This graph compares the rates of JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and the Pension with average, median and minimum wages since 1990. It shows how JobSeeker (previously Newstart) was at a similar rate to the pension until the different indexation methods meant the payments started to diverge after 2000.

Note: Figures have been adjusted for inflation.

Sources: ACOSS calculation from Australian Bureau of Statistics (various years), Average weekly earnings, Australia; Services Australia (various years), A guide to Australian government payments; Fair Work Commission (various years), Minimum wage, Australia.