Jobless New Zealander, 61, not eligible for JobSeeker payment and living out of car since coronavirus hit

Maurie McCluthie’s life started to unravel when she became ill and lost her job as a disability carer.

A family dispute forced her from her home and she drained what was left of her superannuation.

Now she is living out of her car and sleeping on a friend’s couch.

“I never thought I’d be here,” she said.

The 61-year-old turned to Centrelink, but as a New Zealander who arrived in the country after 2001 and who hasn’t lived in Australia continuously for 10 years, she was told she was not eligible for government benefits.

Some New Zealand citizens on special category visas who can prove they’ve lived in Australia continuously for at least 10 years may be able to get a…