Page is one of the areas selected under the Coalition Government’s new Work for the Dole arrangements for young job seekers.
Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan today announced 18 to 30 year olds in the Clarence Valley and Ballina who have been unemployed for twelve months or more and receiving Newstart and/or Youth Allowance (other) will be required to do Work for the Dole in 2014/15.
From July 1 participants will complete around 15 hours per week for six months in a work-like environment.
“In my maiden speech I spoke about how Aussie’s love to ‘have a go’ and the Government’s reinvigorated Work for the Dole programme will give our young people the chance to do just that,” Mr Hogan said.
The Coalition Government firmly believes that all Australians capable of working should be working. They should be earning, learning or Working for the Dole.
Mr Hogan said the program would help young job seekers gain the skills and experience they need to move from welfare to work.
“It will also teach them the importance of teamwork and instil a sense of purpose and engagement with our community, while breaking the cycle of welfare dependency before it starts,” he said.
Mr Hogan said the Government would appoint a Work for the Dole Coordinator for Page with tenders to be called this week
“These Coordinators will have the job of identifying local organisations willing to host a Work for the Dole place, and connecting those organisations with employment-service providers in the area,” he said.
Work for the Dole places will be sourced in not-for-profit organisations, local councils and federal and state government agencies.
The 18 selected areas is the first phase in the lead up to a national rollout of the programme in 2015.
From July next year, all job seekers aged 18-30 on the Newstart or Youth Allowance will be required to undertake Work for the Dole for 25 hours per week.
Further information on the tender for the Work for the Dole Coordinators will be available at www.tenders.gov.au from 29 May.
