July 30 2019
Newstart allowance not enough to live on: agencies   :(
illawarra Mercury


Illawarra agencies have joined national calls for the government to increase the Newstart Allowance, saying it's "impossible" for many to survive on the benefit.

The unemployment benefit hasn't risen beyond inflation since the mid-1990s.

The payment is $555.70 a fortnight for a single person without children, or $40 a day. The fortnightly allowance for a single person with a dependent child or children is $601.10.

Mandy Booker is manager of Wollongong Emergency Family Housing and the Wollongong Homeless Hub.



Ms Booker said a high proportion of their clients were on Newstart payments, with over-50s the main age group that are struggling and falling between the Newstart gap.

She said it was "near impossible" for clients to survive on Newstart, which she said doesn't even cover basic needs in terms of housing and food.

"People are being left with $30 to actually be able to support themselves for looking for work, (and) getting into accommodation," she said.

"If they've got even what is a normal rent in the Illawarra, then they're left with $30 a week to live off, which is not sustainable.

"People are having to make the choice to purchase their medication or buy food for the day.

"It needs to be looked at being raised if we want to make an impact in supporting people getting into long-term housing, or also being able to go into employment."

Earlier this year, Berkeley single mother Brianna Muir told the Mercuryshe is left with about $160 per week to cover all other life expenses, after her rent is paid.

While grateful for receiving Newstart, the Family Tax Benefit and Rent Assistance, the reality is, the bulk of that is spent on rent.

"They haven't put it up since Kurt Cobain died, and the price of everything has gone up," Ms Muir said.

"Politicians have no idea what it's like."   :(

Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has said his own struggles to make ends meet on a $200,000-plus parliamentary salary inspired him to break ranks and call for a rise in welfare payments for job-seekers.

Ms Booker welcomed "anybody to come and work in a service like ours and walk in the shoes of our clients on a daily basis".

"There needs to be a bipartisan approach to actually looking at people's welfare payments, and the barriers that is creates from them getting into jobs and long-term housing, and the effects it has on their overall well-being," she said.

Narelle Clay, CEO of Southern Youth and Family Services said it was "impossible to live on that amount of money", especially as some Newstart recipients remained on the benefit for long periods.

Ms Clay said the casualisation of the workforce was a contributing factor to many of these issues.

"The people we see, the young people are already experiencing not being able to get a full-time, permanent, secure job anyway, and are surviving on just casual work or Newstart for quite long periods," she said.

"It's not remotely enough to be able to pay for the rent, and then also cover food, electricity and travel costs to go and look for work.

"It's really awful, and these people are experiencing extreme poverty. It's really quite unacceptable in this country."   :(

The Australian Council of Social Service's 'Raise the Rate' campaign is calling on the federal government to lift the single rate of Newstart, Youth Allowance and other related payments by at least $75 per week, and index allowances to wages.


CALL FOR ASSISTANCE: Illawarra agencies have joined national calls for the government to increase the Newstart Allowance. The Newstart unemployment benefit hasn't risen beyond inflation since the mid-1990s.

The government has refused to consider an increase to Newstart beyond twice annual adjustments in line with inflation.   :(

An ACOSS survey of 489 people on Newstart or Youth Allowance found more than four-out-of-five respondents skipped meals to save money, and about 44 per cent went without more than five meals a week.

Labor and the Greens have joined forces to initiate a Senate inquiry into the adequacy of Newstart and other welfare payments, which is due to report back next year.

I'd like to see all the pollys forced to live on Newstart
for 2 months.

There is always UBER.

juliar wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 8:43am:

There is always UBER.

Spoken like a true Liberal - clueless and ignorant.

How the fkkk is anyone on Newstart able to buy a NEW CAR to meet UBER's requirements for late-model vehicles? Not everyone has RICH PARENTS.

Bobby. wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 6:58am:

I'd like to see all the pollys forced to live on Newstart for 2 months.

Make it a year - with all the obligations.

Don't worry I am sure ScoMo has something up his sleeve (his arm ?) and will pull a rabbit out of his hat once he scores a surplus with the Budget.

But where is the money coming from ?

Should ScoMo steal pensioners and retirees incomes like Labor planned to do ? And bring back a Carbon Tax and a Death Tax and... ?

