Where are all this jobs going to appear from? 257 000 of them required for Australia's unemployed youth.
* Young job seekers with parental responsibilites will be exempt (see below)
** If an employer is given a wage subsidy by the Govt, to employ someone for 6 mths, that is a short term fix. Gives the person 6mths work experience but not a permanent job. As soon as the wage subsidy ends the employer, will let them go. The Govt isn't saving money on dole payments there is it? They provided a subsidy for the employer, if any employers are willing to take on these young job seekers.
Young jobseeker reforms
The Government believes that assistance to the unemployed should help them move into employment, rather than encouraging them to remain on welfare.
In order to reach their full potential, all young Australians who can work should be earning, learning or participating in Work for the Dole.
Income support eligibility changes
From 1 January 2015, new jobseekers up to 30 years of age applying for Newstart or Youth Allowance (Other) (YA(O)) will participate in job search and employment services activities which are funded by the Government for six months before receiving the payment.
Current recipients of Newstart and YA(O) up to 30 years of age will also be covered by the same requirements from 1 July 2015.
* Young people who do not have a full capacity to work (i.e. their capacity is less than 30 hours), are in education or training, or have a significant disability will all be exempt from these requirements, as will those with parenting responsibilities.
Recognition for past employment
The waiting period will reduce depending on past employment. Part-time employment would also be recognised on a pro‑rata basis.
After six months, the jobseeker will be required to participate in at least 25 hours per week of Work for the Dole activities and will be eligible to receive income support for six months.
**Employer wage subsidy
If the job seeker is unable to secure employment after six months of Work for the Dole and Newstart or YA(O), a wage subsidy may be available to an employer for six months.
Other assistance
Rather than continue looking for work, job seekers can elect to undertake training or study which may make them eligible for student benefits.
Under 30s:
- Up to 6 month waiting period with job search obligations until qualifying for income support
- Discount for previous employment
- Strengthened activity and job search obligations
- 25 hours per week Work for the Dole
Under 25s:
- No longer eligible for Newstart; may qualify instead for Youth Allowance (Other)
