Politics · Australia · 1 day ago
Centrelink frustrations help explain support for One Nation in Cowper
A banner reading “Centrelink is evil” has appeared along the Pacific Highway in New South Wales, near Port Macquarie.
It reflects frustration with the difficulty of applying for government support, rather than opposition to welfare payments themselves.
The area is in Cowper, an electorate between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour that a survey found to be among Australia’s least resilient.
Unemployment and poverty there are above average, and people can face complicated forms, long phone waits and fear that their claims will be rejected.
The local Nationals MP has said jobseeker payments are too low.
Nearly 4 million Australians, including 757,000 children, live in poverty, and the story argues that cutting government spending would not solve the problems people face.
One Nation’s promise to reduce spending could affect welfare, but the banner shows how anger with the support system can also feed political discontent.
A banner reading “CENTRELINK IS EVIL” reflects frustration with welfare services in Cowper, where some communities are turning to One Nation.
The electorate, between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, is described as one of Australia’s least resilient communities.
Residents face above-average unemployment, poverty and lower levels of education, while some struggle to secure benefits they are entitled to.
The article says complicated forms, long waits on phone lines and fears of automated decisions add to distrust of the system.
A local National party MP has argued that the jobseeker payment is too low and should be increased.
- Who
- Some residents in Cowper who are frustrated with Centrelink services.
- What
- The article links that frustration to support for One Nation.
- When
- The article was published on 10 October 2026.
- Where
- Cowper, between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.
- Why
- Residents face hardship and frustration with complicated applications, phone delays and concerns about decisions on benefits.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
CENTRELINK IS EVIL
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Electorate
- Cowper, between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour
- Survey assessment
- Described as one of Australia’s least resilient communities
- Poverty
- Nearly 4 million Australians, including 757,000 children, live in poverty
- Local MP
- A National party MP said the jobseeker payment should be increased
- Publication date
- 10 October 2026
Sources
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