A week out from the Federal Budget, more than 200 high profile women have signed a joint letter to the PM, urging the government to raise both the Jobseeker and Youth Allowance rate.

They argue neither payment can be described as decent or safe. Australia's Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Anna Cody was a signatory to the letter and says increasing the payment would give women leaving violent relationships more economic security — and is calling for the payment to be the same rate as the pension.

Guest: Dr. Anna Cody, Australia's Sex Discrimination