Fed: Brief outline of work for the dole

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-1999
Fed: Brief outline of work for the dole

CANBERRA, Dec 17 AAP - A brief outline of the work for the dole program:



* Pilot scheme in November 1997 involved 10,000 unemployed aged between 18 and 24,
and out of work for longer than six months.



* Expanded to 25,000 places in 1998-99, with every 18 to 24-year-old out of work for
more than six months required to take part.



* 100,000 unemployed to take part between 1998 and 2002, of whom 80 per cent would
be 18-24 year olds. Total cost $260 million.



* Those who must take part are 18 to 19-year-old Year 12 school leavers on job seeker
benefits for three months; 18 to 24-year-olds on benefits for six months; and 25 to 34-year-olds
on benefits for 12 months or more.



* Leaked cabinet document in February 1999 proposes extending work for the dole to
all people unemployed for six months or longer. Plan is rejected.



* Expanded in May 1999 to 50,000 places.



* Government evaluation in May 1999 finds only one-third of participants in jobs three
months after leaving the scheme.



* Today's announcement provides $139 million for 65,000 new places.



AAP mfh/kr

KEYWORD: JOBS FACTBOX

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.