'Always thinking can I make ends meet, is awful'

Date
    May 2, 2014 - 11:13PM


When Terry Barnes - the former Abbott adviser who recommended that everyone be charged a co-payment to see a GP - jumped on Melbourne radio on Friday and described his proposed $6 fee as ‘‘the cost of a couple of cups of coffee’’ Lorraine Bradford sighed.

To her, his claim that ''we are not talking about a great deal of money here'' illustrates how hardline economic proposals are dished up by people whose understanding of how the poor live is vague at best.      :(

A single mother, Ms Bradford's life was first turned upside down in 2012 when the federal government scrapped the single parenting payment for people with children aged eight and over. She was moved onto Newstart and forced to sell the Carrum Downs home that she owned with her brother because she couldn’t keep up with repayments.      :(

''It was so difficult. I wondered whether, as a single mum with two children, I would even be able to find a place to rent,'' she says.

The changes proposed in the Commission of Audit would be a further blow. Bradford works four part-days a week in administration at Chelsea Heights Community Centre and rents a three-bedroom unit in Seaford for $335 a week.

Her weekly income varies depending on how many hours she works, but on average she receives $60-a-fortnight Newstart payment. More than half goes to rent and the remainder is quickly absorbed by bills and groceries. But her Newstart payment would be cut altogether under tougher income testing proposed by the commission. The difference, the 50-year-old says, would be ''food on the table'' for her and her sons Dylan, 17, and Liam, 15.

Under the commission recommendations she would also face higher medical expenses - as a concession card holder, $5 extra per doctors visit rather than the full $15 rate it proposes. But it wouldn't mean giving up a coffee: Ms Bradford says having a coffee at a cafe is already a luxury she can't afford. She mostly sips from a mug of instant Nescafe. ''I don’t have cups of coffee when I go out because I can’t afford it,'' she says.

She says comments such as  Mr Barnes’ reflect a lack of empathy for those most affected by a disturbing shift in economic policy that will be hardest on Australia’s most vulnerable residents.      :(

Ms Bradford believes any Medicare co-payment would be too much. ''The thought of paying for doctors when it is always just a struggle, always thinking can I make ends meet, is awful.''

The Commission of Audit has also proposed tougher income testing for Newstart, dropping the earnings cap from $25,000 a year to $19,000 a year before access to the allowance is cut off. The change would mean Ms Bradford would lose her allowance. ‘‘It’s food on the table, really,’’ she says.


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/always-thinking-can-i-make-ends-meet-is-awful-20140502-zr3ge.html#ixzz30bkEb1Cw

BOTR!!!

50 years old, and no marketable skills, talents or niches.  Let's just hope her children aren't as useless, though the fact that they're both old enough to work and chip in, but don't, seems to suggest the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

... wrote on May 3^rd, 2014 at 11:50am:

50 years old, and no marketable skills, talents or niches.  Let's just hope her children aren't as useless, though the fact that they're both old enough to work and chip in, but don't, seems to suggest the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

... and no jobs worthy of the name anyway.... but let her eat cake.

I expected better from you...

... wrote on May 3^rd, 2014 at 11:50am:

50 years old, and no marketable skills, talents or niches.  Let's just hope her children aren't as useless, though the fact that they're both old enough to work and chip in, but don't, seems to suggest the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

tad harsh aren't you? you try raising 2 kids on your own.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on May 3^rd, 2014 at 11:27am:

BOTR!!!

   What does that stand for?

  As for the Honky comment....ARRRRRRGGHHHH!!
If I could reach through this screen.....ARRRRRGGHHHH!!!

  Bringing up kids on the sole-parent pension was hard enough, even with part-time jobs on the side, doing so on the pittance they call " Newstart" (what an insulting sarcastic title), and with teens in school, which costs an arm and a leg for ancillaries, I can't imagine how she's coping at all!
   My kids got part time jobs in highschool, and the tiny amount they earned made NO difference to the household budget, AT ALL!
   I only wish there was a way to make these heartless b*st*rds who make these glib comments and make harsh rules and conditions actually have to LIVE that life for a while, they wouldn't be so insultingly smug then, if they could manage it at all!
  I say again...ARRRGGHHHH!!!   >:(

Grappler Racist Filth wrote on May 3^rd, 2014 at 12:55pm:

... wrote on May 3rd, 2014 at 11:50am: 50 years old, and no marketable skills, talents or niches.  Let's just hope her children aren't as useless, though the fact that they're both old enough to work and chip in, but don't, seems to suggest the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. ... and no jobs worthy of the name anyway.... but let her eat cake. I expected better from you...

