Kevin Rudd calls for increase to Newstart allowance
FORMER Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has taken to television to ask his Labor Caucus colleagues to "have a heart" and increase the Newstart Allowance.
Mr Rudd told ABC TV on Friday that it would be very hard to make ends meet on the $38-a-day Newstart Allowance, a week after Families Minister Jenny Macklin said she could.
While he said he had not spoken to a single member of the Labor caucus in recent weeks, Mr Rudd said the "non-deliverability of the budget surplus" provided a chance to improve basic social services.
"We're a Labor Party we're a Labor Government - we've got a responsibility for people who are doing it tough, for people who need a bit of a hand up."
Reader poll
Do you think the Newstart allowance should be increased?
This poll ended on 11 February 2013.
Current Results
Yes
79%
No
5%
Only in certain circumstances
15%
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
