a
service
pension,
income
support
supplement or
a veteran
payment; and
(b) has rent
increased
pension; and
(c) does not have
a dependent
child or
dependent
children
Fortnightly rent
$227.40
3
8
−
Half the
rate
specified
in column
4 of
item 2
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
Schedule 3
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
21
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
Column 4
Rate B
5
Partnered and
partner:
(a) is receiving a
service
pension,
income
support
supplement or
a veteran
payment; and
(b) has rent
increased
pension; and
(c) has 1 or 2
dependent
children
Fortnightly rent
$273.00
3
8
−
$106.80
6
Partnered and
partner:
(a) is receiving a
service
pension,
income
support
supplement or
a veteran
payment; and
(b) has rent
increased
pension; and
(c) has 3 or more
dependent
children
Fortnightly rent
$273.00
3
8
−
$120.00
7
Partnered
--
member of an
illness separated
couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
Schedule 3
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
22
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
Column 4
Rate B
8
Partnered
--
member of a
respite care
couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
9
Partnered
--
member of a
temporarily
separated couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$170.20
10
Partnered (partner
in gaol)
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
10 Subsection 1070M(2) (table)
1
Repeal the table, substitute:
2
3
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Rate A
Column 3
Rate B
1
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
11 Subsection 1070N(2) (table)
4
Repeal the table, substitute:
5
6
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
Schedule 3
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
23
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
Column 4
Rate B
1
Not a member of a
couple and:
(a) in disability
accommodation;
or
(b) independent
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
2
Partnered and
partner does not
have rent increased
pension
Fortnightly rent
$227.40
3
4
−
$170.20
3
Partnered and
partner:
(a) is receiving a
social security
pension; and
(b) has rent
increased
pension
Fortnightly rent
$227.40
3
8
−
Half the
rate
specified
in column
4 of
item 2
4
Partnered and
partner:
(a) is receiving a
service pension,
income support
supplement or a
veteran
payment; and
(b) has rent
increased
pension; and
(c) does not have a
dependent child
or dependent
children
Fortnightly rent
$227.40
3
8
−
Half the
rate
specified
in column
4 of
item 2
Schedule 3
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
24
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
Column 4
Rate B
5
Partnered and
partner:
(a) is receiving a
service pension,
income support
supplement or a
veteran
payment; and
(b) has rent
increased
pension; and
(c) has 1 or 2
dependent
children
Fortnightly rent
$273.00
3
8
−
$106.80
6
Partnered and
partner:
(a) is receiving a
service pension,
income support
supplement or a
veteran
payment; and
(b) has rent
increased
pension; and
(c) has 3 or more
dependent
children
Fortnightly rent
$273.00
3
8
−
$120.00
7
Partnered
--
member of an
illness separated
couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
Schedule 3
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
25
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
Column 4
Rate B
8
Partnered
--
member of a respite
care couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
9
Partnered
--
member of a
temporarily
separated couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$170.20
10
Partnered (partner
in gaol)
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
12 Subsection 1070P(2) (table)
1
Repeal the table, substitute:
2
3
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
Column 4
Rate B
1
Not a member of a
couple and:
(a) in disability
accommodation;
or
(b) living away
from the
person's
parental home
permanently or
indefinitely
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
Schedule 3
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
26
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
Column 4
Rate B
2
Partnered and
partner does not
have rent increased
pension
Fortnightly rent
$227.40
3
4
−
$170.20
3
Partnered and
partner:
(a) is receiving a
social security
pension; and
(b) has rent
increased
pension
Fortnightly rent
$227.40
3
8
−
Half the
rate
specified
in column
4 of
item 2
4
Partnered and
partner:
(a) is receiving a
service pension,
income support
supplement or a
veteran
payment; and
(b) has rent
increased
pension; and
(c) does not have a
dependent child
or dependent
children
Fortnightly rent
$227.40
3
8
−
Half the
rate
specified
in column
4 of
item 2
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
Schedule 3
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
27
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
Column 4
Rate B
5
Partnered and
partner:
(a) is receiving a
service pension,
income support
supplement or a
veteran
payment; and
(b) has rent
increased
pension; and
(c) has 1 or 2
dependent
children
Fortnightly rent
$273.00
3
8
−
$106.80
6
Partnered and
partner:
(a) is receiving a
service pension,
income support
supplement or a
veteran
payment; and
(b) has rent
increased
pension; and
(c) has 3 or more
dependent
children
Fortnightly rent
$273.00
3
8
−
$120.00
7
Partnered
--
member of an
illness separated
couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
Schedule 3
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
28
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
Column 4
Rate B
8
Partnered
--
member of a respite
care couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
9
Partnered
--
member of a
temporarily
separated couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$170.20
10
Partnered (partner
in gaol)
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
13 Subsection 1070Q(2) (table)
1
Repeal the table, substitute:
2
3
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
Column 4
Rate B
1
Not a member of
a couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
2
Partnered
--
partner does not
have rent
increased benefit
Fortnightly rent
$227.40
3
4
−
$170.20
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
Schedule 3
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
29
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
Column 4
Rate B
3
Partnered
--
partner has rent
increased benefit
Fortnightly rent
$227.40
3
8
−
Half the
rate
specified
in column
4 of
item 2
4
Partnered
--
member of an
illness separated
couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
5
Partnered
--
member of a
respite care
couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
6
Partnered
--
member of a
temporarily
separated couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$170.20
7
Partnered (partner
in gaol)
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
14 Subsection 1070R(2) (table)
1
Repeal the table, substitute:
2
3
Schedule 3
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
30
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate of rent assistance
Column 4
Maximum
rate
1
Partnered
--
partner does not
have rent
increased benefit
Fortnightly rent
$227.40
3
4
−
$170.20
2
Partnered
--
partner has rent
increased benefit
Fortnightly rent
$227.40
3
8
−
Half the
rate
specified
in column
4 of
item 1
3
Partnered
--
member of an
illness separated
couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
4
Partnered
--
member of a
respite care
couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
5
Partnered
--
member of a
temporarily
separated couple
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$170.20
6
Partnered (partner
in gaol)
Fortnightly rent
$140.40
3
4
−
$180.80
15 Subsection 1070T(1)
1
Omit "$82.80", substitute "
$140.40
".
