Westgate’s work for the dole scheme remains without a local area co-ordinator, despite the federal government scheme having begun on July 1.
Westgate, which includes Brimbank and Melton, is one of 18 areas across the nation where the scheme is being phased in this year. Each area is supposed to have its own area co-ordinator to engage with eligible community groups and organisations to source suitable work for the dole placements.
But Maribyrnong Labor MP Bill Shorten and Gorton Labor MP Brendan O’Connor said a Westgate co-ordinator had yet to be appointed.
“Advertising for the work for the dole co-ordinators had only been available since May 29,” Mr Shorten said. “A month on and there’s no one to co-ordinate it.”
The work-based welfare scheme requires unemployed people under the age of 30 to do 25 hours of unpaid labour a week for six months. Those aged 30-49 must complete 15 hours. Jobseekers must also apply for 40 jobs a month. Repeated failure to comply, or to turn up for
work for the dole placements, could result in an eight-week suspension of welfare payments.
A department spokesman said that as of July 30, 828 places had been identified in the Westgate area.
He said applications for the co-ordinator’s position, which closed on June 23, were being assessed.
Lexi Cottee