Why, exactly?

Have you not read any of his previous posts?

Do the people in power really care about the woman in Crook's post?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PkWf9M3rUw

Bobby that is the most pertinent post/video relevant to what is going on in our society today.

Pity George Carlin has now left us.

Although I can imagine that if he was still alive & espousing these truths .... they would find a way to snuff him out just like many others that have stood up & voiced their opinions as to who's controlling what in our world.

‘‘the cost of a couple of cups of coffee’’ Lorraine Bradford sighed.

I don't mine, Nescafe works out at about 20cents a cup, but I have in strong so we'll say 40 cents a cup. Hey guys, I really don't care if I pay 80c-$1 a visit  ;D.

The pollies and their supporters can drink barista made cafe latta's and pay $6-10 a visit. Me and me pleb mate will be $1 - done deal  8-).

Gnads wrote on May 3^rd, 2014 at 9:03pm:

Bobby that is the most pertinent post/video relevant to what is going on in our society today. Pity George Carlin has now left us. Although I can imagine that if he was still alive & espousing these truths .... they would find a way to snuff him out just like many others that have stood up & voiced their opinions as to who's controlling what in our world.

the most pertinent post/video relevant to what is going on in our society today.

It's perfect -
the Wall street bankers & all the super fund owners here etc
are all doing very well - the Govts. looked after them
thank you very much.

They could always get a job, or failing that, some sort of racket, hustle or scam. 

... wrote on May 3^rd, 2014 at 9:51pm:

They could always get a job, or failing that, some sort of racket, hustle or scam.

and who takes care of the kids?

John Smith wrote on May 3^rd, 2014 at 10:26pm:

... wrote on May 3rd, 2014 at 9:51pm: They could always get a job, or failing that, some sort of racket, hustle or scam.  and who takes care of the kids?

They're 17 & 15. They can take care of themselves.

Better still, they can get jobs. And before you start with the 'squillion unemployed and only 2 jobs available' crap, they can at least get off their bums and try...

The Heartless Felon wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 7:54am:

John Smith wrote on May 3rd, 2014 at 10:26pm: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2014 at 9:51pm: They could always get a job, or failing that, some sort of racket, hustle or scam.  and who takes care of the kids? They're 17 & 15. They can take care of themselves. Better still, they can get jobs. And before you start with the 'squillion unemployed and only 2 jobs available' crap, they can at least get off their bums and try...

They are trying otherwise they wouldn't be meeting their Centrelink mutual obligations.

It is now 72 weeks average time for the youth and unemployed until they find employment. Many of the older unemployed give up before the 72 weeks is reached whereas youth have their youthful optimism that keeps most of them going.

In some areas there is 40% youth unemployment and it is evident that our government has no idea how to address this growing problem, except to put the blame back onto the unemployed.

What do you say to the kids in Spain and Greece ? their economy has failed, it's not their fault, same, same here.

It is not the fault of the unemployed that their consecutive governments have failed them.

Bobby. wrote on May 3^rd, 2014 at 9:07pm:

Gnads wrote on May 3rd, 2014 at 9:03pm: Bobby that is the most pertinent post/video relevant to what is going on in our society today. Pity George Carlin has now left us. Although I can imagine that if he was still alive & espousing these truths .... they would find a way to snuff him out just like many others that have stood up & voiced their opinions as to who's controlling what in our world. the most pertinent post/video relevant to what is going on in our society today. It's perfect - the Wall street bankers & all the super fund owners here etc are all doing very well - the Govts. looked after them thank you very much.

Yeah & not only does Abbott want to push the pension eligibility to 70 .... they want to get at our Super by restricting access until you're 62.

Total tory arzeholes.

... wrote on May 3^rd, 2014 at 9:51pm:

They could always get a job, or failing that, some sort of racket, hustle or scam.

Ignorant arrogance, or a troll??

