Why would any young person do this?

[i-need-a-martini]

Work for Abbotts "Green Army" for $10 an hour when the minimum youth wage in Australia is around $18 an hour?

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/abbotts-green-army-ready-to-march-but-its-not-...

[fourandsixpants]

At least it's an improvement on what was offered under a workplace agreement contract during Howards time under WorkChoices. The minimum hourly wage back then was $12/ hour for an adult and some did not get paid at all. I know of one who worked for 13 months and did not get paid anything from their employer and this person had a guarantee attached to their workplace agreement, stamped apparently by the Federal Workplace Ombudsman too.

*wow a whole $10 per hour ........ wonderful isn't it?

ref. less than the Federal Minimum Wage.

actually I think this is probably breaching some IR law somewhere....or could be contested in a court of law....there are several courts of law available.......someone should do some research on this

[channys_mum]

To help them not develop the on the dole mentality.

There may be a few youngsters out there with enough pride to get out and do something, rather than be happy with reporting to centrelink each week for the measley dole. They get to have something constructive to do with their day, and avoid the rut that stay at home centrelink repients often fall into.

Yep I am one of those mean old people that believe in conscription. Not to go to war, that's for the ones that choose to do so, but to learn a trade, self discipline, self worth etc.

[i-need-a-martini]

But it's not meant to be a work for the dole scheme. Abbott is making that very clear.

In fact, I think they may get more on the work for the dole scheme.

I also don't understand why the figure was dropped. When he announced this great scheme as part of his election promise the salary was at minimum rate.

[j*oono]

My son age 20 works for just over $10 an hour as a 2nd year apprentice.  Sadly his tool allowance has now been axed so his nett income will be even less.  He can always apply for a loan for tools now.  Pfft

[cherry*135]

Is it voluntary to sign up.?

I can see a young person who would like to do conservation/environmental work as a career would be interested. They do get aCert ( I or II).

Doing volunteer work in the field of your choice can help get a foot in the door.

[nevynreally]

---

@paintsew007 wrote:

*wow a whole $10 per hour ........ wonderful isn't it?

ref. less than the Federal Minimum Wage.

actually I think this is probably breaching some IR law somewhere....or could be contested in a court of law....there are several courts of law available.......someone should do some research on this

---

Beats getting money for sitting on your butt learning nothing about the real world.

[bella_again]

Was this the scheme that wasn't going to cover the workers with worker cover or super?  I think the fear is that by having lots of young people take on such low paid work that it would then create a consensus for lower wages across Australia.

It's not a lot to live on if you don't have other support networks.  It's not a bad idea for people to gain new skills but I bet there is an agenda behind this that is yet to be revealed.

[fourandsixpants]

err....excuse me. How is going out and chemically spraying blackberry bushes with cancerous causing agents, without all the required (expensive) protective clothing and gear, getting sunburnt, heat exhaustion/stroke, ticks.... beneficial to ANYONE?

Revegetating and replanting native species on previously mined areas and mining leases should be done and paid for by these companies....NOT tax payers- at the Federal Award rates or above.....and all gear paid for by these mining companies.

.................these would be not prime, good examples of 'learning about the world'?

Where are Abbitsmissing daughters in this shot - showing all the young that this sort of BS is not beneath them?

I mean the 3 daughters were good enough for all those campaign pics. Oh wait! Is that Margie in the shot? Bless her voluntary childcare centre wellie boots!...She looks so happy to be there too....

[cherry*135]

"it's an environmental traineeship."

That would cover the lower wage rate.

Not sure if the participants only work in their home area or they travel away to where the projects are.