The Australian Workers Union has rejected a proposal to place work-for-the-[unemployed] participants on drought-affected rural properties. The idea is under active consideration by the Federal Government as a way of ensuring people put out of work by the drought do not drift away to the city.
But AWU New South Wales secretary Russ Collison says it may act as an incentive for cash-strapped farmers to get rid of the few remaining paid workers they have.
"I mean everyone understands the economic problems that farmers and landholders are facing as a result of the drought and if they can get the work done for nothing, why wouldn't they do that?
"So why put that temptation in front of them? I think it's a ridiculous idea."
ABC Online 5 December 2002
Related:
Tough luck! Kicks the poor to death
Australia is urged to adopt a United States-style welfare system, [?] cut welfare spending [social services spending] and encourage people to help themselves in a book on poverty published today.
