WORK FOR THE DOLE PLANS REVISED

FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson this morning applauded the Government’s change of heart on requirements for unemployed people to apply for 40 jobs a month to qualify for Centrelink benefits.

Mr Hutchinson said that Federal Employment Minister Eric Abetz had listened to the concerns expressed about the Work for the Dole reforms and acted on them.

“I have lobbied Senator Abetz on behalf of my community because of the concerns expressed to me and Senator Abetz has listened,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.

“The public has been agitating for change on this because of a strong feeling that 40 jobs a month was too much.’’

The Government is committed to helping more job seekers move from welfare to work so as to enjoy the financial and personal benefits that work brings, Mr Hutchinson said.

The Government has released the Request for Tender for Employment Services 2015-20 today.

It will see the number of jobs that unemployed people are required to apply for a month dropped from 40 to 20.

It is one of three key changes that have been made to the employment services tender.

As well as a reduction to 20 job applications a month, the Department of Health will retain the decision-making role on whether a person has a reasonable excuse for missing an appointment with a jobs provider and job agencies will get greater flexibility and more time in applying for government contracts.

Senator Abetz said that the Government had taken on board feedback received during the public consultation process on the reforms.

“The Government has made some changes in response to the feedback including keeping job search at 20 jobs per month for most job seekers and allowing flexibility to tailor requirements to individual circumstances,’’ Senator Abetz said.
Eric Hutchinson Federal Member for Lyons