Carmel Sepuloni: Deputy Prime Minister on the increase to benefits, minimum wage, and student allowances

Deputy Prime Minister and Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni says increasing benefits doesn't create a culture of welfare dependency. Nearly 1.4 million people were affected when the minimum wage, benefits, student allowances and superannuation all rose yesterday. The minimum wage is now $22.70 an hour, while 8,000 community nurses will have rise of up to 15 percent. Ms Sepuloni says a large number of those affected are super annuitants. "And right now, they really do need the support and I certainly think it is the right thing to do." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.