New Work for the Dole program starts today

The start of the new Work for the Dole Coordinators around Australia has been welcomed by the Minister for Employment Eric Abetz and the Assistant Minister for Employment Luke Hartsuyker.

From today, Work for the Dole Coordinators will start working with local community groups and jobactive employment services to identify potential Work for the Dole activities and projects for job seekers in the 51 employment regions around Australia.

“Work for the Dole is a key component in the Government’s new $5 billion jobactive employment service that starts on 1 July 2015,” Senator Abetz said.

“Work for the Dole helps job seekers, especially young job seekers, to learn new skills and remain active and engaged in their local communities while they look for work.

“Job seekers are reporting that it improves their ability to work as part of a team, communicate with others and boosts their self-confidence.

“Work for the Dole allows job seekers to demonstrate to employers that they have the right skills and the right attitude and are keen and willing to work,” Senator Abetz said.

Senator Abetz said while there is an emphasis on job readiness there is also a substantial social and personal dividend for participants by keeping them actively and gainfully engaged within their community.

Work for the Dole is delivering tangible benefits to local communities.

“Over the past ten months there have been some terrific activities and projects conducted as part of the Work for the Dole pilot,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“The Government is delighted with the interest from the community sector in offering work experience opportunities to job seekers.

“Some of the activities that have been undertaken include food distribution for families in need, the refurbishment of historic buildings, the development of community market gardens, wildlife rescue and care, and archiving and library services.

“These sorts of activities are giving job seekers skills ranging from office administration and customer service through to warehousing, carpentry and painting.

“Importantly, it is helping to open doors for job seekers and help people move from welfare to work.

“The new Work for the Dole Coordinators will be instrumental in creating further work experience opportunities for job seekers from 1 July 2015.

“I encourage any not-for-profit organisation, local council or state government agency that may be interested in helping local job seekers to contact their Work for the Dole Coordinator,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

In Geraldton Skill Hire WA are the nominated agency.