Anti-poverty campaigners say despite increases to government benefits, families will still be trapped in poverty as the cost of living skyrockets.
The second of two benefit increases comes into effect on Friday, giving some households up to an extra $55 a week.
But advocacy groups say the country's poorest families are still facing big budget shortfalls.
Carmel Sepuloni says the changes are in line with what the Welfare Expert Advisory Group recommended, and will lift up to 33,000 children out of poverty.
Jean Edwards reports.
