Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2014 3:59:40 GMT 7
www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/plan-for-over55s-to-work-for-dole/story-fn59niix-1226868046482#
UNEMPLOYED people over 55 would be forced to look for full-time work in order to receive the dole under a proposal being considered by the government.
The changes, shelved in 2008 when first put to the Rudd government by its own taskforce, would apply much harsher rules to older jobseekers who are able to meet their dole obligations by doing part-time work or volunteering for 30 hours a fortnight.
Currently, people over 55 need to undertake 30 hours of voluntary work a fortnight to remain eligible for social security payments.
Minister for Social Services Kevin Andrews has confirmed the proposal is being considered as part of the current welfare review. It is believed the government wants to keep the exemption for over 60s, but as the pension age rises it believes making an exception for the over-55s cannot be justified.
There are 125,610 Newstart Allowance recipients aged between 55 and 64, or 18.4 per cent of total recipients.
A spokeswoman for Mr Andrews said: “The welfare review is looking at a number of options for a simpler and more sustainable welfare system with a view to maximising the social and economic participation of working age people and improving their long term wellbeing.”
But the idea has angered the peak group representing older Australians. National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said the proposal ignored the fact that older people faced discrimination when seeking work.
“Any move to increase the activity requirements on unemployed older workers must be accompanied by a suite of initiatives that improve their job prospects,” he said.
“In setting dole activity tests, previous governments of both persuasions have recognised that if you lose your job in your 50s, you’re unlikely to ever get back into the workforce.
“If this government intends to take a tougher line, it must be part of a comprehensive package to deal with the scourge of mature-age employment rather than meaningless action that does not improve employment outcomes.”
Christopher Chapman, 64, of Sydney, lives on Newstart after being made a redundant as a lawyer five years ago. He found the labour market cruel and discriminatory and says older people deserve the right to do volunteer work to meet their obligations because the workplace is not open to hiring older people.
He volunteers in a range of roles, including providing pro bono legal assistance on the board of Manly Women’s Shelter.
“Being over 50, it is very hard to get work, even though I’m a lawyer and have so much experience,” Mr Chapman said.
“I can’t believe that after 40 years in the workplace, people don’t think I have anything to offer.”
At the end of this year, when he turns 65, he will be eligible for the higher aged pension.
He also does pro bono legal work for charities.
UNEMPLOYED people over 55 would be forced to look for full-time work in order to receive the dole under a proposal being considered by the government.
The changes, shelved in 2008 when first put to the Rudd government by its own taskforce, would apply much harsher rules to older jobseekers who are able to meet their dole obligations by doing part-time work or volunteering for 30 hours a fortnight.
Currently, people over 55 need to undertake 30 hours of voluntary work a fortnight to remain eligible for social security payments.
Minister for Social Services Kevin Andrews has confirmed the proposal is being considered as part of the current welfare review. It is believed the government wants to keep the exemption for over 60s, but as the pension age rises it believes making an exception for the over-55s cannot be justified.
There are 125,610 Newstart Allowance recipients aged between 55 and 64, or 18.4 per cent of total recipients.
A spokeswoman for Mr Andrews said: “The welfare review is looking at a number of options for a simpler and more sustainable welfare system with a view to maximising the social and economic participation of working age people and improving their long term wellbeing.”
But the idea has angered the peak group representing older Australians. National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said the proposal ignored the fact that older people faced discrimination when seeking work.
“Any move to increase the activity requirements on unemployed older workers must be accompanied by a suite of initiatives that improve their job prospects,” he said.
“In setting dole activity tests, previous governments of both persuasions have recognised that if you lose your job in your 50s, you’re unlikely to ever get back into the workforce.
“If this government intends to take a tougher line, it must be part of a comprehensive package to deal with the scourge of mature-age employment rather than meaningless action that does not improve employment outcomes.”
Christopher Chapman, 64, of Sydney, lives on Newstart after being made a redundant as a lawyer five years ago. He found the labour market cruel and discriminatory and says older people deserve the right to do volunteer work to meet their obligations because the workplace is not open to hiring older people.
He volunteers in a range of roles, including providing pro bono legal assistance on the board of Manly Women’s Shelter.
“Being over 50, it is very hard to get work, even though I’m a lawyer and have so much experience,” Mr Chapman said.
“I can’t believe that after 40 years in the workplace, people don’t think I have anything to offer.”
At the end of this year, when he turns 65, he will be eligible for the higher aged pension.
He also does pro bono legal work for charities.