New Start Allowance is not supposed to be enough to "live on", it is supposed to be a TEMPORARY allowance until you FIND A JOB!

Bam wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 10:16am:

Bobby. wrote on Jul 31st, 2019 at 6:58am: I'd like to see all the pollys forced to live on Newstart for 2 months. Make it a year - with all the obligations.

Yes and make Juliar live on it too.

AaronCRescue wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 6:52pm:

New Start Allowance is not supposed to be enough to "live on", it is supposed to be a TEMPORARY allowance until you FIND A JOB!

Unemployment wasn't meant to be PERMANENTLY stuck at EXTREMELY HIGH levels either, yet here we are.

Get unemployment down to 1%, and then we can talk about "temporary" allowances.

Mrs Cash said on 2GB that people just have to move to where the jobs are.

Wonder what people on Newstart eat ?

juliar wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 7:01pm:

Mrs Cash said on 2GB that people just have to move to where the jobs are. Wonder what people on Newstart eat ?

Dear oh dear, whiny bogan Cash is another clueless Coalition muppet who has no clue about the ridiculous amount of red tape heaped onto Australian workers.

Repeal Sections 633 and 634 of the Social Security Act and then unemployed workers won't be bashed so hard by thuggish laws designed to discourage them from relocating to find work.

Bammy is really doing the Lefty deny and lie thing with hot sauce added.

It makes sense to move where the work is.

Bam wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 10:14am:

juliar wrote on Jul 31st, 2019 at 8:43am: There is always UBER. Spoken like a true Liberal - clueless and ignorant. How the fkkk is anyone on Newstart able to buy a NEW CAR to meet UBER's requirements for late-model vehicles? Not everyone has RICH PARENTS.

Quote:

Spoken like a true Liberal - clueless and ignorant.

While this is typically true of all Liberals it isn't the case here.

With this it isn't that they don't know just that they don't care.

juliar wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 7:33pm:

Bammy is really doing the Lefty deny and lie thing with hot sauce added. It makes sense to move where the work is.

But you've gotta clean that spot till it's shiny clean:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPKIQzO5NCc

juliar wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 7:01pm:

Mrs Cash said on 2GB that people just have to move to where the jobs are. Wonder what people on Newstart eat ?

Quote:

Wonder what people on Newstart eat ?

If they ate nasty things like Mrs Cash things would eventually improve.

juliar wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 7:33pm:

Bammy is really doing the Lefty deny and lie thing with hot sauce added. It makes sense to move where the work is.

You do get that there is about a Million less Jobs than people looking for them ?

You understand that for about a Million people there is nowhere they can go right ?

Claiming this as a solution is either nasty and miserable or a sign of incompetence.

In this case likely both.

On 2GB Mrs Cash was detailing where there are jobs.


Cop an earfull here

https://omny.fm/shows/the-alan-jones-breakfast-show/minister-michaelia-cash-on-newstart

juliar wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 8:17pm:

On 2GB Mrs Cash was detailing where there are jobs. Cop an earfull here https://omny.fm/shows/the-alan-jones-breakfast-show/minister-michaelia-cash-on-newstart

Pass

Listening to two idiots is not good for you.

A million jobs in Kalgoorlie - right.

As a supplement to reduce the exhaust rate of one's saving, sure it can be temporarily low.  But to keep the rate low over a longer term (which some people are), well eventually those savings are gone and then it isn't enough.

Politicians are struggling on $200,000 a year plus, plus, plus. They should get the first chop.

They might be forced to downgrade their champagne from imported French to domestic.

Politicians have hungry families too. Kobe beef flown in by air strains their budget.

Why do Lefties immediately refuse to listen to TRUTH and go straight into deny and lie routines ?

Just think how much worse things would be by now if Labor had gotten in and RESTARTED the BOATS and released about a 1000 Illegal Invaders into Australia all taking jobs from Australians.

When will Lefties realize their dream of ENDLESS WELFARE for ALL for EVER is just a silly Socialist dream promoted by Labor and GetUp! and the Greenies ?

juliar wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 10:02pm:

Why do Lefties immediately refuse to listen to TRUTH and go straight into deny and lie routines ? Just think how much worse things would be by now if Labor had gotten in and RESTARTED the BOATS and released about a 1000 Illegal Invaders into Australia all taking jobs from Australians. When will Lefties realize their dream of ENDLESS WELFARE for ALL for EVER is just a silly Socialist dream promoted by Labor and GetUp! and the Greenies ?

