Working for the dole – Will it work?

There is three ways of looking at the Work for the Dole scheme being brought in by the Government, and I guess it is often how it affects the individual as to how that affect is judged. But we want to know how you are looking at it today.

You might be looking at it as a detested new piece of policy designed to make the lives of those who are finding it hard to get a job, even harder.  And for some, this is certainly the case.  You might also look at it as a piece of legislation that is trying to remove lack of productivity and wasted resources from our national economy as much as possible.  Where it gets blurry is when someone is not unwell enough to get the disability pension, but struggling with their health; or is caring for a loved one who doesn’t quite qualify for a disability or carers pension or is struggling to pick up work due to age-related issues and is trying their hardest to in a very discouraging environment.

I understand all three ways of looking at the policy.    But what I don’t seem to be able to reconcile is why we wouldn’t, as a nation, want to encourage people who can work, to do so, and provide support for them to find a job.  And that is the key in my opinion.  If we really want people to work, then we need to find ways to support them in gaining the skills, experience and motivation to work, rather than just the obligation.

According to reports in The Australian yesterday, the federal government’s expansion of the work for the dole scheme will require almost all jobseekers to work if they are to receive their dole cheque, starting on 1 July 2015.  People aged between 18 and 30 will need to work 25 hours per week, and people aged 15 to 49 will need to work 15 hours per week.  People over 50 will be given the option of participating in the program according to media reports.  The government doesn’t need senate clearance to induct many of the changes, and is expected to do so today.

We’re watching this space knowing that there will be much more information released on these work for the dole programs today by Employment Minister Eric Abetz.

The Greens and the Labour Party have both made strong statements against the scheme today.

Share your thoughts on the work for the dole scheme.  Will it affect you or someone you love?  Will it be something you are opposed to or supportive of?