Rachael believes that one simple change to Centrelink rules could safeguard single mother families, and allow them to lead safe, happy, and fulfilled lives – and we’re all for it!
Read Rachael’s proposal, then leave a comment below!
I’ve been with my partner for two beautiful years, and we’d like to share a home. But as I work only 20 hours casually fortnightly and my partner works full time, I estimate I could lose up to $3,000 a month of my Centrelink if we move in together. That’s because Centrelink assumes that the other person will compensate for my loss of independence.
It makes me feel that single mothers are safest to live their lives not risking the potential downfall of relying on other people and misogynist systems. How can we live safely from this without living apart? It’s really very sad because I feel I could never risk losing control over my life and my children’s stability. All of it is hypotheticals and I think there should be legal advice.
We are safe from systematic financial abuse and could continue to live our lives as we have all worked so hard to rebuild.
Current Problem/Situation
How can single mothers receiving income support safely enter into new relationships when the system makes the assumption that regardless of the security of that relationship, that the other partner will financially compensate for the loss of the single parent’s income support?
This is a grossly misogynistic and dangerous situation for a woman to put herself and children into after typically rebuilding what they had lost from previous relationships and escaping domestic violence.
Impact on Single Mothers
The current system undermines independence and creates financial vulnerability by placing the responsibility on a man to support the family. Ultimately it is the safest option for single parents to live apart from their new partners.
This prevents my current relationship from progressing into sharing a home despite us wanting to. It discourages healthy partnerships where each person has financial freedom and reinforces systemic inequality.
Proposed Idea and Benefits
My idea is simple: remove the partner income assessment from Centrelink calculations. This change would allow single mothers to maintain financial independence while building a life on their own terms – not based on a broken social support criteria that literally amplifies violence and traps woman and children in dangerous circumstances.
Requirements for Implementation
We need policy reform driven by advocacy. That means:
· Raising awareness about how current rules harm single mothers
· Engaging legal experts and social services to support the case for change
· Mobilising voices through petitions, social campaigns, and lobbying policymakers.
Because love should never come at the cost of independence.
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