As debate about raising Newstart rages, figures reveals there’s now fewer recipients

The number of Australians receiving unemployment benefits has decreased by five per cent in the past year, according to government figures.

photo of Centrelink signage at the Yarra branch in Melbourne. Source: AAP

The number of Australians receiving unemployment benefits has decreased by more than 42,000, or five per cent, in the past year.

Within that figure are more than 8000 young people who have moved into full-time work or study after receiving Youth Allowance payments, new figures show.

Social Services Minister Anne Ruston told reporters in Adelaide on Sunday the creation of jobs and new employment pathways had resulted in the reduction of Newstart recipients.

You can read the full version of this story in English on SBS News here.