---

The Heartless Felon wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 7:54am:

John Smith wrote on May 3rd, 2014 at 10:26pm: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2014 at 9:51pm: They could always get a job, or failing that, some sort of racket, hustle or scam.  and who takes care of the kids? They're 17 & 15. They can take care of themselves. Better still, they can get jobs. And before you start with the 'squillion unemployed and only 2 jobs available' crap, they can at least get off their bums and try...

The kids are only now at an age where you may consider leaving them to themselves, even though the 15yr old is probably still a little young. 

I have 15yr olds running around in my neighbourhood ... breaking into homes etc, stealing stuff ... I've even find them in my pool every now and then ... you know why? because their parents aren't there to keep them in line, they get bored, get together with their mates and then they dare each other to do stupid things.

the kids well being needs to take priority. This age is when they can easily come unstuck and take the wrong path in their future. Parents need to be available to nudge and guide them in the right direction, not stuck at work all day so that they never see each other.

... wrote on May 3^rd, 2014 at 11:50am:

50 years old, and no marketable skills, talents or niches.

The Heartless Felon wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 7:54am:

They're 17 & 15. They can take care of themselves. Better still, they can get jobs.

Anyone see a discrepancy here? First the woman is criticised because of her lack of training and the fact she hasn't the qualifications to get a better job. And maybe her kids will be no hopers too.

Then someone else says the 15 yr old and 17 yr old need to get out there and work to take care of themselves.

It's true they could look for casual work, but they would need to be careful not to do too much or have hours that were too late, because those kids need to be in school, they need to be able to get into some sort of tertiary training so they can get a decent job down the track.
Trying to enter the full time work force at 15 isn't a great idea, not any more.

I am not against a co-payment of some sort for medical visits, but for a start, I do not think it should apply for people who have health insurance.
The govt's aim is obviously to stop people using medical services for trivial matters, but one huge disincentive to getting health insurance is the fact you end up paying way more for things than anyone else.
Maybe if they could give health insurance holders some little breaks, more people might go on it and that would free up some govt money.

Oh and why, when every new tax comes in, do they say it is only the price of a cup of coffee?
That may be so, but how many cups per week are we up to now?

It all adds up.

sherri wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 9:13am:

Oh and why, when every new tax comes in, do they say it is only the price of a cup of coffee? That may be so, but how many cups per week are we up to now? It all adds up.

you noticed that to?  ;) ;) ;)

John Smith wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 9:14am:

sherri wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 9:13am: Oh and why, when every new tax comes in, do they say it is only the price of a cup of coffee? That may be so, but how many cups per week are we up to now? It all adds up. you noticed that to?  ;) ;) ;)

Yes. It is never a cup of tea it goes up by. A cup of tea is a tad cheaper.

austranger wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 8:59am:

... wrote on May 3rd, 2014 at 9:51pm: They could always get a job, or failing that, some sort of racket, hustle or scam.  Ignorant arrogance, or a troll??

I guess begging could be considered a hustle, but it's not a very productive one.  The best ones utilise your latent skills and interests to fill a niche.  Better still, while you can complain that "dere ain't no jawbs" nobody can say there ain't no niches to fill. 

Everyone has some sort of talent they can commoditise, even if it does only provide an occasional $50 here and there.  At least you're providing value to society, while helping yourself. 

You see fresh migrants who can't even speak english filling these sorts of niches all the time - it's only decadent westerners who can't or won't take responsiblity for their own lives, and those of their families, but that's only a relatively new development - ask your grandparents if they sat around complaining that they didn't have enough money, or whether they took action to alleviate it.

Have I overestimated my fellow citizens, yet again?

sherri wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 9:09am:

... wrote on May 3rd, 2014 at 11:50am: 50 years old, and no marketable skills, talents or niches.  The Heartless Felon wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 7:54am: They're 17 & 15. They can take care of themselves. Better still, they can get jobs. Anyone see a discrepancy here? First the woman is criticised because of her lack of training and the fact she hasn't the qualifications to get a better job. And maybe her kids will be no hopers too. Then someone else says the 15 yr old and 17 yr old need to get out there and work to take care of themselves. It's true they could look for casual work, but they would need to be careful not to do too much or have hours that were too late, because those kids need to be in school, they need to be able to get into some sort of tertiary training so they can get a decent job down the track. Trying to enter the full time work force at 15 isn't a great idea, not any more. I am not against a co-payment of some sort for medical visits, but for a start, I do not think it should apply for people who have health insurance. The govt's aim is obviously to stop people using medical services for trivial matters, but one huge disincentive to getting health insurance is the fact you end up paying way more for things than anyone else. Maybe if they could give health insurance holders some little breaks, more people might go on it and that would free up some govt money.

