Breadline, the show by welfare recipients for us. This episode first aired on Monday 7 July 2025, live from the 3CR studios in Fitzroy, with presenters Jessica Harrison and Kaitlyn Blythe discussing the Commonwealth ombudsman's investigation into the lawfulness of the Targeted Compliance Framework, and also the struggles of renting on welfare.

The Targeted Compliance Framework is a government policy that punishes welfare recipients for not meeting their 'mutual obligations', forcing welfare recipients to attend unhelpful meetings even if they are sick or in hospital. Here is Ben Eltham's Crikey article that was discussed on-air, 'Could this be the death of Australia's nightmarish welfare system?' Jessica discusses the mysterious 'pauses' that are happening more often in the social security system, and what they could mean. 

Finding stable housing is a constant struggle on the low income of welfare payments like Jobseeker, the DSP and the Age pension. Kaitlyn and Jessica talk about the difficulty of finding a place to call home, the stress of high rents, and how the people you see sleeping rough in your neighbourhood are just the tip of the iceberg. To get involved in housing justice or just to connect with other renters going through a similar struggle, check out the Renters and Housing Union (RAHU).

If you're having problems with Centrelink or want to know more about your welfare rights, you can email an AUWU volunteer at advocacy[@]auwu[dot]org[dot]au. You can also become a volunteer yourself and learn how to help people through AUWU's advocacy line. Find out more here: auwu.org.au

Breadline is recorded and podcasted on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Breadline airs on 3CR 855AM every Monday 6pm-6.30pm and is presented by the Australian Unemployed Workers Union (AUWU).