‘Cruel and demeaning’ if Albanese government restores single-parent payment only until children reach high school, advocates say

Chair of women's economic equality taskforce says families would fall back into poverty' if eligibility age is not raised back to 16

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Advocates have warned the Albanese government against adopting a half measure" of restoring single-parent payments only until children reach high school age.

The women's economic equality taskforce recently recommended reversing a Gillard government-era decision that reduced the age of children whose parents qualify for single-parent payments from 16 to eight.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup