Will Work For Dole Work?

[icyfroth]

The federal government's planned revival of the work-for-the-dole scheme won't help people into jobs and could take jobs from paid workers, critics say.

But the government says it's more concerned with helping the unemployed learn "soft skills" and getting them job-ready.

Under the coalition's planned work-for-the-dole expansion, Newstart recipients will be forced to complete some tasks which may include rubbish collection, park maintenance and gardening and painting at aged care facilities.

The scheme would be compulsory and anyone who refused would lose their Newstart payment.

"We're looking for ways in which we can create more work-like placements, such as placing jobseekers with organisations (like) local councils, where they could work in a team environment with people on various council activities," Assistant Minister for Employment Luke Hartsuyker told AAP on Monday.

While no date has been fixed, the scheme will be operational in the next financial year.

The government will pay "host" organisations to cover the costs of job requirements like workers compensation, health and safety training or police checks.

The Australian Council of Social Services said it was concerned the scheme would require individuals to work below the minimum wage, based on the Newstart rate of $35 a day.

The Australian Services Union said it could put paid workers out of a job if organisations could get free labour under Newstart.

But Mr Hartsuyker says that won't happen.

The scheme would not displace paid work and paid opportunities, he said.

The opposition has slammed the proposal, saying it could increase the unemployment rate.

Labor MP Andrew Leigh said a Melbourne University study conducted under the Howard government showed the scheme didn't help people into jobs.

"It ended up diverting people from job-search activities into work-for-the-dole activities," he said.

Mr Hartsuyker said the government's focus was on getting people into jobs by teaching them "soft skills".

"It's as simple as turning up to work everyday and being appropriately presented."

Link To Article

I think it's right that ppl should work for the dole. You?

[purple_haize]

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@chuk_77 wrote:

i can not believe the amount of snobbery on this thread.

We are close to being broke as my OH is out of work (no fault of his own) and doesnt want the dole due to the stimga of it. 

Up until I read this thread I thought he was nuts, now i see it.

If you are on the dole you are a drug taking smoking alco....

Some people need to get off their high horse and see the world for what it really is

"go see this suburb, you will understand what Im saying"

We have lived in a low socio-economic area, OH has worked non stop since he was 14 but now he is unable to he is lumped in a dole bludger category? He has an appointment with them on friday just so we can continue to make ends meet.

So thank you to all you judging others without knowing the history of people. you have made sure the stigma of welfare is alive and well

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If you are referring to me and what I said about drugs and drinking, I was talking about my stepson and all the people young ones that he hangs around with, they dont want to work they tell you that, they only want to get the dole, smoke, do drugs and drink........I dont assume that, I know it for a fact.

I mentioned 2 places where I know it happens, one suburb I lived in for over 30yrs, the other suburb my stepson and rellies live in, so I am only saying what it is like in those two places...........was not referring to any other suburb or young ones, only the ones I have seen and know about.

[freakiness]

Do you get on well with your step son?

Has he been a step son for a long time and live with you?

[twinkles**stars]

I know Boronia and Belgrave very well having lived at the foot of the hills for over 30 years. What you see there is no different to any other suburb. You get the good and the bad.

[bella_again]

Chuk, that just sucks being in that position I really feel for you.  I've been there a few times myself where its been difficult to make ends meet. I hope none of my comments upset you 😞  Your OH  like others is one of those people who is very deserving of needing a hand at a very difficult time in their lives.

We all need help sometimes unless we are so lucky that we live a highly privileged life. I think in general  these kinds of schemes can further demean a person especially those who are proud and have worked so hard in the past only to be faced with the horrible decision to have to get income support.

Your OH shouldn't feel bad about needing some help.  Hopefully its short lived and he's back at work in no time at all xxxx

[purple_haize]

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@twinkles**stars wrote:

I know Boronia and Belgrave very well having lived at the foot of the hills for over 30 years. What you see there is no different to any other suburb. You get the good and the bad.

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What I posted is right, Boronia in particular is very bad, Belgrave is not far behind..........Boronia is known as a dump full of druggies, Belgraved isnt as bad...............you dont live in Berlgrave you have no idea what goes on, I have relatives that live and work there and my stepson lives there with all the young ones that DONT want to work.

[twinkles**stars]

Oh! So you don't live there but know more than someone else that knows those areas. Right 🙂

Please provide some evidence to back up your statements 🙂 I have friends living in those areas.....they'd move if it was you say.

[azureline**]

That's pretty sad to read.

Fortunately we are not in a position like that but it can happen to anyone! I also am fortunate to not know any dole bludging drug taking hippies/layabouts etc as described. I don't know anyone who is out of work just now.

My son in law is very qualified and has never been without a job until 7 months ago. It took 6 months for him to find a job. Every day, he filled out applications for jobs and rarely went a week without an interview.

The answers were :overqualified.

Have any of you actually applied for a position recently?

It takes a lot of time and seriously, you have to jump through hoops, nothing like what I remember. It also costs a bit to photocopy/print/prepare and travel.

There are also moves afoot to restrict the disability pension, how will that be for some? You might think you can't work and so might your doctor but assessors have a different view.

[purple_haize]

Twinkle stars,I live further up the mountain not that it is your concern. I have family that lives in Belgrave and nephew who works in the main street, sees everything.

I dont have to provide any proof to you.

I lived and worked in Boronia was there for over 30yrs........

If you dont believe me, I really dont care, as I live in the Dandenongs I do know what goes on around me, you dont live anywhere near the Dandenongs or Boronia for that matter, so how would you know what goes on?

[li.vish]

Hello, everyone. This discussion is getting a little heated. Could we please communicate with a more civil tone. Thanks!

[twinkles**stars]

Like I said I know the areas well...travel through them all the time.