One of the Coalition’s election promises was to reinstate John Howard’s controversial ‘work for the dole’ program for Newstart recipients.
The Government’s recent announcement that unemployed people will be expected to work for the dole if they wish to continue receiving welfare could have big implications for the local government sector.
Assistant Employment Minister, Luke Hartsuyker, told AM Radio the Government was still working on details and were yet to lock in a start date, but they would like to see unemployed people taking on temporary jobs such as council maintenance work or in aged care facilities.
There have been reports that the Australian Services Union (ASU), which represents local government workers, is concerned the scheme could put workers out of a job.
Mr Hartsuyker says the Government wants to ensure work-for-the-dole does not replace paid employment, but will see ‘work-like’ placements in traditional team environments.
But as Australian Local Government Association President Felicity-ann Lewis has warned, the days where a volunteer could show up on a council work site and pitch in have long gone.
Issues such as workers compensation, insurance, training, occupational health and safety and police checks will all have to be dealt with – all at a cost to councils.
Councillor Lewis said that the ALGA would be keen to receive more details about the Government’s plans.
“A major consideration would be the management of the program and the expectations of councils to provide support in terms of equipment, training, supervision and general resources. Some councils may not be in a position to contribute significantly to the scheme and it would therefore need to be fully funded. This is an example of the detail we would require from the Government.”
Getting long-term unemployed people into work will have positive consequences, such as the development of new skills and experience. Councillor Lewis has acknowledged that generally speaking, many councils would see benefit in giving people the opportunity to contribute, gain experience and skills and build morale.
But questions remain – will the cost of work-for-the-dole outweigh the benefits for local councils? And will work-for-the-dole effectively lead participants to long term employment?
National Head of ASU Public Sector-Local Government, Greg McLean, says it is important the program is project driven, with opportunity for the unemployed to gain skills which lead to long term employment. “Having funding paid to local government to manage and employ at correct rates would be a good start.”
LG Focus would like to hear how your council feels about recruiting unemployed people under a work-for-the-dole scheme, let us know your thoughts at editorial@lgfocus.com.au.
