Three in four Aussies on low incomes cutting back on meat, fruit and vegetables

Former Adelaide security guard Lester says his bills have gone up but his government payments haven't.

The 60-year-old stopped working as a security guard after treatment for cancer, now he's surviving on government support while studying for his next career. 

"With the rent going up, and the price of groceries also going up, it went up this time by $50 per week, which really hit me hard, I genuinely do feel it's unsustainable," Lester told 9News.

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About 1.4 million Australians receive government payments like JobSeeker,  Youth Allowance, Austudy, Parenting Payment. 

Research released by the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) shows three in four people receiving government payments are cutting back on meat and fresh fruit and veggies, while half are skipping meals altogether.

Around three quarters are struggling to afford essential medicines, and almost all are in rental stress.

Regular indexation kicks in on September 20, but with inflation so high, costs are going up faster than the payments can keep up.

ACOSS Acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said the government needed to urgently lift the rate of government income support payments to a liveable level.

"These findings are deeply disturbing and are a source of national shame," MacDonald said.

"The shockingly low rate of income support is seriously damaging people's physical and mental health.