Don't smoke dope. It is messing with your mind.

Is Bammy speaking from experience ?

Then anyone who would have voted for the chaotic Labor brothel would need to be a bit unsteady.

Move to where the jobs are if you are unable to compete for work where you are.

juliar wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 10:52pm:

Is Bammy speaking from experience ? Then anyone who would have voted for the chaotic Labor brothel would need to be a bit unsteady. Move to where the jobs are if you are unable to compete for work where you are.

Where is that?

Spot

Sir S, your wish is my command:-


On 2GB Mrs Cash was detailing where there are jobs.


Cop an earfull here

https://omny.fm/shows/the-alan-jones-breakfast-show/minister-michaelia-cash-on-newstart

Everyman and his dog is having a go at ScoMo about the Newstart allowance - when will he give in ?



Go figure, PM: The real ‘extras’ with Newstart cost $8.80 a fortnight
Samantha Maiden 10:45pm, Jul 31, 2019 Updated: 1h ago

https://1v1d1e1lmiki1lgcvx32p49h8fe-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1564575976-Morrison-Centrelink-960x540.jpg
Figures show Scott Morrison wasn't quite telling the truth about the Newstart payments. Photo: Getty

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been accused of peddling porkies after claiming people on the dole secure $130 a fortnight on average in extra payments.

The New Daily asked welfare groups, the Department of Social Services and the Australian National University to crunch the numbers.

The Department’s figures show a majority of people on Newstart – 51 per cent – receive on average just $14 a fortnight extra and no rent assistance.

ANU Associate Professor Ben Phillips said the more accurate figure is the median amount people on Newstart receive from a supplement payment.

The median figure is just $8.80 a fortnight.

The base rate of Newstart is $555 a fortnight or less than $40 a day.

The supplements available to the unemployed include carer’s allowance, the energy supplement, rent assistance, and family tax benefits.

The majority do not secure rent assistance either, but the “99 per cent” who secure an extra payment largely consists of an energy supplement worth a piddling 65 cents a day.

Read the starving rest here

https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2019/07/31/newstart-extras-8-80-a-fortnight/?utm_source=Adestra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning%20News%20-%2020190801

juliar wrote on Aug 1^st, 2019 at 7:59am:

Sir S, your wish is my command:- On 2GB Mrs Cash was detailing where there are jobs. Cop an earfull here https://omny.fm/shows/the-alan-jones-breakfast-show/minister-michaelia-cash-on-newstart

speakers don't work on this computer. Can you please tell me what she said?

BTW if it's fruitpicking everyone knows that's bs.

Spot

juliar wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 10:52pm:

Is Bammy speaking from experience ?

No - your posts though are quite an unhinged mess of incoherent raving delusional nonsense. What drugs are they offering at Lib HQ?

SirS fix your speakers. it is usually only a setting. Are you using Windows 10 64bit on a PC ?

She went on for some time.

Bammy sounds like he is experienced. What an hysterical outburst!!!!  He has taken Shorty's failure very badly.

But bammy you can relax as Australia is in good safe hands.

Bam wrote on Aug 1^st, 2019 at 9:10am:

juliar wrote on Jul 31st, 2019 at 10:52pm: Is Bammy speaking from experience ? No - your posts though are quite an unhinged mess of incoherent raving delusional nonsense. What drugs are they offering at Lib HQ?

I'll drink to that ;)

copy and paste jobs at best. If you challenge it on the topic then it just slurs you !

Scunge the Ignorance Virus is trying to continue her HATE session with me.

See what I mean. Attack the messenger instead of debating the issue because it is incapable of debating any issue. Just a copy and paste jockey.

Silly scunge the Ignorance Virus just cannot stay away from me as I am her HERO now.

juliar wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 10:02pm:

Why do Lefties immediately refuse to listen to TRUTH and go straight into deny and lie routines ? Just think how much worse things would be by now if Labor had gotten in and RESTARTED the BOATS and released about a 1000 Illegal Invaders into Australia all taking jobs from Australians. When will Lefties realize their dream of ENDLESS WELFARE for ALL for EVER is just a silly Socialist dream promoted by Labor and GetUp! and the Greenies ?

