Figures show 635 work-for-the-dole recipients stacked up 1354 no-show penalties between July 2011 and December 2011.

ONE in five work-for-the-dole participants had their payments taken away for failing to show up to work last year.   :-?

Figures released to the Sunday Herald Sun revealed that 635 people stacked up 1354 no-show penalties between July 2011 and December 2011.   :(

During that period 3254 job seekers participated in the scheme.

It comes as unemployment rates rose sharply during February, with 8000 more Victorians joining the dole queues across the state.

National unemployment rates went up to 5.2 per cent, with Victoria making up almost half of the increase in the unemployed across the country.   :(

In Victoria the unemployment rate for February was 5.4 per cent a rise of 0.2 per cent from January.

Despite official figures showing 20 per cent of people were not showing up for work-for-the-dole, one supervisor-turned-whistleblower has said the real figure is much higher.

The man, who would not be named for fear he would lose his job, also said workers under the scheme were selling off clothing they were issued with at the start of their deployments to make a quick buck.

"These people are making a mockery of the system," he said.

"People go out and work hard every day and pay their taxes for this.

"I could write a book on the excuses I have heard from people not showing up for work.

"Last month I was supposed to have a dozen people on one day and not one showed up."

The supervisor said one man called up and said he couldn't work because he had a broken leg - before turning up for work the next day uninjured.

Other excuses given for people not turning up include a man who said he had to hold a garage sale and another who said he had dislocated his knee before being spotted that same day drinking outside a pub, the supervisor said.

hurleyd@heraldsun.com.au

Sounds like just another 'bash a doley' story.

Budget-time soon, so I'm not surprised......

Give 'em vouchers.

Vouchers have nothing to do with work for the dole.   ;)

No but they should.

I would have them working and receive a combination payment of cash and vouchers to ensure it is spent correctly.

The unemployed should not have to do work for the dole, if they don't want.   ;)

It would also ensure the system is not abused Imcrook.

We need to cut our spending and rorting the system is rife, you know that.

I know that myself, I claimed the dole years ago when I should never have been entitled to. It wasn't right but I was able to.

Work for the dole and combination of vouchers would stop the system being rorted and create savings whilst still helping people.

wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 7:37am:

The unemployed should not have to do work for the dole, if they don't want.   ;)

Then they shouldn't receive anything.
People shouldn't receive something for nothing mate.

I know what its like to work for low wages, I am not without understanding on what its like.

wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 7:32am:

Vouchers have nothing to do with work for the dole.   ;)

But everything to do with punishing and discriminating against the unemployed.

A thoroughly putrid, small-minded, SELFISH idea.

Kat wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 7:39am:

wrote on Mar 11th, 2012 at 7:32am: Vouchers have nothing to do with work for the dole.   ;) But everything to do with punishing and discriminating against the unemployed. A thoroughly putrid, small-minded, SELFISH idea.

Selfish?
To ensure that people's taxes - and I remind you working people are having to support these people - get their value for money?

I remind you these people do NOTHING to receive money other than exist.
So they are benefitting from the goodwill of the state.

Is it not right to ensure they spend it wisely?

I got the dole years ago and saved it up for when I went off to university.
Did I need it? Should I have got it? No to both.

A voucher system would have seen people like me not bother.

It's as UNSELFISH an idea as you get, because its about looking out for all of our money.

It is not receiving something for nothing.  They are getting money for the misfortune of being unemployed.  Nothing wrong with working for low wages either, as long as it is no less than the minimum award.   ;)

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 7:36am:

No but they should. I would have them working and receive a combination payment of cash and vouchers to ensure it is spent correctly.

Said it before, and I'll KEEP saying it.....

You do NOT and should NEVER, have the right to tell
someone else how to spend THEIR money.

And don't even bother polluting the thread with the old 'it's not their money, it's
OURS' bullcrap, that just makes you look childish as well as selfish and greedy.

wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 7:43am:

It is not receiving something for nothing.  They are getting money for the misfortune of being unemployed.

i/e living off the backs of other people who do work.

My uncle was unemployed in the 1970s.
He left the country and went to work in Dubai.

It's about getting on with life and dusting yourself down.

People need a bit more spirit these days in my opinion.

Too many something for nothings in this world.

Like I said, I know what its like down there too.

Kat wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 7:43am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 11th, 2012 at 7:36am: No but they should. I would have them working and receive a combination payment of cash and vouchers to ensure it is spent correctly. Said it before, and I'll KEEP saying it..... You do NOT and should NEVER, have the right to tell someone else how to spend THEIR money. .

That's the point though. It's not their money is it?
They haven't earned it have they?

They've been given it for simply existing.

