ONE IN FOUR UNEMPLOYED ‘BREACHED’ IN LAST EIGHT MONTHS
The Democrats today released figures showing that Centrelink breached 30 per cent more people in 2007/8 than in the previous year and called on the Government to investigate as a matter of urgency.
“These figures show a callous disregard for the well being of people out of work,” Senator Allison said.
“Thanks to Welfare to Work rules, one in every four unemployed people lost benefits for a mandatory 8 weeks between July 2007 and March 2008.
“These 170,774 people have been made entirely dependent on charities for survival, are much more likely to become homeless and much less able to find work as a result.
“87,000 were breached for not attending Job Network interviews, suggesting that people are fed up with chasing jobs that don't exist or are totally unsuitable.
“It's also a sign that many of those breached experience mental illness or some other episodic condition that makes turning up to job interviews on a regular basis difficult.
“It is a disgrace that the Government does not 'capture' information that might demonstrate the links between participation failures and those who report a mental illness.
“The unemployed are being treated like criminals. Harassing them is neither useful nor humane.
There were 457,000 unemployed in January 2008 (ABS). The overwhelming majority of breaches are for failing to attend an interview with Job Network Members (86,000), and failing to comply with terms of activity agreement with Job Network Members (31,000).
The information was provided in response to a question on notice asked by Senator Allison of the Department of Human Services in Senate estimates.
“The Howard Government’s deliberate policy of humiliating welfare recipients has accelerated under the Rudd Labor Government.
“Labor should now focus on helping those people who want to work to acquire the necessary skills.
“With unemployment now very low, the challenge is to build skills and provide support for those less able, not punish them for not making the grade,” Senator Allison concluded.
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