Peak unemployment bodies say raising jobseeker rate should take priority over lifting pension income test

Completely around the wrong way' to allow pensioners to work more without losing pay while jobseeker remains unchanged, advocates say

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Increasing the jobseeker rate should take priority over other welfare reforms including allowing aged pensioners to work more without having their payments reduced, peak unemployment bodies say.

A private member's bill introduced by independent MP Rebekha Sharkie on Monday would increase the income test threshold for pensioners, permitting older Australians to work more hours before their payments were docked.

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