Like giving a child pocket money.
We tell our children who they should spent it.
We should tell these 'children of the state' how it should be spent too.

People who earn money shouldn't be told how to spend it.
People who are given money because they can't earn for themselves should be told.

No wrong again.  It is not living off the backs of others.  It is money for those that are unemployed, for no fault of their own.   ;)

Kat wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 7:43am:

And don't even bother polluting the thread with the old 'it's not their money, it's OURS' bullcrap, that just makes you look childish as well as selfish and greedy.

So you believe we should have no say in how our money is spent?

Tell me kat, why should people just receive money when they have done the square root of bugger all to earn it?

Something for nothing - is it not?

wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 7:47am:

No wrong again.  It is not living off the backs of others.  It is money for those that are unemployed, for no fault of their own.   ;)

I was "unemployed" before university and spent the time on holiday and claimed the dole.

So I am the only person in the world to do this??

Every other person is unemployed through no fault of their own??

Plenty of people receive money and deliberately don't work mate....

Some through no fault of their own.
Others are lazy pricks who have no intention of finding a job - and people like me have to fking support these oxygen-stealers.

The people that you are talking about, are a very small percent.  Most unemployed want to work.  Very hard though if the jobs are not there.  (And there not).   :( 

I am fine with helping genuine unemployed.

I do however believe that if it is our money, we should tell them how it is to be spent.

Why is that?.  Its not your money it is theirs once it is handed over.  Sorry I  agree with Kat, on that one.   :)

wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 7:37am:

The unemployed should not have to do work for the dole, if they don't want.   ;)

They shouldn't eat, either, unless they do something in return for the food.

Seems fair to me when applied to one in good health--

This was what happened during the Great Depression when Labor was in power and there weren't many who complained.

Other than a skunk or commo, who'd be content to be fed by an other's hard work?

An address to parasites:

There is a lot of community work waiting.

Helping old-aged pensioners to live out their lives in their own homes, such as gardening, washing windows. . .

If qualified to do so, giving aid to teachers by face to face tuition to slow learners.

Surely that would make a welfare recipient feel less of a failure?

wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 8:09am:

Why is that?.  Its not your money it is theirs once it is handed over.  Sorry I  agree with Kat, on that one.   :)

So instead of giving back to the community to help - you would have them able to sit at home and watch Oprah on our money.

Yep long live the "something for nothing" mindset.

I have no problem with work for the dole, for those that want to do it.  However having said that, it should not be forced onto people.  I think you would find, most unemployed would not want to do by choice though.   ;)

wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 8:16am:

I think you would find, most unemployed would not want to do by choice though.   ;)

Yep and therein is also a clue as to why they are unemployed too.

That has nothing to do with it.  Work for the dole, is entirely different from paid work.   ;)

I think work for the dole was a great idea.

My cousin ran a program in Belmore,NSW, the first day there were 35 dole bludgers going frantic with their mobile phones.
1 week later there was only a couple of people left,it appears these bludgers suddenly found a real job which paid a bit better than work for the dole.
Those with a medical certificate are exempt from work for the dole.

If only we could bring in drug testing for centrelink benefits like they want to do in the USA.

The Govt. is quick to take tax from you when all's well & you're working
but when you lose your job they are so mean spirited to make
people work for a lousy $240 a week -
far less money than the poverty line.

Translation - lose your job & work to live in miserable poverty.

We should all be ashamed that a rich country treats people like that.
This is from a Labor government that is supposed to look after the disadvantaged.

Bobby. wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 2:13pm:

The Govt. is quick to take tax from you when all's well & you're working but when you lose your job they are so mean spirited to make people work for a lousy $240 a week - far less money than the poverty line. Translation - lose your job & work to live in miserable poverty. We should all be ashamed that a rich country treats people like that. This is from a Labor government that is supposed to look after the disadvantaged.

In Germany they look after you when you are out of a job unlike this joint which treats everyone like they have the plague :(

And you're right the government only wants to know you when you are making a profit but if you are a foreign corporation such as Holden and Ford the Government always gives you special treatment including lots of cash handouts :(

Yes Nail,
Plenty of corporate welfare but not for the poor -
just mega rich companies.

wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 8:16am:

I have no problem with work for the dole, for those that want to do it.  However having said that, it should not be forced onto people.  I think you would find, most unemployed would not want to do by choice though.   ;)

they should scrap those job networks and redirect the money to real entrepreneurs that can create real businesses and real jobs !!

Bobby. wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 2:20pm:

Yes Nail, Plenty of corporate welfare but not for the poor - just mega rich companies.

as I have said before it is the rich corporations that run countries not the elected governments :(

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 7:38am:

It would also ensure the system is not abused Imcrook. We need to cut our spending and rorting the system is rife, you know that. I know that myself, I claimed the dole years ago when I should never have been entitled to. It wasn't right but I was able to. Work for the dole and combination of vouchers would stop the system being rorted and create savings whilst still helping people.

