JobSeeker boost on the way after Coalition opts to back legislation

More than a million Australians on welfare will get some hip pocket relief after the opposition decided to back the government's JobSeeker boost.

In this year's federal budget the government included a $40 fortnightly increase to JobSeeker and youth allowance payments.

The extra $92.10 a fortnight received by people over 60 would also be offered to people over 55.

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The Coalition has opted to back the legislation, though they will try to change it to increase the income threshold a welfare recipient can receive before their payments are reduced.

The Australian Financial Review reported that the opposition will propose to increase that threshold from $150 to $300 a fortnight, arguing that this will encourage people back into work.

However, if this proposal is rejected by the government, the opposition will back the unamended legislation regardless, ensuring its passage through the Senate.

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Meanwhile, the Head of Treasury yesterday warned a parliamentary committee Australians could expect more tough times ahead, with high inflation and rising interest rates continuing to squeeze household incomes.

The property sector is also showing signs of strain.

New building approvals tumbled by 50 per cent in the last two years, and the lack of supply could make the rental and housing affordability crisis worse.

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