Opened the debate
McKim moved an amendment to the second reading motion to draw attention to flaws in the Disability Support Pension system. The member argued that the partner income test forces disabled individuals into financial dependency, which can trap them in abusive relationships and discourage marriage. McKim also contended that low payment rates and tightened eligibility criteria push people into poverty and reliance on lower JobSeeker payments. The amendment called on the government to abolish the partner income test and urgently raise income support rates.