INCREASINGLY high numbers of Tasmanians are accessing welfare payments to aid their financial burdens, according to the latest Centrelink data.
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The data showed Tasmania had the highest percentage of people accessing youth allowance, age pension and single parent payments in the nation in 2015.
The state was second only to the Northern Territory for those accessing the NewStart allowance.
With Tasmania’s ageing population, the state has risen to having 13 per cent of its residents accessing age pension payments.
This adds up to $867 a fortnight for a person living alone or $1307 for a couple.
The 1.7 per cent of the population on youth allowance with no children receive up to $433.20 a fortnight and those on a single-parent payment can receive supplements to make the back to school crunch easier.
TasCOSS chief executive Kym Goodes said while many people who were receiving the payment may not rely on them as their entire source of income, it was concerning to see so many Tasmanians using their Centrelink money for even the most basic items.
‘‘This makes it difficult for many Tasmanians to participate and enjoy every day life in Tasmania that many of us take for granted,’’ Ms Goodes said.
‘‘Whether they are struggling to find employment, to access education and training or otherwise participate in society, it is something that concerns us.
‘‘We need to provide support for people to be able to address the barriers.’’
With the average Tasmanian earning less than anywhere else in the country, Ms Goodes said there were many why people may need to seek help.
‘‘Tasmania has a higher proportion of people over the age of 65 who are no longer working and receiving an aged pension,’’ she said.
‘‘Education outcomes in Tasmania are low by national measurements, particularly the number of Tasmanians with tertiary qualifications.
‘‘We know that the better educated a person is and the longer they stay engaged in the education system, the better outcomes they will achieve.’’