Did you know that a survey in the '80s concluded that around 70% of Americans, when asked, "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need', thought it was part of the US constitution?

Whereas it is actually the Marxist slogan.

Why did they think that? Because it sounds like the right and just system to have and so therefore must have been in the constitution.

wombatwoody wrote on Aug 1^st, 2019 at 11:05am:

juliar wrote on Jul 31st, 2019 at 10:02pm: Why do Lefties immediately refuse to listen to TRUTH and go straight into deny and lie routines ? Just think how much worse things would be by now if Labor had gotten in and RESTARTED the BOATS and released about a 1000 Illegal Invaders into Australia all taking jobs from Australians. When will Lefties realize their dream of ENDLESS WELFARE for ALL for EVER is just a silly Socialist dream promoted by Labor and GetUp! and the Greenies ? Did you know that a survey in the '80s concluded that around 70% of Americans, when asked, "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need', thought it was part of the US constitution? Whereas it is actually the Marxist slogan. Why did they think that? Because it sounds like the right and just system to have and so therefore must have been in the constitution.

It's a good theory - it's always the nuts and bolts that let it down...

As for 'boat people' - none has yet turned out to be a terrorist or a sleeper, all are heavily vetted far more than immigration applicants, and most turn out to be very positive Australian citizens.. more than immigrants do percentage-wise.

I'm reminded of a young Commando in Afghanistan - Vietnamese boat people parents - he was there because he felt he should give something back to the nation that allowed his family to live in first world conditions and prosper without fear and civil war every damned day.  8-)

Grappler Truth Teller Feller wrote on Aug 1^st, 2019 at 12:05pm:

I'm reminded of a young Commando in Afghanistan - Vietnamese boat people parents - he was there because he felt he should give something back to the nation that allowed his family to live in first world conditions and prosper without fear and civil war every damned day.

"Giving back" by killing other people. It seems like what he ran away from in the first instance.

Are all Labor's Illegal Invaders now on NewStart or a pension ?

wombatwoody wrote on Aug 1^st, 2019 at 11:05am:

juliar wrote on Jul 31st, 2019 at 10:02pm: Why do Lefties immediately refuse to listen to TRUTH and go straight into deny and lie routines ? Just think how much worse things would be by now if Labor had gotten in and RESTARTED the BOATS and released about a 1000 Illegal Invaders into Australia all taking jobs from Australians. When will Lefties realize their dream of ENDLESS WELFARE for ALL for EVER is just a silly Socialist dream promoted by Labor and GetUp! and the Greenies ? Did you know that a survey in the '80s concluded that around 70% of Americans, when asked, "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need', thought it was part of the US constitution? Whereas it is actually the Marxist slogan. Why did they think that? Because it sounds like the right and just system to have and so therefore must have been in the constitution.

Karl Marx had a lot of good ideas. Abraham Lincoln was a fan of his writings and they exchanged letters.

More here.

You would think Bammy is on NewStart the way he carries on about it.

But then things is pretty crook over in backward bankrupt WA.

Grappler Truth Teller Feller wrote on Aug 1^st, 2019 at 12:05pm:

It's a good theory - it's always the nuts and bolts that let it down...

Which is another way of saying it's never allowed to get off the ground. Whenever a popularly backed leader tries to implement policies to lift the majority out of poverty, disease and illiteracy and create a more just society then the robber barons and their allies quickly arrange a CIA-backed coup, an assassination or a plane crash to remove them. Just look at what happened to Sukharno, Mossadeqq, Allende, Torrijos, etc.

Bam wrote on Aug 1^st, 2019 at 6:25pm:

Karl Marx had a lot of good ideas. Abraham Lincoln was a fan of his writings and they exchanged letters. More here

Interesting, thanks.

juliar wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 10:02pm:

Why do Lefties immediately refuse to listen to TRUTH and go straight into deny and lie routines ? Just think how much worse things would be by now if Labor had gotten in and RESTARTED the BOATS and released about a 1000 Illegal Invaders into Australia all taking jobs from Australians. When will Lefties realize their dream of ENDLESS WELFARE for ALL for EVER is just a silly Socialist dream promoted by Labor and GetUp! and the Greenies ?

