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?

[azureline**]

and some who try hard to get in, don't last the distance, some commit suicide. For many it is simply too hard and for a lot of young people, they would lack the commitment?

The home my FIL is in (Qld)  and his previous one (NSW) and the other 2 in our suburb do, they have a roster of volunteers daily. They do the activities morning and afternoon, help with meals and assist with outings, bus trips etc.

[boris1gary]

azure,

Your right it has been tried before, it doesn't work. As you have already posted it will cost paid jobs, of course it will - just like now where employers "hire"' people on a promise and they work for 1 month or 2 FOR FREE just to see how they go, surprise, surprise the time is up, youngster let go and it starts all over again.  The hospitality industry is rife with this kind of thing.

[*crikey*mate*]

---

@the_great_she_elephant wrote:

Isn't it interesting how everyone instantly assumes that unemployed = young dole bludger. 

I doubt whether National Service of cleaning graffiti is going to do much for all those workers who will be  thrown out of work when Holden ceases production, or the machinists who lose their jobs every time a clothing manufacturer goes offshore.

---

I read somewhere that there is a proposal in the wind to offer those affected by Holden's demise to retrain.

That could be a good thing.

I'm all for work for the dole BTW, in my mind, it gives people a purpose each day and keeps them in the "swing of things" ie to get up and get ready for work etc.

I understand it can also be quite depressing for some feeling that they aren't employable. I don't know.

I know that doesn't sound how I meant it, but hopefully people get the drift.

*I don't agree with compulsory national service. Nor do I agree with them being given entirely menial jobs such as "cleaning grafiti and picking up litter".(unless they chose to?) Sure, a rotational stint at these kinds of jobs wouldn't hurt, but not long term. In my mind, the aim would be to reinforfce a person's worth and value to society to continue to encourage them so that they have the confidence to reenter the workforce on a paid basis,

[happyroo_bunji]

How many people here have done Work for the Dole?

[boris1gary]

There was a 1 year learn a trade scheme advertised either last year or the year before army/navy/airforce , that is entirely different than conscription.

[boris1gary]

I haven't myself, i have known a few who have doing menial tasks and it did nothing.

Community service - isn't that what people who committed an offence do instead of maybe going to jail or paying a fine.

Picking up rubbish, cleaning parks, painting aged care facilities mentioned in the op are currently all done by paid labour by the way.

[lloydslights]

Unfortunately, some of the "applicants" for the conscription/nasho would claim bullying when asked to line-up!  And some of them, would you allow them contact with firearms?  Although, some may already have the experience whilst conducting their chemistry-related pastimes.  

Don't forget too, that weekend detention inmates undertake some of the graffiti, roadside cleanup jobs.

Continuing, I think some large corporations, clubs, etc. take on trainees.  And, in return those companies get govt. assistance for the wages  but it is only for a limited period.

Volunteers in a nursing home doing nurses out of a job?  To get the dole, the ex-nurses would return as volunteers? 

It is all very difficult .

DEB

[lyndal1838]

I don't know if things have changed now but years ago the Navy would not take anyone for National Service as they could not train people in the time they would be enlisted.  The minimum enlistment time was 9 years and the Navy Reserve was entirely composed of ex serving members.....no part timers like the Army Reserve who could train while doing a regular day job.

I would say it is still the same for the Navy and probably the Air Force too.

[freshwater-2]

Correct me if I am wrong.....I thought that one of the conditions of getting the dole was that they did so many days per week of voluntary community work.  I am the Hon Treasureer of a community organisation and I know some of the volunteers give their time (and skills) on this basis.  I keep records of their hours/days in case Centrelink needs them. 

One thing that worries me about the proposed scheme  The interviewee said tonight on tv that the work for the dolers will replace paid workers in that job.   Huh?  So, where do the paid workers go?  On the dole?  Sounds to me that it is all about cutting costs, not finiding jobs.

I would appreciate anyone who can clarify this for me.

[happyroo_bunji]

---

@freshwaterbeach wrote:

Correct me if I am wrong.....I thought that one of the conditions of getting the dole was that they did so many days per week of voluntary community work.  I am the Hon Treasureer of a community organisation and I know some of the volunteers give their time (and skills) on this basis.  I keep records of their hours/days in case Centrelink needs them. 

---

Voluntary work no longer counts for me, I don't know if that is just for my case or for everyone. I get minimal dole now days due to my part time work.

If its for everyone I can see it being a huge disincentive to encourage people to volunteer