Survival comes first.

... wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 9:47am:

austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 8:59am: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2014 at 9:51pm: They could always get a job, or failing that, some sort of racket, hustle or scam.  Ignorant arrogance, or a troll?? I guess begging could be considered a hustle, but it's not a very productive one.  The best ones utilise your latent skills and interests to fill a niche.  Better still, while you can complain that "dere ain't no jawbs" nobody can say there ain't no niches to fill.  Everyone has some sort of talent they can commoditise, even if it does only provide an occasional $50 here and there.  At least you're providing value to society, while helping yourself.  You see fresh migrants who can't even speak english filling these sorts of niches all the time - it's only decadent westerners who can't or won't take responsiblity for their own lives, and those of their families, but that's only a relatively new development - ask your grandparents if they sat around complaining that they didn't have enough money, or whether they took action to alleviate it. Have I overestimated my fellow citizens, yet again?

      No, like many unthinking Liberal supporters you've been guilty of ignorance of the true situation, you're statement.
                Everyone has some sort of talent they can commoditise,
                   makes that clear, because as anyone in the lower levels of this society knows, that simply isn't true, quite apart from the fact that, as with jobs, there's only so many of your "niches" that can be found or filled.

             Go spend a little time in the hardship areas of any Oz city and speak with the denizens thereof, there are vast numbers of earnest hard-trying young and older people desperate for work, or a "niche" they can fill, they keep trying, to no avail.  :'(
            

I pay nearly $4,000 for Private Health cover per year & that's with the 30% rebate reduction in the premium ....

plus $1,425 for the Medicare Levy.

Why should I have to pay any more for health services?

An average GP visit cost $70 why should the govt add another $6 to $15 to that cost?

Gnads wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 10:14am:

I pay nearly $4,000 for Private Health cover per year & that's with the 30% rebate reduction in the premium .... plus $1,425 for the Medicare Levy. Why should I have to pay any more for health services? An average GP visit cost $70 why should the govt add another $6 to $15 to that cost?

           I believe you're also asked to make a large co-payment for any claim on that insurance too, which would seem to beg the question..why, and what, are you actually paying for?   :-?

austranger wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 10:03am:

No, like many unthinking Liberal supporters you've been guilty of ignorance of the true situation, you're statement.                 Everyone has some sort of talent they can commoditise,                    makes that clear, because as anyone in the lower levels of this society knows, that simply isn't true

Then WTF have they been doing with their lives?  By following ones interests, they develop skills.  Skills that can then be utilised for profit.

If these carbon sinks don't even have the motivation to do what interests them, what hope do we have of getting them to work? 


austranger wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 10:03am:

there's only so many of your "niches" that can be found or filled.

Rubbish, there's an infinite number.  You might sneer at people who do dog walking, or deal in scrap metal or second hand goods, but they're getting paid because they found a niche and filled it.  There's nothing but their own shortcomings to stop anyone from finding similar rackets.  But unlike you, I think ones shortcomings should be worked on and improved, rather than indulged. 

... wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 10:22am:

austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:03am: No, like many unthinking Liberal supporters you've been guilty of ignorance of the true situation, you're statement.                 Everyone has some sort of talent they can commoditise,                    makes that clear, because as anyone in the lower levels of this society knows, that simply isn't true Then WTF have they been doing with their lives?  By following ones interests, they develop skills.  Skills that can then be utilised for profit. If these carbon sinks don't even have the motivation to do what interests them, what hope do we have of getting them to work?  austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:03am: there's only so many of your "niches" that can be found or filled. Rubbish, there's an infinite number.  You might sneer at people who do dog walking, or deal in scrap metal or second hand goods, but they're getting paid because they found a niche and filled it.  There's nothing but their own shortcomings to stop anyone from finding similar rackets.  But unlike you, I think ones shortcomings should be worked on and improved, rather than indulged.

