DOING IT TOUGH IN FAR NORTH IN FAR NORTH
There’s a few tricks to getting by with dignity on the breadline
PETER Reay knows first-hand how tough life can be living on “the absolute minimum” but he has some tips for those trying to scrape by on government payments.
Mr Reay was receiving Newstart — now called JobSeeker — payments before moving on to the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, which helps job seekers establish their own businesses.
The 60-year-old Cairns man first found himself relying on support payments after he was injured, before investing about $4500 in a sustainability business that he had planned to launch in May.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to shelve his business idea and continue to survive largely on government support, maintaining food and shelter became critical.
“As an individual surviving on the base rate, it’s incredibly difficult to move forward in my personal and work lives,” he said. “You’re always behind.
“If I were stuck on just the $565 per fortnight, I’d be really depressed. But I’m fortunate I have a sum of money in my superannuation I can draw on.”
Mr Reay said there were a few tricks to getting by on a small wage in the Far North. He encouraged people to head to Rusty’s Markets between 1pm and 3pm on Sundays.
“You can pick up some pretty good tucker that’s a lot cheaper than usual,” he said.
“Get to know the stallholders and you’ll get a decent amount of food pretty cheaply.
“As far as the basics elsewhere, keep looking out for specials. Also grow your own food as much as you can.”
Mr Reay also said hunting in second-hand shops often led to finding gems and to make the most of co-operative outlets like volunteer-run Community Foods.
Dire economic prospects for many Far North businesses have been compounded after Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk closed the state to NSW and ACT, following her decision to shut the state to Victorians in July.
To weather uncertain times and a looming reduction in JobKeeper and JobSeeker payment amounts from September 28, Financial Counsellors Association of Queensland’s Jon O’Mally urged people to revise their budgets now. “If you have debts, this is the time to communicate with your credit provider,” Mr O’Mally said.
“All creditors have hardship assistance. Essential living expenses always come first before any other payments.
“Do not access payday lending services. They are expensive and will severely impact your budget. Payday lenders offer small amount loans which attract high interest and charges.”
The 26-year counselling veteran said if people could find work, take it on, because JobKeeper was a temporary payment. He also said people could access their superannuation via the government’s early release scheme, maximise the State Government’s energy-saving rebates and talk with their accountants about tax refunds in relation to working from home.
Salvation Army Cairns financial counsellor Amanda Rees said the charity’s Moneycare department wanted people to know “they are not alone and we are here to help”.
“There are many practical things people can do to take control of their finances,” Ms Rees said. “The first step is to look at all expenses and identify which ones are the priorities, such as rent or mortgage, electricity and food.”
Ms Rees encouraged people to be mindful of reducing electricity usage and saving money on food through meal planning, sticking to the shopping list and buying cheaper items.
“Small savings do add up and make a difference,” she said. “Temporarily reducing or pausing non-essential expenses and finding cheaper or free alternatives to high-cost activities can also help.”
She said many charities offered emergency food relief and people could also be eligible for electricity rebates or state government grants.