Sure, it would lower Labor's deficit!

Kat wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 7:27am:

Sounds like just another 'bash a doley' story. Budget-time soon, so I'm not surprised......

You must lead a sheltered life!

Sir lastnail wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 2:16pm:

Bobby. wrote on Mar 11th, 2012 at 2:13pm: The Govt. is quick to take tax from you when all's well & you're working but when you lose your job they are so mean spirited to make people work for a lousy $240 a week - far less money than the poverty line. Translation - lose your job & work to live in miserable poverty. We should all be ashamed that a rich country treats people like that. This is from a Labor government that is supposed to look after the disadvantaged. In Germany they look after you when you are out of a job unlike this joint which treats everyone like they have the plague :( And you're right the government only wants to know you when you are making a profit but if you are a foreign corporation such as Holden and Ford the Government always gives you special treatment including lots of cash handouts :(

I heard lately Germany bewailing their country's downfall.

Wouldn't encouraging people not to work be part of the reason?

Welfare doesn't grow on trees, it comes from those who work and pay tax and sometimes too much tax because so many, when not sleeping, just crawl to the TV in the lounge and collapse in an armchair.

olde.sault wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 2:50pm:

Sir lastnail wrote on Mar 11th, 2012 at 2:16pm: Bobby. wrote on Mar 11th, 2012 at 2:13pm: The Govt. is quick to take tax from you when all's well & you're working but when you lose your job they are so mean spirited to make people work for a lousy $240 a week - far less money than the poverty line. Translation - lose your job & work to live in miserable poverty. We should all be ashamed that a rich country treats people like that. This is from a Labor government that is supposed to look after the disadvantaged. In Germany they look after you when you are out of a job unlike this joint which treats everyone like they have the plague :( And you're right the government only wants to know you when you are making a profit but if you are a foreign corporation such as Holden and Ford the Government always gives you special treatment including lots of cash handouts :( I heard lately Germany bewailing their country's downfall. Wouldn't encouraging people not to work be part of the reason? Welfare doesn't grow on trees, it comes from those who work and pay tax and sometimes too much tax because so many, when not sleeping, just crawl to the TV in the lounge and collapse in an armchair.

what downfall ?? They are hamstrung by all of the other do nothing parasitic bludgers in the EU :(

people work and pay tax and when they are out of work the government looks after them properly until they get another decent job.

olde.sault wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 8:11am:

wrote on Mar 11th, 2012 at 7:37am: The unemployed should not have to do work for the dole, if they don't want.   ;) They shouldn't eat, either, unless they do something in return for the food. Seems fair to me when applied to one in good health-- This was what happened during the Great Depression when Labor was in power and there weren't many who complained. Other than a skunk or commo, who'd be content to be fed by an other's hard work? An address to parasites: There is a lot of community work waiting. Helping old-aged pensioners to live out their lives in their own homes, such as gardening, washing windows. . . If qualified to do so, giving aid to teachers by face to face tuition to slow learners. Surely that would make a welfare recipient feel less of a failure?

Why should someone feel like a failure because of circumstances not of their making?

And what gives you the idea that it's right to judge them as such?

I'm surprised that your lot aren't pushing for work (concentration) camps for the unemployed.

Because that's what your attitude REEKS of.....

Sir lastnail wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 3:14pm:

olde.sault wrote on Mar 11th, 2012 at 2:50pm: Sir lastnail wrote on Mar 11th, 2012 at 2:16pm: Bobby. wrote on Mar 11th, 2012 at 2:13pm: The Govt. is quick to take tax from you when all's well & you're working but when you lose your job they are so mean spirited to make people work for a lousy $240 a week - far less money than the poverty line. Translation - lose your job & work to live in miserable poverty. We should all be ashamed that a rich country treats people like that. This is from a Labor government that is supposed to look after the disadvantaged. In Germany they look after you when you are out of a job unlike this joint which treats everyone like they have the plague :( And you're right the government only wants to know you when you are making a profit but if you are a foreign corporation such as Holden and Ford the Government always gives you special treatment including lots of cash handouts :( I heard lately Germany bewailing their country's downfall. Wouldn't encouraging people not to work be part of the reason? Welfare doesn't grow on trees, it comes from those who work and pay tax and sometimes too much tax because so many, when not sleeping, just crawl to the TV in the lounge and collapse in an armchair. what downfall ?? They are hamstrung by all of the other do nothing parasitic bludgers in the EU :( people work and pay tax and when they are out of work the government looks after them properly until they get another decent job.