Why do righties think that dishonest garbage is the truth and then go on to fantasise about boats?

Dnarever wrote on Aug 1^st, 2019 at 9:57pm:

juliar wrote on Jul 31st, 2019 at 10:02pm: Why do Lefties immediately refuse to listen to TRUTH and go straight into deny and lie routines ? Just think how much worse things would be by now if Labor had gotten in and RESTARTED the BOATS and released about a 1000 Illegal Invaders into Australia all taking jobs from Australians. When will Lefties realize their dream of ENDLESS WELFARE for ALL for EVER is just a silly Socialist dream promoted by Labor and GetUp! and the Greenies ? Why do righties think that dishonest garbage is the truth and then go on to fantasise about boats?

Rightards want to make people ignore the record number of country-shopping plane people that have arrived on the Coalition's watch.

juliar wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 10:02pm:

Just think how much worse things would be by now if Labor had gotten in and RESTARTED the BOATS and released about a 1000 Illegal Invaders into Australia all taking jobs from Australians.

The coalition have released more than 60,000 illegal immigrants into Australia, and they all came by plane.

How is 1,000 worse than 60,000?

I'm curious.

Gweggy is still waffling on wrongly about legal immigrants coming by plane and passing the airport security check.

Gweggy are you on Newstart ?

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2019 at 10:05am:

juliar wrote on Jul 31st, 2019 at 10:02pm: Just think how much worse things would be by now if Labor had gotten in and RESTARTED the BOATS and released about a 1000 Illegal Invaders into Australia all taking jobs from Australians. The coalition have released more than 60,000 illegal immigrants into Australia, and they all came by plane. How is 1,000 worse than 60,000? I'm curious.

60,000 is more than 1,000 isn't it, juliar?

Year nine maths, innit?

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2019 at 10:19am:

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 2nd, 2019 at 10:05am: juliar wrote on Jul 31st, 2019 at 10:02pm: Just think how much worse things would be by now if Labor had gotten in and RESTARTED the BOATS and released about a 1000 Illegal Invaders into Australia all taking jobs from Australians. The coalition have released more than 60,000 illegal immigrants into Australia, and they all came by plane. How is 1,000 worse than 60,000? I'm curious. 60,000 is more than 1,000 isn't it, juliar? Year nine maths, innit?

juliar can't count past 10 with his fly closed.

Bam wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2019 at 10:20am:

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 2nd, 2019 at 10:19am: greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 2nd, 2019 at 10:05am: juliar wrote on Jul 31st, 2019 at 10:02pm: Just think how much worse things would be by now if Labor had gotten in and RESTARTED the BOATS and released about a 1000 Illegal Invaders into Australia all taking jobs from Australians. The coalition have released more than 60,000 illegal immigrants into Australia, and they all came by plane. How is 1,000 worse than 60,000? I'm curious. 60,000 is more than 1,000 isn't it, juliar? Year nine maths, innit? juliar can't count past 10 with his fly closed.

And only up to 10¼ when it's open.

If politicians are saying $200,000+ is not enough to live on where should we set Newstart?

Poor Gweggy the OFF TOPIC SPAM VIRUS from WA's rusted out mind that has seen better days cannot distinguish between Labor's country shopping Illegal Invaders and the genuine migrants coming by air and having to pass airport security checks.

There is a big difference.

Now Gweggy will trot out some Labor slogans from 50 years ago.

Gweggy are you on Newstart ?

Newstart is only to help people transition from one job to another. It is NOT a total life sustenance program.

https://i.postimg.cc/fLQ4JDWY/shorty-o.jpg
Bitter and twisted Shorty is inspired by Newstart to have a new start with Albo in his sights.

A new start for Newstart.  Are they thinking of poor Gweggy ?




