AUWU Policy Blog: Fighting back with a seat at the table

University student Chris Wheeler said it will be tough if the government makes concession funding cuts. PICTURE: Mark Wilson Source: News Limited SENIORS and low-income earners are worried concession discounts ripped out of this year’s Federal Budget will hurt their quality of ­living. The State Government will make up the $73 million shortfall after the Commonwealth ended its share of funding for the $500 million program but has only agreed to meet the difference for one year.
The Australian Feb 24 2014 IN this new age dedicated to ending the culture of entitlement, the Prime Minister and the Treasurer have, rightly, asked all Australians to curb their dependence on government largesse. Last week, Employment Minister Eric Abetz asked public servants to help repair the budget bottom line. He asked them to choose between cutting their entitlements and freezing future wage rises. In the private sector, workers are being urged to make sacrifices
THE AUSTRALIAN MAY 26 Out of work. Source: TheAustralian FIFTY per cent of dole recipients do not have to look for work, because of a doubling of job-search exemptions granted in the past four years. Treasury figures reveal the ­Abbott government expects the average time on the dole to remain at four years and four months, despite its welfare crackdown. New Department of Social Security data reveals that 734,866 unemployed people were receiving Newstart or its junior

New wave of reform for welfare

Posted by AUWU on  May 31, 2014

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A second phase of reform is being prepared by Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey in talks with Families Minister Kevin Andrews. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Corp Australia 31 May 2014 The Australian A NEW wave of welfare reform that could force people off dozens of benefits is being prepared as the Abbott government seeks to simplify almost $80 billion in annual outlays. Inflaming the dispute over tough budget cuts, Tony Abbott and senior ministers are canvassing

Welfare system needs a new start

Posted by AUWU on  May 31, 2014

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January 14, 2014 The Australian IT is disappointing, if not tragic, that what passes for a debate on the nation’s welfare system has boiled down to an argument over the need to boost the Newstart allowance above the present rate of $35 a day. Few groups are opposed to a $50-a-week increase, including the Business Council of Australia. And after the government’s decision to scrap the surplus (Jenny Macklin’s unfortunate holiday season faux pas aside),