          Your still ignoring the sheer numbers involved involved, there are only so many dogs to be walked, so much scrap to be collected. Haven't you heard of the rule of diminishing returns?
         The more there are involved the less there is to be made, to paraphrase it roughly.
       Your assertion that there's an infinite number is blatantly ludicrous, nothing is infinite, especially NOT things that will return cash!
         As to this..
             But unlike you, I think ones shortcomings should be worked on and improved, rather than indulged.
       that's a ridiculous claim, you know nothing of my beliefs, or that the fact that my life has been itself a process of overcoming some severe "shortcomings", and that Ive constantly put my life where my beliefs are by volunteering in some of the most desperate and disgusting areas of Australia's need, can you claim the same?
      

austranger wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 10:32am:

... wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:22am: austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:03am: No, like many unthinking Liberal supporters you've been guilty of ignorance of the true situation, you're statement.                 Everyone has some sort of talent they can commoditise,                    makes that clear, because as anyone in the lower levels of this society knows, that simply isn't true Then WTF have they been doing with their lives?  By following ones interests, they develop skills.  Skills that can then be utilised for profit. If these carbon sinks don't even have the motivation to do what interests them, what hope do we have of getting them to work?  austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:03am: there's only so many of your "niches" that can be found or filled. Rubbish, there's an infinite number.  You might sneer at people who do dog walking, or deal in scrap metal or second hand goods, but they're getting paid because they found a niche and filled it.  There's nothing but their own shortcomings to stop anyone from finding similar rackets.  But unlike you, I think ones shortcomings should be worked on and improved, rather than indulged.            Your still ignoring the sheer numbers involved involved, there are only so many dogs to be walked, so much scrap to be collected. Haven't you heard of the rule of diminishing returns?          The more there are involved the less there is to be made, to paraphrase it roughly.        Your assertion that there's an infinite number is blatantly ludicrous, nothing is infinite, especially NOT things that will return cash!          As to this..               But unlike you, I think ones shortcomings should be worked on and improved, rather than indulged.        that's a ridiculous claim, you know nothing of my beliefs, or that the fact that my life has been itself a process of overcoming some severe "shortcomings", and that Ive constantly put my life where my beliefs are by volunteering in some of the most desperate and disgusting areas of Australia's need, can you claim the same?

Exactly - but that's the problem with always following the path well-travelled.  It's not finding a niche, if the niche has already been filled.  You're going to need to actually think about it.  Is that expecting too much?

There are at least 3 areas in which I could make a living, and at least another 2 in which I can supplement my income.  I don't expect everyone to be at my level, but all they need is 1 of either.

There are 2 possible explanations for why I'm so much better:

1.  It's not really that hard

or

2.  I am an ubermensch.

so whaddya reckon it is?  1, 2 or both?

... wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 10:36am:

austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:32am: ... wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:22am: austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:03am: No, like many unthinking Liberal supporters you've been guilty of ignorance of the true situation, you're statement.                 Everyone has some sort of talent they can commoditise,                    makes that clear, because as anyone in the lower levels of this society knows, that simply isn't true Then WTF have they been doing with their lives?  By following ones interests, they develop skills.  Skills that can then be utilised for profit. If these carbon sinks don't even have the motivation to do what interests them, what hope do we have of getting them to work?  austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:03am: there's only so many of your "niches" that can be found or filled. Rubbish, there's an infinite number.  You might sneer at people who do dog walking, or deal in scrap metal or second hand goods, but they're getting paid because they found a niche and filled it.  There's nothing but their own shortcomings to stop anyone from finding similar rackets.  But unlike you, I think ones shortcomings should be worked on and improved, rather than indulged.            Your still ignoring the sheer numbers involved involved, there are only so many dogs to be walked, so much scrap to be collected. Haven't you heard of the rule of diminishing returns?          The more there are involved the less there is to be made, to paraphrase it roughly.        Your assertion that there's an infinite number is blatantly ludicrous, nothing is infinite, especially NOT things that will return cash!          As to this..               But unlike you, I think ones shortcomings should be worked on and improved, rather than indulged.        that's a ridiculous claim, you know nothing of my beliefs, or that the fact that my life has been itself a process of overcoming some severe "shortcomings", and that Ive constantly put my life where my beliefs are by volunteering in some of the most desperate and disgusting areas of Australia's need, can you claim the same?        Exactly - but that's the problem with always following the path well-travelled.  It's not finding a niche, if the niche has already been filled.  You're going to need to actually think about it.  Is that expecting too much?

