[Greens-Media] Greens call on Cabinet to throw out boot camp plan for young job seekers

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

29 July 2013

Greens call on Cabinet to throw out boot camp plan for young job seekers 
 
 
The Australian Greens said today that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Ministers must abandon plans for boot camps for young job seekers during today's Cabinet meeting.
 
"The reaction to this plan over the last 24 hours makes it clear that the community is sick and tired of the old parties punishing vulnerable people for their  own political gains. Almost immediately people were in touch with me about this approach and couldn't believe Labor were yet again trying to out-do Tony Abbott," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson for families and community services said today.
 
"Labor's consideration of boot camps for young, unemployed Australians is yet another example of pointless, punishment based policies that don't actually address the problems and pressures people are facing.
 
"Labor seem intent on trying to win this election by making things hard for people who are struggling - be they jobseekers, young people or single parents.
 
"Instead of stereotyping young people, we should be looking for positive measures to support them into work. Being shipped off to a military style boot camp isn't going to give you the boost you need in either skill or confidence.
 
"Rather than treating young people like criminals, the Government needs to make investments in job services, education and training, so they can embark on strong careers and become financially independent.
 
"We also need to make sure Youth Allowance is increased by $50 per week, so kids aren't battling to avoid life in poverty if they're unable to live at home. The Australian Greens have fully costed legislation on the table to deliver this increase, along with the $50 per week increase for Newstart that has been broadly supported by the community sector.
 
"This 'boot camp' mentality punishes people simply for being unemployed. That's something we see over and over again from Labor and Tony Abbott - punish vulnerable people for their own political gain. 
 
"A caring society would treat its young people far better than this, and that is what the Greens are committed to delivering," Senator Siewert concluded.