I don’t agree at all with the PM (Prime Minister) and Employment Minister Eric Abetz making the unemployed wait six months until they are allowed benefits. It is outrageous to think that people, especially the young can instantly get a job. Some can, and some cannot. I for one am older and it has taken longer sometimes to secure the next job. That said, some have been as quick as a week.
The difference between myself and the young or kids straight out of school is experience and skills that I can offer my future employer, this is hard to have when you have not been given the chance to get the job. It is a catch 22. You need the job to get the experience, but no one will let you get the job for the lack of experience. Living on nothing for six months is going to prove impossible to downright difficult! I would like the politicians to give it a go. I bet they could not and would not!
Cherries that have just been picked. Image courtesy of ntwowe / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Many don’t have the option to move back into home as their parents are not close to them. Some had to move out as they cannot stay at home or there might be no parents to speak of. Living with your family during this time can work if you have family that can help, however for some it might be living on the lounge at a mates place.
What happens if anyone under 30 has a mortgage, bills, wife/husband, kids and other responsibilities? Not having benefits would mean homelessness and cause other issues as well. Do we really want to do this to people that are trying to get the next job and improve their situation for themselves or families? I think not!
One of my family members took nine months to find a job and it was not without looking and trying every day. Applications in the double digits were posted out each week and door knocking and asking friends and other networks was a way to try and speed up the job hunt. However it still took nine months. Under the new government and the budget, Prime Minister Tony Abbott wants you to have no way to fund anything, no money for: rent, food, bills and of course getting to and fro for interviews. Not to mention making sure you were adequately dressed.
Now Employment Minister Eric Abetz wants people under 30 to do any job and has suggested that fruit picking in Tasmania is the way to go.
Yes that is right. We are all supposed to relocate to Tasmania to earn a living and that is without any benefits until six months later. How do you get to Tasmania without money? Do you hitch hike? You better be a good swimmer!
Apples ready to be picked. Image courtesy of marin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Some people cannot relocate to a different part of Australia. They might have kids, and other commitments that means they need to stay in the same state or locally.
I do understand that if you need a job and the money you should not be choosy. I have taken jobs that I was not enthused about due to the fact that I needed to put a roof over my head and pay bills.
One job does lead to the other and it is much easier to get a job when you are in a job. However if you are struggling to get the job and no one is giving you a chance it is tough. Also when you are not given a helping hand for six months it will be tough and unbearable for many.
This is wrong and I hope this does not happen. It will create other problems like: youth homelessness, more crime, employers will treat young people badly due to the fact that they cannot get anything for six months (underpaid), more pressure on families and so on.
Having this policy is not helping our country for the long term. We need to build up our youth to be educated, productive and skilled. Giving people under 30 no help for six months does not allow Australia to tap into the talent we have, and use it in the best way. Looking after our people is what we need to be doing.If you are looking for a job and can show you are, you should be instantly on the unemployment benefits. This benefit helps you survive and look for the next job.
BEING UNEMPLOYED CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE! THE YOUNG ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES THAT CAN BE FACED WITH THESE ISSUES!
OLDER PEOPLE ARE NOT IMMUNE!
What are your thoughts? Do you think that the government is right? People under 30 should not get the dole for six months? I for one am outraged that some find it okay to treat people like this. Let me know and send in a blog comment.
P.S. I am not against fruit picking and it is a great way to earn a bit of extra cash. The jobs are seasonal, and hard work. They are good for students and anyone that needs a bit of extra income. These jobs are also on farms so you will need to commute and travel for these jobs. It is good if you want to do it, I just think it is not for everyone and cannot be a blanket solve to youth unemployment.
Just to give you an idea of what is offered in Tasmania, the Downundr.com website has a list of jobs and where to go in Tasmania.
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