[Greens-Media] Government fails to understand employment challenges

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

24 May 2014

Government fails to understand employment challenges

The Australian Greens said today comments made by Minister for Social Services Kevin Andrews that young people should just get a job show the flawed basis on which the government's budget has been based.

"Mr Andrews' comments show he doesn't understand how hard it is for young people in the labour market, or for people who aren't able to find work after participating in employment programs", Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on family and community services said today. 

"What happens once you have done your training and can't find work - no income support?
 
"This isn't about people not wanting to work. It is hard to find work and when you do, often it is casual and insecure. 

"Transitioning into secure employment is the best way to help people out of poverty, not condemning them to long periods with no income support. The government's approach doesn't address the barriers to work people already face, it causes more.
 
"The government needs to address their flawed attitude to employment services and job seekers before they make any changes to our income support system," Senator Siewert concluded.