Geoff of Perth

I'm not sure what you are confused by in my post. Looking at my comment and yours, we appear to agree. I'm not saying that we can achieve a totally equal society - unless some cataclysm wiped out nine-tenths of humanity and we reverted to living in small nomadic tribes. However, political policies that keep vigilant to this ideal create much healthier economies and societies than ones that don't.

Houllebecq

Thoroughly agree and well said. I too have never understood this right-wing obsession with working one's butt off all one's life towards some aspirational 'good' that always seems to end up being for the 'good' of the rich and powerful. There is no universal or natural law that says humans were put on this earth for such a purpose.

And Killarney, There is no universal or natural law that says humans were put on this earth to keep the bludgers either.

Chris Lewis, around here most of the dole bludgers are long term, & have no intension of getting a job.

My wife would have been a good mate for Lexi. Always had some excuse for the unemployed, & the bludger.

Since becoming the welfare counselor in a job network charity, dealing with the long term unemployed, she no longer believes the sob stories. She has found she can not help 70% of them, because the very last thing they want is a job.

It will be excessively generous welfare, & the bleeding hearts that destroy democracy.

hasbeen

'Killarney, There is no universal or natural law that says humans were put on this earth to keep the bludgers either.'

Well, rest assured that many billions of our taxpayer dollars are pumped into the Centrelink Stasi Security State every year just to protect the financial integrity of mean-spirited better-offs like yourself.

Hasbeen, i have no problem with a tough mutual obligation program. I dont think people should get assistance with no contribution.

What are we talking about? 15 hours a week work or other criteria such as courses. I am sure that 90% of them would feel much better having made some contribution, opportunuities that should also improve their confidence and self-esteeem.

I dont think Aust needs to ever move beyond the current system, as in the US which has time limits on their recipients.

Chris I think you are genuine in that belief, but if so, you need to get out more mate. You obviously have not talked with those working with the long term dole bludgers.

Killarney not wanting to keep bludgers in comfort makes me mean spirited? Not wanting to makes ne sensible.

I came back to Oz in 76, after 6 years where there is not only no handout, but a head tax. I had $4000 total assets. If I am better off it is through work, & not wasting my money. I can see no reason why those struggling to pay their own way should have to watch these waste of space bludgers, living in cheep public housing, so they have more money to piss up against a wall.

The only ones who can agree that is fair must either be feeling guilty about how much they rip out of the public purse, or are bludgers themselves.

Hasbeen

I know several people who are long-term unemployed. None of them fit your description of bludger.

Firstly, ‘long-term unemployed’ is a misnomer. It’s rare for a person receiving unemployment benefits to never ever work. Almost all long-term dole recipients are engaged in intermittent casual labour, which is offset against their benefits.

Secondly, many long-term unemployed people are suffering from mild to serious personality disorders (e.g. borderline disorder and OCD) and neurological and emotional problems (e.g. Asperger syndrome, depression and chronic anxiety). Although they do not technically qualify as ‘disabled’, their ability to hold down a steady job is compromised.

Thirdly, many have little choice but to live in areas where unemployment is high, because they cannot afford the high rents and living costs in cities and large towns. Others may have no choice but to live in areas where there are no jobs to suit their skills or experience, e.g. single parents subject to Family Court rulings.

Fourthly, many are too old. If you find yourself over 50 and unemployed, it’s very difficult to find employment, even casual employment. If you are over 60 it is almost impossible. Now that the pension age has been increased from 60 to 62 under Howard, and from 62 to 67 under Rudd, many unemployed people over 60 are caught in a catastrophic limbo, in which they are too young to retire and too old to get a job.

But don’t fret about these complexities, Hasbeen. Just call them all bludgers