        And you're still ignoring reality, there's not an endless supply of niches that will pay, that's a simple fact, would YOU actually PAY someone to polish your letterbox, or to wash the trees in your street? Most, if not ALL, of the possible niches have have already been found and filled, to excess, and there's STILL thousands and thousands of the poor and needy out there.
         I notice you didn't say anything about your volunteering, have YOU ever put yourself out to help those in need, or do you only sneer at them and demand that they NOT be disadvantaged and distressed, simply because YOU'RE not?

austranger wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 10:46am:

I notice you didn't say anything about your volunteering, have YOU ever put yourself out to help those in need, or do you only sneer at them and demand that they NOT be disadvantaged and distressed, simply because YOU'RE not?

Baiting me into a pissing contest eh?  Well, let me tell you something.

I earn less than minimum wage, and have a family of 4.  There ain't no trust fund for me to fall back on either.

I have volunteered at least 2 hours of time, for which I could earn at least $40 p/h for, every week for the last 12 years.  Put that into money terms bigshot - that's about $50,000, freely given by someone just 33 years of age who is working to provide for his own family. 

You can embellish your own selflessness to beat that if you want, but TBH I don't really care.

http://cdn.gifbay.com/2013/10/pissing_contest-95691.gif

austranger wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 10:46am:

... wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:36am: austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:32am: ... wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:22am: austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:03am: No, like many unthinking Liberal supporters you've been guilty of ignorance of the true situation, you're statement.                 Everyone has some sort of talent they can commoditise,                    makes that clear, because as anyone in the lower levels of this society knows, that simply isn't true Then WTF have they been doing with their lives?  By following ones interests, they develop skills.  Skills that can then be utilised for profit. If these carbon sinks don't even have the motivation to do what interests them, what hope do we have of getting them to work?  austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:03am: there's only so many of your "niches" that can be found or filled. Rubbish, there's an infinite number.  You might sneer at people who do dog walking, or deal in scrap metal or second hand goods, but they're getting paid because they found a niche and filled it.  There's nothing but their own shortcomings to stop anyone from finding similar rackets.  But unlike you, I think ones shortcomings should be worked on and improved, rather than indulged.            Your still ignoring the sheer numbers involved involved, there are only so many dogs to be walked, so much scrap to be collected. Haven't you heard of the rule of diminishing returns?          The more there are involved the less there is to be made, to paraphrase it roughly.        Your assertion that there's an infinite number is blatantly ludicrous, nothing is infinite, especially NOT things that will return cash!          As to this..               But unlike you, I think ones shortcomings should be worked on and improved, rather than indulged.        that's a ridiculous claim, you know nothing of my beliefs, or that the fact that my life has been itself a process of overcoming some severe "shortcomings", and that Ive constantly put my life where my beliefs are by volunteering in some of the most desperate and disgusting areas of Australia's need, can you claim the same?        Exactly - but that's the problem with always following the path well-travelled.  It's not finding a niche, if the niche has already been filled.  You're going to need to actually think about it.  Is that expecting too much?         And you're still ignoring reality, there's not an endless supply of niches that will pay, that's a simple fact, would YOU actually PAY someone to polish your letterbox, or to wash the trees in your street? Most, if not ALL, of the possible niches have have already been found and filled, to excess, and there's STILL thousands and thousands of the poor and needy out there.          I notice you didn't say anything about your volunteering, have YOU ever put yourself out to help those in need, or do you only sneer at them and demand that they NOT be disadvantaged and distressed, simply because YOU'RE not?

Seems there's always an excuse for not trying...scrape a couple of bucks together and buy something, then sell it; wash cars; do gardening; wash windows;walk around and put your name down at every business in your area.

If you don't swing, you don't hit...

