In the tumultuous wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, my daughter found herself on the front lines, working for a charity dedicated to providing essential aid to those struggling in Australia. As the pandemic struck in 2020, businesses shuttered, and countless individuals found themselves suddenly without work. The government's response was swift: introducing the JobSeeker payment, a financial lifeline that extended well beyond the typical welfare support. This injection of aid became a beacon of hope for those facing financial hardship.

One poignant moment that resonates with me is when my daughter began receiving calls from individuals overwhelmed with emotion—tears of relief flowed freely. These tears weren't borne of despair but rather a profound sense of gratitude. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, these individuals could live with a semblance of normalcy. They could afford groceries, buy essential clothing, address pressing health concerns like dental issues, and provide for their families without the weight of constant financial worry. It was a brief period where poverty statistics actually saw a decline despite the staggering rise in unemployment.

However, as the pandemic's urgency lessened, so did the supplementary aid. The stark reality returned for many. They found themselves plunged back into the harsh cycle of financial insecurity, struggling to make ends meet once more. The reversion to the stringent requirements of the welfare system inflicted not just financial strain but also deeply affected the mental health and overall productivity of those grappling to navigate these systems.

This rollercoaster of financial support and subsequent withdrawal highlighted a crucial point: the dire need for a more sustainable, compassionate system. The concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) surfaced as a potential remedy. UBI would ensure every individual's basic needs are met without the bureaucratic red tape, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—nurturing their families and contributing positively to their communities.

The implementation of UBI holds the promise of significantly reducing financial stress, a factor often linked to domestic violence and family breakdown, fostering a more cohesive society by minimizing fear, hate, and anger. The positive impact of such an approach isn't just conjecture; it's backed by the real-world experiences from the pandemic and from various UBI pilot programs conducted globally over the last five decades.

Australia, a nation blessed with ample resources, stands poised to make a profound difference in the lives of its residents. By embracing a system that guarantees basic needs, we can create a society where every individual can thrive and contribute without the constant fear of financial instability.

The lesson from the past is clear: it's time to rethink and recalibrate our systems to ensure that no one falls through the gaping cracks of our current welfare system. It's not just about economics; it's about the dignity and well-being of every individual within our society. When we all thrive, the whole of society flourishes.