GAWLER Council will prepare a letter to the Federal Government about increasing the rate of the Newstart Allowance to the Henderson Poverty Line, considering it a “matter of urgency”.
Council’s Corporate & Community Services (CCS) committee met to discuss the issue last fortnight, which was first raised by Anti-Poverty Network SA’s Sam Shetler in February.
Following campaigning by Mr Shetler, Gawler Council passed a motion to support a raise to the Newstart Allowance, with its letter to the government being the next step in taking action.
Meanwhile, council will also prepare a request to the State Government advocating the introduction of a more flexible fines and infringement notices system to help those struggling financially.
A report by council’s community development officer, Linda Weiss, stated council’s authorised officers issue expiation notices in accordance with state legislation, which gives council no authority to alter the fee attached to the offences.
“The Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit (FERU) may charge an up-front administration fee of $19.50 to establish a payment arrangement,” she stated.
“Council staff made enquiries with FERU in regard to this charge, and were advised that there may be grounds for the administration fee to be waived in cases of demonstrated financial hardship.
“Given that expiation fees attached to fines issued by council are set by legislation...council may choose to write to the State Government advocating the introduction of a fairer and more flexible fines and infringement notices system.”