Government Response package

There's been a number of people querying the $25 week increase to benefits in the government's $12.1 billion response package.

Comments such as, 'shouldn't all that money instead be going to those who are actually in work?' In response, I believe there's a number of reasons for this benefit top up. The main one being that we should all want everybody in our nation to be heading into this pandemic in the best possible health. We know the link between poverty and poor health outcomes. Giving beneficiaries a preemptive boost to be in the best position to avoid / fight Covid 19 makes great sense. Beneficiaries are our equals.

1) They pay rent, mortgages, buy utilities, and support local businesses 2) They probably also wish to dose up on quality vit C for their families, and some hand sanitizer - putting them in better stead to avoid both this virus, and equally importantly, to avoid the 'flu 3) They may well be the ones who are checking in on neighbours while workers are at work, dropping off supplies etc 4) And be the ones offering to mind their neighbour's, their brother's kids if (or when) the schools shut down

We are in this together. The stronger we all are, the better we will all be.

We are in this together. The stronger we all are, the better we will all be.