By Laura Michell
Unemployed young people living in Wyndham will be among the first in the country required to take part in a new work-for-the-dole program.
Last week, federal Assistant Employment Minister Luke Hartsuyker announced that young job seekers in the Westgate region, which includes Wyndham, Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, would be required to take part in the program from July 1.
The program will be rolled out in 17 other
locations across the nation, including Geelong, Goulburn Valley and ‘Peninsula’ in south-east Melbourne.
People aged 18 to 30 who live in the 18 regions, who have been unemployed for 12 months or more and are receiving Newstart or Youth Allowance will be required to work for the dole, working 15 hours a week for six months.
Participants will be placed with local councils, federal and state agencies and with not-for-profit and religious organisations.
Those who fail to show up for 15 hours of work each week will lose part of their fortnightly income support payments. Mr Hartsuyker said work for the dole would help young job seekers gain the skills and experience they need to secure a job.
“Work for the dole provides participants with the chance to demonstrate many of the skills and behaviours that employers look for in candidates, such as commitment, teamwork and punctuality,” he said.
“The Australian government believes that all Australians who are capable of working should be working, ideally for a wage, but if not, for the dole.”
The program has been welcomed by job
agency Matchworks, which operates in Wyndham and Geelong.
General manager Michael Wasley said work for the dole would expose job seekers to new industries and teach them new skills, making them more attractive to employers.
“I think employers would value the skills learnt as part of the work-for-the-dole program.
“Employers are not necessarily looking for someone who knows how to do the job right now but someone who will have the right attitude to do their best.”
