THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

[aussiefriend]

We have that here too. But we have conditions such as signing up with Job Network Providers and conditions in which they get their benefits. We also have a system that if they are non compliant in what is required of them they are then cut off or suspended in their payments. Also we have a program called "work for the dole" in which after a person is unemployed after a period of time they have to go and work somewhere in order to keep them in touch with being out there in the workforce. They might have to do some landscape gardening or work in a charity store something of that nature. There is also a huge push towards training programs such as apprenticeships for young people etc.

We have people here who not only also do not want to work but defraud the system. When they get caught they end of on jail and usually on a current affairs program disgraced.

Social problems such as unemployed needs to be addressed by a balanced informed decision. Not just cutting someone off because thats the rule. There could be family issues all sorts of circumstances that compound any individual situation.

I have worked in the middle east where there is no welfare, no domestic violence shelters, cruelty to animals, no aged care facilities and there are cripples and beggars in the streets. Desperate situations. We are so blessed we don't want to end up like them.

I am for helping people in need. That does not make me right wing.