JobSeeker Payment

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:39): Supplementary: can the Treasurer advise the council what he believes should be the new rate for the JobSeeker's allowance?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:39): I have been asked that question and I have indicated I am not prepared to put a number on that particular potential increase because I respect the fact this is a decision for the federal Treasurer, the federal cabinet and the federal government and, as I said at the outset of my answer to the earlier question, they do confront difficult budget circumstances; they are running massive deficits at the moment. I am happy to leave that particular decision to the federal government, should they move down the direction that the Reserve Bank governor is urging.