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Unemployed Australians Thrown Another Temporary Lifeline

Conservative Councilmembers Hold Their Ground in Rancho Santa Margarita

Conservative incumbents Tony Beall and Carol Gamble are holding their ground in a hotly contested, nine-candidate race for two at-large seats on the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council, based on the latest election results. Beall is leading with more than 27 percent of the votes counted, followed by Gamble with almost 20 percent, according to unofficial results last updated Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. by the Orange County Registrar of Voters. Both candidates are longtime councilmembers who served multiple one-year terms as mayor and are endorsed by the Republican Party of Orange County. Fellow Republican Glenn Acosta trails in third place with just under 14 percent of votes, followed by endorsed Democrats Beth Schwartz at around 12 percent and John Christopoulos at about 9 percent. Candidates Julia Bendis, Chris McLaughlin,…

Unemployed Australians Thrown Another Temporary Lifeline

Unemployed Australians are being thrown another temporary lifeline, with JobSeeker COVID-19 payments to be extended at a reduced rate until March.

The existing $250 fortnightly supplement is due to expire on Dec. 31.

Federal ministers responsible for spending decisions have agreed to reduce and extend the pandemic payments until March 28, The Australian reported on Nov. 10.

This timeline ties the boosted payments to the expiry date for JobKeeper wage subsidies.

The supplement, which was originally paid at $550 per fortnight, will probably be reduced to about $150.

Labor is pushing for the supplement to remain at $250 a fortnight, arguing the lower payment takes it below the poverty line

Opposition social services spokeswoman Linda Burney plans to speak with welfare groups on the government’s announcement, to shape Labor’s view on what a permanent increase should be.

“I’m just astounded they have not announced a permanent increase,” she told ABC radio.

The temporary reprieve will not satisfy welfare organisations, business groups and economists calling for a permanent increase to the dole.

The Australian Council of Social Service is urging the government to not cut the payment at Christmas.

“This would be a cruel and damaging mistake, hurting people doing it tough, as well as the country’s economic recovery,” ACOSS chief executive Cassandra Goldie said.

Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott agrees on the need for a permanent solution.

“Why shouldn’t unemployed people have the same certainty and predictability, instead of living from three months to three months, and get a decent, adequate allowance that allows them to live with dignity?”

More than 1.5 million Australians are on JobSeeker and other welfare supports.

Once the coronavirus supplement is stripped away altogether, the dole will return to its pre-pandemic rate of $40 a day.

By Daniel McCulloch

Focus News: Unemployed Australians Thrown Another Temporary Lifeline

As California’s Prop. 20 Rejected, Proponent Blames Measure’s Wording

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—A majority of California voters rejected Proposition 20, a measure that would restrict early parole, recategorize crimes, and require DNA collection for some misdemeanors. As of Nov. 9, preliminary results showed 62.2 percent were against it, and 37.8 percent for it. “While this is a disappointing outcome, it should in no way be interpreted as Californians rejecting Prop. 20’s sound public safety policies—after all, at least 4.25 million California voters cast their votes in favor of the initiative,” said Nina Salarno Besselman, president of Crime Victims United, in an email statement to The Epoch Times. “It’s our heartfelt belief that the results have much more to do with many voters being confused by the Attorney General’s poorly worded and misleading election materials—despite our best efforts to correct them…