Fairfield’s unemployed are forced to live below the poverty line, with single people under 21 suffering the most, according to figures released last week by the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS).

Those under 21 are on benefits of just $171.60 a week, which is a massive 33 per cent below the official poverty line.

"After paying rent, they have on average, $23 a day to eat, travel, wash, socialise and search for jobs" said Cr Thang Ngo.

Benefits for singles above 21 are not much better at 21 per cent below the poverty line according to ACOSS figures.

"I call on the Howard Government to stop discriminating against the unemployed and especially young people out of work by making all unemployment and age pensions the same" said Cr Ngo.

It’s time we treat the unemployed with compassion instead of forcing them further into poverty".

Cr Ngo is an active campaigner for the rights of society’s underdogs including migrants and the unemployed.

Only last week, Cr Ngo campaigned on behalf of unemployed residents on the issue of perceived discrimination by Christian-run job search agencies.

As a direct result, the Salvation Army’s Employment Plus (one of four Christian-run agencies to win the bulk of the Federal Government’s job search contracts) publicly confirmed their policy of hiring staff based on merit, not on religious beliefs.

ENDS