2
16 Subsection 1070T(3) (example)
3
Omit "$82.80" (wherever occurring), substitute "
$140.40
".
4
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
Schedule 3
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
31
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986
1
17 Point SCH6-C6 of Schedule 6 (table C-1)
2
Repeal the table (not including the notes), substitute:
3
4
Table C-1
--
Rent threshold rates
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family situation
Column 3
Rate per
year
$
Column 4
Rate per
fortnight
$
1
Not a member of a couple
3,650.40
140.40
A member of an illness
separated couple
A member of a respite care
couple
Partnered
--
partner without a
rent increased pension
2
Partnered
--
partner with a
rent increased pension
2,956.20
113.70
18 Subpoint SCH6-C8(1) of Schedule 6 (table C-2)
5
Repeal the table (not including the notes), substitute:
6
7
Table C-2
--
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
$
Column 4
Rate B
$
1
Not a member
of a couple
AR
RTR
3
4
−
4,700.80
A member of an
illness separated
couple
Schedule 3
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
32
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
No. , 2023
Table C-2
--
Rate of rent assistance
Column 1
Item
Column 2
Person's family
situation
Column 3
Rate A
$
Column 4
Rate B
$
A member of a
respite care
couple
Partnered
--
partner without
a rent increased
pension
2
Partnered
--
partner with a
rent increased
pension
AR
2RTR
3
8
−
2,212.60
19 Application of amendments
1
A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999
2
(1)
The amendments of the
A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act
3
1999
made by this Schedule apply in relation to working out a person's
4
Part A rate of family tax benefit for days occurring on or after
5
20 September 2023.
6
(2)
For the purposes of indexing an amount:
7
(a) specified in a table of the
A New Tax System (Family
8
Assistance) Act 1999
as substituted by an item of this
9
Schedule; and
10
(b) on the first indexation day for the amount that occurs after
11
the day this item commences;
12
the current figure for the amount immediately before that first
13
indexation day is taken to be that specified amount.
14
Social Security Act 1991
15
(3)
The amendments of the
Social Security Act 1991
made by this Schedule
16
apply in relation to working out:
17
Increased support for Commonwealth rent assistance recipients
Schedule 3
No. , 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the
Safety Net) Bill 2023
33
(a) the
rate of a person's social security payment
for days
1
occurring on or after 20 September 2023; and
2
(b)
the rate of a person's farm household allowance under the
3
Farm Household Support Act 2014
for days occurring on or
4
after 20 September 2023.
5
(4)
For the purposes of indexing an amount:
6
(a) specified in subsection 1070T(1) of the
Social Security Act
7
1991
as amended by an item of this Schedule or in a table of
8
that Act as substituted by an item of this Schedule; and
9
(b) on the first indexation day for the amount that occurs after
10
the day this item commences;
11
the current figure for the amount immediately before that first
12
indexation day is taken to be that specified amount.
13
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986
14
(5)
The amendments of the
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986
made by this
15
Schedule apply in relation to working out the rate of a person's service
16
pension, income support supplement or veteran payment for days
17
occurring on or after 20 September 2023.
18
(6)
For the purposes of indexing an amount:
19
(a) specified in a table of Schedule 6 to the
Veterans
'
20
Entitlements Act 1986
as substituted by an item of this
21
Schedule; and
22
(b) on the first indexation day for the amount that occurs after
23
the day this item commences;
24
the current figure for the amount immediately before that first
25
indexation day is taken to be that specified amount.
26