Thread: Work for Dole?

Originally Posted by Zeros

Such a classic story. ...Putting profit before people always ends in tears. Yet our dominant culture/society values profit more highly than anything else. No wonder living on a pittance is favouable for those who believe in a more equitable system. ...Winner takes all growth capitalism can’t cry poor when increasing numbers need social security as a result of their ‘efficiencies”. Afterall it’s the ultimate aim and hypocrisy of big business - get rid the payroll and profits will look like they’re going up.

The dole isn't supposed to be a living wage its there to help people when they cant get a job , Not to maintain a "Lifestyle" instead of working.
It has gotten to the point now that there are generations on the dole or single parant pensions who have NEVER worked in their life.

Around 5% unemployment actually suits the kind of economy Australia runs, which is why it always hovers around that mark. Any less unemployment and inflation rises too fast.

Of that 5% the majority are not bludgers, but legitimately can’t work. The percentage of actual bludgers is very low. If you’ve ever tried living on the dole, pension or a student scholarship (basically same amount) and paying rent you would know that no-one really wants too. It’s too hard.

Its too simplistic to say bludgers should get off the dole in a growth capitalist society.

If the percentage of bludgers is that low, why are we giving away free qualifications and still no one applies for the jobs advertised.
Cant see why like England, you get 6months to find a job, if not you are given a job if not no more hand outs, sound pretty simple and cost effective.
Not talking age pensions, sickness etc just bludgers who take and wont return.

Originally Posted by RobMichelle

If the percentage of bludgers is that low, why are we giving away free qualifications and still no one applies for the jobs advertised.
Cant see why like England, you get 6months to find a job, if not you are given a job if not no more hand outs, sound pretty simple and cost effective.
Not talking age pensions, sickness etc just bludgers who take and wont return.

Because Australia is one of the worlds most expensive countries to live in and minimum wage isn’t high enough and social security amount is too low to effectively assist people to get off the dole.

Free and equal access to education is a hallmark of a civilised society IMO. As is free health care. Clean Air & Water should be too.

Originally Posted by trout1105

The dole isn't supposed to be a living wage its there to help people when they cant get a job , Not to maintain a "Lifestyle" instead of working.
It has gotten to the point now that there are generations on the dole or single parant pensions who have NEVER worked in their life.

Even the peak business owners body says the dole and pension is so low that there is little chance you can escape the poverty cycle if you get sucked into it

There will always be a small percentage of parasites at every level of the wealth and poverty scales, it's human nature

Originally Posted by Eevo

i dont really agree with welfare in general, let alone universal income.

however, if the welfare system so complicated and has so many overheads that a universal income system is more efficient, then i can get behind it.

Analysis of the Finish trial published only a few days ago found it did nothing to help people get a job but the participants were 'happier'. Probably not terribly surprising given you got ~$900 a month with no strings attached.

Nice outcome if that was the aim of the trial but I don't think it was.

Finland basic income trial left people 'happier but jobless'

Originally Posted by Ferret

Analysis of the Finish trial published only a few days ago found it did nothing to help people get a job but the participants were 'happier'. Probably not terribly surprising given you got ~$900 a month with no strings attached.

Nice outcome if that was the aim of the trial but I don't think it was.

Finland basic income trial left people 'happier but jobless'

$900 month is less than welfare in Australia. Not sure how that is relative to ave wage, but if it's similar it's not high enough to empower people. It keeps them in poverty cycle.

As the article says, "without fundamental structural reforms to our economic system, UBI will only be a sticking plaster papering over the cracks".

The people might have been happier because at least it was a guaranteed backstop, rather than something you have to beg for in the undignified way that you are forced to in Australia.

Yeah, give people even more money, no strings attached. That will increase the chances of getting a job, i'm sure.