Newstart debate: Seniors groups push for increased ‘grey pay’ to combat job decline
Samantha Maiden 11:30pm, Jul 29, 2019 Updated: 11:40pm, Jul 29

https://1v1d1e1lmiki1lgcvx32p49h8fe-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1564402429-centrelink-age-960x540.jpg
Seniors groups want to make up for the decreased employment chances. Photo: Getty

Seniors groups are urging the Morrison government to consider boosting the dole payments for mature-age workers to reflect the fact many over-55s have little chance of ever securing another job.

The “grey pay” plan to boost the $555-a-fortnight allowance was backed on Monday night by former Nationals Senator John ‘Wacka’ Williams, who said the dole should be paid on a sliding scale.

Mr Williams told The New Daily older unemployed workers deserved a better deal as the age of qualification for the pension increased to 66.

“As you get older, it’s harder to get another job,” Mr Williams said.

“It might be that you pay over-55s $320 a week and pay younger workers less. The taxpayers of this country don’t owe you a living. But by stepping it, you’re also helping the budget.”

But welfare groups cautioned that rent, food and utilities cost low-income people the same whether they are young or old.

Over-55s are now the largest single age cohort on Newstart, with mature-age workers now comprising the majority of the unemployed.

They are also more likely to stay on Newstart longer.

Read the rest here

https://thenewdaily.com.au/money/2019/07/29/newstart-seniors-pay/?utm_source=Adestra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning%20News%20-%2020190730

The Shovel’s 7 Tips For Living On Newstart

There’s been a lot of talk about increasing the Newstart payment recently. But as the Government has pointed out, there’s really no need. While $40 a day might not sound like much, with these handy hints – compiled with the help of Coalition ministers – you can really make your budget stretch.

1. Get someone else to pay for your interstate travel

Incidental business class travel can really eat into your daily budget. So if things are tight, make sure the taxpayer is footing the bill for your work trips to Canberra or family holidays to the Kimberleys.

2. Self-manage your inheritance fund

If the Royal Commission has taught us anything, it’s that large financial organisations can’t be trusted with our money. By managing your inheritance fund yourself, you’ll save thousands in fees and charges. That’s extra money for everyday basics like electricity or a second-story extension.

3. Claim a living away from home allowance on your spouse’s property

Getting $270 to stay in your spouse’s house may not seem like much, but over time it can really add up. After ten years you’ll have close to a million dollars – not enough for that extra holiday house you had your eye on perhaps, but a great way to fund the wine cellar you’ve always wanted.

4. Shift your share portfolio offshore

It’s amazing how many people on Newstart still have their share funds and shelf companies based in Australia. Be smart and shift your assets to an offshore haven where your tax liability will be lower. With the extra funds, you might even have enough to take the kids to the movies or Disneyland. 

5. Get a driver

Running a car is often one of the most expensive items for cash-strapped households. So you’d be a dill not to use a taxpayer-funded Comcar instead. All that money you used to spend on registration, petrol, insurance and servicing can now go into putting food on the table at your favourite hatted restaurant. 

6. Look for cheap rent

Then avoid it. When you’re scraping by on $280 a week, it’s important to get the highest rents possible for your property portfolio. As a guide, a three-bedroom investment property in Potts Point should net at least $1800 a fortnight. Not complaining now are we?

7. Cut down on little luxuries

Do you really need that second coffee or bottle of ’98 Hill of Grace? By switching to a slightly younger vintage, you can save hundreds of dollars a week. It may not sound like much, but it could be the difference between a new swimming pool and a new swimming pool with in-built lights.


http://www.theshovel.com.au/2019/07/30/the-shovels-7-tips-for-living-on-newstart/?wp-nocache=true&fbclid=IwAR0dzcf39Z7_cIaGKZAmP-79419MtLdKt2G4Mx8ZSqaxXeQvv-AFJTfJnDE

Watch out, Mothra.

When Greg posted something from The Shovel last week (complete with link as you've done) judging by the replies he received it looked like most of them believed it was fact and not satire. :)

Mind you, there is certainly more than a grain of truth to all that seeing as it is having a (well deserved) go at our politicians.

Carl D wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2019 at 6:19pm:

When Greg posted something from The Shovel last week (complete with link as you've done) judging by the replies he received it looked like most of them believed it was fact and not satire. :)

That's the fun part ...  ;)

More OFF TOPIC SPAM from the OFF TOPIC SPAM VIRUS from WA - Gweggy.