The Heartless Felon wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 11:04am:

austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:46am: ... wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:36am: austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:32am: ... wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:22am: austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:03am: No, like many unthinking Liberal supporters you've been guilty of ignorance of the true situation, you're statement.                 Everyone has some sort of talent they can commoditise,                    makes that clear, because as anyone in the lower levels of this society knows, that simply isn't true Then WTF have they been doing with their lives?  By following ones interests, they develop skills.  Skills that can then be utilised for profit. If these carbon sinks don't even have the motivation to do what interests them, what hope do we have of getting them to work?  austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:03am: there's only so many of your "niches" that can be found or filled. Rubbish, there's an infinite number.  You might sneer at people who do dog walking, or deal in scrap metal or second hand goods, but they're getting paid because they found a niche and filled it.  There's nothing but their own shortcomings to stop anyone from finding similar rackets.  But unlike you, I think ones shortcomings should be worked on and improved, rather than indulged.            Your still ignoring the sheer numbers involved involved, there are only so many dogs to be walked, so much scrap to be collected. Haven't you heard of the rule of diminishing returns?          The more there are involved the less there is to be made, to paraphrase it roughly.        Your assertion that there's an infinite number is blatantly ludicrous, nothing is infinite, especially NOT things that will return cash!          As to this..               But unlike you, I think ones shortcomings should be worked on and improved, rather than indulged.        that's a ridiculous claim, you know nothing of my beliefs, or that the fact that my life has been itself a process of overcoming some severe "shortcomings", and that Ive constantly put my life where my beliefs are by volunteering in some of the most desperate and disgusting areas of Australia's need, can you claim the same?        Exactly - but that's the problem with always following the path well-travelled.  It's not finding a niche, if the niche has already been filled.  You're going to need to actually think about it.  Is that expecting too much?         And you're still ignoring reality, there's not an endless supply of niches that will pay, that's a simple fact, would YOU actually PAY someone to polish your letterbox, or to wash the trees in your street? Most, if not ALL, of the possible niches have have already been found and filled, to excess, and there's STILL thousands and thousands of the poor and needy out there.          I notice you didn't say anything about your volunteering, have YOU ever put yourself out to help those in need, or do you only sneer at them and demand that they NOT be disadvantaged and distressed, simply because YOU'RE not? Seems there's always an excuse for not trying...scrape a couple of bucks together and buy something, then sell it; wash cars; do gardening; wash windows;walk around and put your name down at every business in your area. If you don't swing, you don't hit...

That's the idea.  When I was in uni, a couple of things I used to do to make a few extra bucks were:

Collecting and refurbishing fitness equipment from bulk rubbish collections and selling it.

Scanning the quokka (and this was before gumtree, which is even better) for bargains, buying and selling them.

It was irregular income, and not very much of it, but it was something.  It was the difference between hunger and satiation. You'll note there aren't any diplomas or specialised equipment required - just a little interest and motivation.  I'd like to think everyone would have some area of expertise they can utilise in a similar manner.

... wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 10:58am:

austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 10:46am: I notice you didn't say anything about your volunteering, have YOU ever put yourself out to help those in need, or do you only sneer at them and demand that they NOT be disadvantaged and distressed, simply because YOU'RE not? Baiting me into a pissing contest eh?  Well, let me tell you something. I earn less than minimum wage, and have a family of 4.  There ain't no trust fund for me to fall back on either. I have volunteered at least 2 hours of time, for which I could earn at least $40 p/h for, every week for the last 12 years.  Put that into money terms bigshot - that's about $50,000, freely given by someone just 33 years of age who is working to provide for his own family.  You can embellish your own selflessness to beat that if you want, but TBH I don't really care. http://cdn.gifbay.com/2013/10/pissing_contest-95691.gif

         I'm glad to hear that, but I wonder about that two hours, does that involve anything your kids are involved in?
    Either way, I applaude you.
           I've detailed my personal efforts in other threads on this site, and provided photographic proof too, so I won't go into too many details again, merely say that I've given thousands of hours across my life, and suffered assaults and abuse for my efforts along the way too. I've worked for and with the Salvo's, St Vinnies, Indigenous and Private efforts, and I intend to again, my family life takes precedence at the mo', I'm carer for my failing parents.
       I raised three kids as a single-dad, held down two jobs and volunteered at their various involvements, and with the Sallies etc at the same time, so I can understand your life too.
          My personal belief is that it behooves those of us that are better off to help those who aren't, NOT judge and belittle them, and no matter how difficult my life has been I've always seen that there were others in more difficult straights, and tried my best to help them.
             I hope and pray that you, and others, can find something of that within your own souls, if everyone did that then this mad nation of ours would be a far better place thereby, wouldn't it?

austranger wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 11:14am:

I hope and pray that you, and others, can find something of that within your own souls, if everyone did that then this mad nation of ours would be a far better place thereby, wouldn't it?

