Fed: Welfare reforms measures

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2000
Fed: Welfare reforms measures

CANBERRA, Dec 14 AAP - The key measures in today's welfare announcement:

* Work-for-the-Dole for people aged 35-39.

* Community activity for 40-64 year-olds.

* Parents on benefits with children aged 6-12 to attend compulsory interview to discuss
work plans.

* Parents with children aged 13-15 required to develop participation plan for part-time
work, education or training. Those with seriously disabled children exempt.

* People with disabilities to be assessed for work capability. Also asked to consider
education and training.

* A new Welfare Reform Consultative Forum to help the government implement reform with
public input.

* Participation supplements to reward and aid the shift from welfare to work.

* A transition bank to help part-time and seasonal workers offset their earnings and
ease the impact of tax tapers and welfare benefit cuts.

* A new and simpler payment structure merging benefits and pensions, with add-ons to
recognise special needs such as childcare and transport.

* Individualised employment counselling and early intervention.

* New strategies to help indigenous people into employment.

AAP rft/daw/jnb

KEYWORD: WELFARE FACTBOX

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