But back to relevance.

Dole Bludging Lefties do not want to work as they believe in their ENTITLEMENTS as their Greeny teacher told them to.




Government program to send Newstart recipients to farms branded a complete failure
Cait Kelly 10:31pm, Aug 4, 2019 Updated: 10:27pm, Aug 4

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The $27.5 million Seasonal Work Incentives Trial stopped in July. Photo: AAP

A program to encourage Newstart recipients to fill the shortage of pickers and packers on Australian farms has been branded a failure by industry groups.

Australia’s farming industry has been plagued by a lack of workers –  particularly domestic ones – for years.

So it’s not surprising that as a discussion about Newstart and ‘dole bludger’ syndrome flares, some people start calling for recipients to get their hands dirty.

Last year it went all the way to the top, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison telling those on Newstart to pick fruit or lose their payments.

“While we’re tackling the labour shortage, this also ensures job seekers on taxpayer support have no excuse to refuse opportunities,” he said.

But for the past two years, a government program to plug the farming hole with people on Newstart has been quietly running in the background.

https://1v1d1e1lmiki1lgcvx32p49h8fe-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1564563387-20190704001407394195-original.jpg
The $27.5 million program stopped taking participants from July. Photo: AAP

The Seasonal Work Incentives Trial allowed people on Newstart to earn up to $5000 a year from farm work without it affecting their payments.

The program was designed to offer 7600 places in total.

However, it stopped taking participants last month, after only finding places for 478 people.

Those people, some of whom are still working on farms, represent just 6.29 per cent of the government’s initial goal.

Despite having funding for several thousand participants, government employment providers managed to only create 669 potential positions, in an industry plagued by an employment crisis.

More than 40 per cent of growers report not being able to recruit sufficient pickers, packers and graders at some point in the past five years, according to a national survey of vegetable growers conducted by the University of Adelaide earlier this year.

The program was demanded by Centre Alliance in exchange for the federal government’s controversial backpacker tax, and influential industry groups are now labelling it a complete failure.

https://1v1d1e1lmiki1lgcvx32p49h8fe-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1564564854-GettyImages-636666050.jpg
The program was meant to offer 7600 places. Photo: AAP

National Farmers Federation president Tony Mahar said the group was supportive of the initiative, but it just did not work.

“It wasn’t targeted at the right areas,” Mr Mahar said.

“It wasn’t enough of an incentive. We’ve got to have incentives. It was a good try but it didn’t solve any of the problems.”

While many on payments filled the available places, the Australian Unemployed Workers’ Union spokesman Jeremy Poxon said it was not as simple as allocating people to farms.

“Mainly poor workers, unemployed workers, people without resources to be able to leave [their] home, travelling out to these sites, especially, is not feasible,” he told The New Daily.

“If it’s contract work you know it’s not going to last very long anyway.”

People may not have all-weather gear, suitable shoes or the ability to leave their homes, he said.

“Without putting in support, you’re setting them up to fail – and not just people on Newstart but these rural communities too.”

The labour crisis
Now influential lobbying groups are calling on the government to create a dedicated agricultural visa to fix the growing labour crisis in the industry.

Mr Mahar said the industry relied on backpackers, as well as migrants from the Pacific Islands.

“While the backpacker visa is designed for cultural exchange, they’re coming here for a working holiday,” he said.

“Same with the seasonal workers, that’s almost an aid program. They work and take the money back to their country. It’s not designed to address the specific needs.”

The shortage is having disastrous effects on the industry, with many growers leaving fruit on the trees, or planting less, Mr Mahar said.

“It’s just like spraying fertiliser. If there wasn’t as much fertiliser, they wouldn’t spray as much. They’re not going to plant if they’re not going to harvest their crops,” he said.

Rampant exploitation
The industry is also grappling with a crisis around the treatment of migrant workers.

Joanna Howe, associate professor in law at the University of Adelaide who wrote a report on migrants within the horticulture sector earlier this year, said she spoke to people who were paid as little as $1 an hour during her research.

“We had almost universal stories of underpayment. The worst was $1 an hour, but between $3 to $5 an hour was normal.”

Not only are they underpaid, but the conditions are often horrible, she said.

