Moves to extend work for the dole

By Marina Cameron

Legislation to establish new work for the dole schemes was introduced into federal parliament on March 19, amidst news that unemployment figures for February had jumped to 8.8%, while youth unemployment remained at 28%.

To begin in September, the schemes target long-term young unemployed. However, because the legislation doesn't specify limits on the age or the length of unemployment of participants, working for the dole could be extended to all unemployed.

The government also announced on March 20 that people who work at least 20 hours a week will now be defined as full-time employees. Twenty hours is roughly the amount of time that job seekers can work before losing their dole -- "real" jobs are now defined as those that earn just enough to get people off the dole.

Employment minister Amanda Vanstone defended the decision, saying, "A real job is one that is not funded by the government for the purposes of artificially removing people from the dole queue".

Labor, the Democrats and Greens say they will all vote for the work for the dole legislation, but will seek amendments to it.

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