Fed: Welfare report hazy on government obligations ACOSS

AAP General News (Australia)
08-16-2000
Fed: Welfare report hazy on government obligations ACOSS

Australia's peak welfare lobby group says a welfare reform blueprint released today
is strong on the obligations of low-income parents to look for work -- but hazy on the
government's duty to them.

The Australian Council of Social Services says there are no guarantees of intensive
employment or training for long-term jobless people, or details on a proposed standard
base payment rate.

But president MICHAEL RAPER says the report is very specific about the obligations
of low-income parents to seek employment and training once their children reach certain
ages.

Mr RAPER says ACOSS won't support the blueprint unless the government guarantees income,
training, employment and childcare support for low-income parents.

And he says mutual obligation requirements shouldn't be extended to new groups without
such guarantees.

But Mr RAPER says the report is a good step forward, and says that if it's properly
resourced and implemented, it will lead to major improvements in the welfare system.

AAP RTV mfh/et/rt

KEYWORD: WELFARE ACOSS (CANBERRA)

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