Bit more here

https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2019/08/04/newstart-farm-government-program/

mothra wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2019 at 6:21pm:

Carl D wrote on Aug 2nd, 2019 at 6:19pm: When Greg posted something from The Shovel last week (complete with link as you've done) judging by the replies he received it looked like most of them believed it was fact and not satire. :) That's the fun part ...  ;)

It sure is   :)

Bobby. wrote on Jul 31^st, 2019 at 6:58am:

I'd like to see all the pollys forced to live on Newstart for 2 months.

....they'd do it easily

juliar wrote on Aug 5^th, 2019 at 9:30am:

More OFF TOPIC SPAM from the OFF TOPIC SPAM VIRUS from WA - Gweggy.

You know, I keep imagining an alternate universe where Labor won this year's Federal Election and their OzPolitic forum hasn't seen juliar since May 18th.

Like in our universe where we haven't seen '56 44' since the election.

We were born in the wrong universe, obviously.  :(

Carl D. secretly believes that Labor won.

Lots of Lefties fantasize like this as they enter their Centrelink sanctuary.

But they need not worry as Australia is in good safe hands.

PTSD

They've probably using that as an excuse to get off the dole and onto disability

Laugh till you cry wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2019 at 12:17pm:

If politicians are saying $200,000+ is not enough to live on where should we set Newstart?

Stay on the Light side of the force, son - you do much better...

juliar wrote on Aug 5^th, 2019 at 9:30am:

Government program to send Newstart recipients to farms branded a complete failure

Of course it's a failure. It costs money to relocate, something that isn't available if you've got nothing.

Furthermore, few are willing to do farm work with all the red tape, compliance and stiff penalties for attempting to take up farm work. Repealing sections 633 and 634 of the Social Security Act is needed, as a part of a general clean out of about 600 unnecessary and burdensome sections of that Act.

There are many "job snobs" out there who would, apparently, rather be on the dole, rather than apply for a job "below them".


Quote:

Jobseekers are actively snubbing work opportunities, with thousands of Australian businesses saying they are struggling to recruit new staff, forcing them to extend hours for existing employees and putting profits and services at risk. Research by the Department of Employment showed almost one in two employers was finding it difficult to hire workers, with prospective employees expressing a “lack of interest”, not being interested in the “occupation or work conditions” and presenting with inadequate qualifications. Almost 60 per cent of employers recruiting for lower skilled positions were experiencing difficulty hiring new workers, with recruitment difficulty being recorded across all states and territories, occupation groups and 31 out of 33 regional areas.

STOP whining about how much the DOLE is ... get on your bike and get a JOB.  Forget how much you "used to earn" ... anything is better than sitting on your arse, accepting taxpayer funds, and whining on forums.

Good Luck.

The fundamental problem is that Lefties taught self entitlement by Greeny teachers in school do not want to work as that violates their sense of self entitlement.

There are quite a lot of jobs available but these dole bludgers refuse to take them.

NewStart was never meant to be a life sustenance but just an assistance during job transition

UBER is crying out for suckers err drivers to work with them.

Rose Grower wrote on Aug 5^th, 2019 at 4:56pm:

There are many "job snobs" out there who would, apparently, rather be on the dole, rather than apply for a job "below them".

The only job snobs in this country are employers who think it's beneath them to hire unemployed workers. That's the majority of Australian employers.

Bammy's sarcasm flourishes.

Employers interviewed have said they can't fill jobs and the dole bludgers who show up as required by Newstart just stuff about and go away because they do not want to work because their Greeny teacher at school told them that their self entitlement means they should be looked after

Why do you think there are so many Asians employed in shops ? Because they like to work.

Bam wrote on Aug 5^th, 2019 at 5:07pm:

Rose Grower wrote on Aug 5th, 2019 at 4:56pm: There are many "job snobs" out there who would, apparently, rather be on the dole, rather than apply for a job "below them". The only job snobs in this country are employers who think it's beneath them to hire unemployed workers. That's the majority of Australian employers.

Are YOU on the DOLE?

Are you waiting for a JOB to turn up?  It has nothing to do with AGE it has to do with ATTITUDE.

Try for ANY job what pays more than the DOLE. If your are so smart, in a year you will become The Manager.

Is Bammy on the dole ?