Absolutely, but it's not going to happen while the "can't the government do it?" mentality is encouraged. 

There are few things I hate more than asking for help, but I will freely give it if asked and if it's appreciated.  The problem with government assistance as opposed to more personal or community based assistance is that it's expected, not appreciated.  Also it should be remembered that it is meant to be Assistance, not their everything.  I'm still going to need to see evidence of effort on their part.

... wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 11:24am:

austranger wrote on May 4th, 2014 at 11:14am: I hope and pray that you, and others, can find something of that within your own souls, if everyone did that then this mad nation of ours would be a far better place thereby, wouldn't it? Absolutely, but it's not going to happen while the "can't the government do it?" mentality is encouraged.  There are few things I hate more than asking for help, but I will freely give it if asked and if it's appreciated.  The problem with government assistance as opposed to more personal or community based assistance is that it's expected, not appreciated.  Also it should be remembered that it is meant to be Assistance, not their everything.  I'm still going to need to see evidence of effort on their part.

       While I can't in principle disagree with your general approach I DO disagree with the way the present Gov, and others, extends that too far, into a " Blame the victims" mind-set. There is a limit to what the unemployed and other recipients can reasonably accomplish, and while an effort on their part is sensible, punishing them for not succeeding is despicable, in my book anyway.

If you look back to the OP, this was about a woman bemoaning that her parenting payment was cut off - but her children are almost adults.  It's not like they need 24 hour supervision anymore.
 
So she's got dozens of hours to herself each week to do something positive - people would kill for that sort of free time.  If she chooses not to, it's not my problem.  I can't make her live her life a certain way, but it's her (and her family) who have to live with the consequences of her (lack of) action.  Sometimes the only thing people are victims of, is themselves. 

Personally, I can endure all sorts of hardship, but if I am inflicting that same hardship upon my loved ones, I know I need to do more to find a way. 

... wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 11:45am:

If you look back to the OP, this was about a woman bemoaning that her parenting payment was cut off - but her children are almost adults.  It's not like they need 24 hour supervision anymore.   So she's got dozens of hours to herself each week to do something positive - people would kill for that sort of free time.  If she chooses not to, it's not my problem.  I can't make her live her life a certain way, but it's her (and her family) who have to live with the consequences of her (lack of) action.  Sometimes the only thing people are victims of, is themselves.  Personally, I can endure all sorts of hardship, but if I am inflicting that same hardship upon my loved ones, I know I need to do more to find a way.

I think that before we make judgements about the woman in the article we need a lot more information about her circumstances. How did she become a single parent? Was it because her partner died, did she flee an abusive relationship, was it a normal separation? If it is the latter then where is the father's child support in all this? Maybe her partner was the sole provider and she never thought she would have to work, but was suddenly saddled with two young children on her own, which is in itself an obstacle to further qualification. I am not saying that any one of these is correct, but that you are making a series of judgements about this women based on incomplete information about the circumstances.

The point she made about the parenting allowance was not that it didn't exist now, but that it was cut off when her children were eight and above.

This part of the article actually raises an interesting reflective component on that governmental policy. Under the prior scheme where she received the parenting allowance, she and her brother were able to manage a mortgage; when it was removed she had to go back to renting. Surely it is in the long term interests of society that more people own property? This is a valuable asset that can remove the burden on the taxpayer - it means less people needing government subsidised housing and can be sold to fund retirement.

Single parents face the challenge of being both provider and nurturer for their children with little or no assistance. There is no hard and fast information about which to weight higher. A parent who focuses on providing at the expense of nurturing runs the risk of children lacking parental supervision and becoming delinquent. A parent who focuses on nurture at the expense of provision runs the risk of struggling to make ends meet and their children missing out on opportunities.

The alternative reading to this article is that rather than being a victim/entitled, this is a woman who has done her very best to raise her children with as little government support as possible. Is it really necessary to take away even more support?

The other point here is that while her children are older now, there will be people with much younger children who do require supervision and who this will impact to a far greater degree. She is not, I don't think, merely speaking about her personal circumstances, but highlighting the general impact that something like this has.