No sensible government, out of consideration to hard-working citizens, should be over-generous with handouts to those who are just bone-lazy.

e.g. what about our tall bronze surfers who congregate at beaches where there is no work so they have a good excuse for not to hunt for a job?

You lefties must live on another planet!

Everyone should shoulder their own problems unless old or severely incapacitated.

and schoolgirls should not be handed support for sleeping around. Most of their offspring are damaged by this easy-sex lifestyle and some are molested by mummy's boyfriends.

olde.sault wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 4:12pm:

Sir lastnail wrote on Mar 11th, 2012 at 3:14pm: olde.sault wrote on Mar 11th, 2012 at 2:50pm: Sir lastnail wrote on Mar 11th, 2012 at 2:16pm: Bobby. wrote on Mar 11th, 2012 at 2:13pm: The Govt. is quick to take tax from you when all's well & you're working but when you lose your job they are so mean spirited to make people work for a lousy $240 a week - far less money than the poverty line. Translation - lose your job & work to live in miserable poverty. We should all be ashamed that a rich country treats people like that. This is from a Labor government that is supposed to look after the disadvantaged. In Germany they look after you when you are out of a job unlike this joint which treats everyone like they have the plague :( And you're right the government only wants to know you when you are making a profit but if you are a foreign corporation such as Holden and Ford the Government always gives you special treatment including lots of cash handouts :( I heard lately Germany bewailing their country's downfall. Wouldn't encouraging people not to work be part of the reason? Welfare doesn't grow on trees, it comes from those who work and pay tax and sometimes too much tax because so many, when not sleeping, just crawl to the TV in the lounge and collapse in an armchair. what downfall ?? They are hamstrung by all of the other do nothing parasitic bludgers in the EU :( people work and pay tax and when they are out of work the government looks after them properly until they get another decent job. No sensible government, out of consideration to hard-working citizens, should be over-generous with handouts to those who are just bone-lazy. e.g. what about our tall bronze surfers who congregate at beaches where there is no work so they have a good excuse for not to hunt for a job? You lefties must live on another planet! Everyone should shoulder their own problems unless old or severely incapacitated. and schoolgirls should not be handed support for sleeping around. Most of their offspring are damaged by this easy-sex lifestyle and some are molested by mummy's boyfriends.

You libbos are  equally to blame by nobbling the education system and funneling huge amounts of tax payers money into scamming private schools which are setup to be businesses in disguise. You need to fix up the education system before you start writing people off. Learn from the Finnish education system which has no private school system and achieves the highest ranking out of all of the OECD countries whilst Australia is ranked as low as 17th :(

People get thrown on the scrap heap here simply because you don't promote excellence. You encourage mediocrity by doing sports bullshit.

olde.sault wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 4:12pm:

[quote author=6478757C7163647E71797C100 link=1331413683/34#34 date=1331442875][quote author=27242C2D663B293D243C480 link=1331413683/33#33 date=1331441443][quote author=726E636A67757268676F6A060 link=1331413683/27#27 date=1331439403][quote author=4E434E4E555844494E4D581D2C0 link=1331413683/26#26 date=1331439197]The Govt. is quick to take tax from you when all's well & you're working but when you lose your job they are so mean spirited to make people No sensible government, out of consideration to hard-working citizens, should be over-generous with handouts to those who are just bone-lazy. e.g. what about our tall bronze surfers who congregate at beaches where there is no work so they have a good excuse for not to hunt for a job? You lefties must live on another planet! Everyone should shoulder their own problems unless old or severely incapacitated. and schoolgirls should not be handed support for sleeping around. Most of their offspring are damaged by this easy-sex lifestyle and some are molested by mummy's boyfriends.

No, but I'm pretty sure you must be, since that old saw was discredited 30 years ago.

It's crap!! Utter effing BS! Fraser/Howard-era lies, nothing more. It was a lie THEN, and it's
a lie NOW.

Quite apart from the FACT that the unemployed are (wrongly, IMO) prevented from moving
to areas of high unemployment if they want to receive 'benefits' And it's been like that for AT
LEAST 20 years....

And yet you are STILL stupidly regurgitating the 'surfing dole-bludger' garbage? Unbelievable!

THIS is why the right have NO credibility whatsoever when it comes to the unemployed.

Because you have NO IDEA what you are talking about.

NONE!!

Hitler had "work for the dole" or something similar.

How long does someone have to be on the dole before they are put to work anyway?

It might be good to get long-term unemployed into good work habits, but it might be a hindrance for a short-term unemployed person to be doing meaningless work instead of looking for a job.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 7:38am:

People shouldn't receive something for nothing mate.

What would you like to see an 80 year old pensioner doing, in order to receive their pension?