By NOEL MURPHY
NEW WORK for the dole plans targeting Geelong are a proven failure, according to union and Labor figures.
Trades Hall secretary Tim Gooden said work for the dole failed under Paul Keating and John Howard.
“Our position has always been against it, including under Paul Keating. If there’s real work, if they’re doing real work, they should be paid real wages,” Mr Gooden said.
“They want real jobs and want to be paid real money.”
Mr Gooden argued work for the dole was aimed at “picking up the slack” of cuts to funding for church and community projects.
Northern Futures jobs training program chief Lou Brazier said work for the dole failed to meet the aspirations of the jobless or the skills requirements of employers.
“There are better ways to invest in helping poor people through education and training pathways that lead to real jobs.
“The Government ends up losing money by spending all this money when it doesn’t lead to sustainable jobs – it’s not a way to get youth into the workforce. Evidence shows work for the dole is not a fix.”
Member for Corio Richard Marles said the jobless rate increased the last time the Coalition “tried this trick”.
“This is about the government trying to get a good headline – they aren’t helping a single person into a good, stable job.
“It’s easier for the Coalition to look tough than actually be tough. They don’t have any new ideas or vision to get unemployed people into work, so they’re just rehashing failed policies.”
Liberal Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson said the Government believed “all Australians capable of working should be working”.
“They should be earning, learning or working for the dole,” she said.
“Work for the dole is an important part of the Government’s plan to help young job seekers gain the skills and experience they need to move from welfare to work and make a positive contribution to their local community.
“It keeps job seekers engaged and active plus helps avoid a lifetime of welfare dependency.”
