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View All NewsAustralia – New jobseeker benefits scheme met with criticism
Out of work Australians will be forced to work more for their benefits, under tough new Government measures designed to get the nation's unemployed back to work, reports the Daily Mail.
The Federal Government will introduce the AUD 5.1 billion (USD 4.8 billion) job placement scheme from 1 July 2015, which will make it mandatory for all Australians under 50, unless they are working part time or undertaking approved training, to look for work.
Australians under 30 will be required to do the heaviest lifting in order to keep their unemployment benefits. Those in the youngest working age bracket will be asked to work a minimum of 25 hours community service a week and apply for at least 40 jobs a month.
Australians aged between 30 and 49 will be required to contribute 15 hours of weekly community service and those 50-60 will need to do 15 hours a week of an approved activity. Those older than 60 will not have to do an approved activity but are encouraged to volunteer if they opt to claim under the Work for the Dole scheme.
Assistant Employment Minister Luke Hartsuyker commented: “[It is] most important that jobseekers look for work. A jobseeker's primary responsibility is searching for that all important job.”
Most of the new arrangements will be put in place without introducing new legislation, however some elements of the benefits package will require new laws.
Mr Hartsuyker said he will negotiate with Government cross benchers to ensure that the package implemented is: “For the benefit of jobseekers and employers and to improve employment outcomes for people looking for work. Work for the Dole has the ability to impart on jobseekers the important skills to assist them in the workforce.”
He explained that many employers are finding that job applicants are applying for roles without even basic skills: “Simple skills such as turning up on time, being appropriately presented, being able to get on with work mates ... Work for the Dole has the ability to impart those very skills.”
As part of the reforms, all jobseekers will be encouraged to look outside of their immediate area for work and take advantage of funding that supports moving to take up a new job.
The opposition Labour Party has accused the Government of tearing apart the principles of the mutual obligation system. The new arrangements, it claims, will mean jobseekers under the age of 30 will receive no welfare for six months but still be required to door knock for jobs.
Opposition Employment spokesman Brendan O'Connor said that he supported the idea of removing red tape for job service providers, but only if it was done properly in consultation with industry.