I saw on telly today, where they were comparing pensions in different countries. They said what the rate is in Australia, and I thought thats nearly double what the dole is. Funny how we all think that pensioners are doing it tough, but have little or no sympathy for those who cannot find suitable paid work. We justify our dislike of the less fortunate by blaming them for their own predicament, as a small percentage are not genuine (though even they might have a fair reason for being so).

As a gardener, I have experienced less than ethical behaviour from one or two pensioners playing along with the image of the poor old pensioner. I'll do a freeby or cheapy just the once, and then simply not return or answer calls as they evidently cannot afford the services of a gardener. Typically, they'll wait a few weeks and pretend nothing's happened, and then "when can the gardening be done?".

I think even the most frugal and sensible pensioner would struggle to make ends meet on the dole, its basically not possible to live in a city on the dole and not be involved in some criminality to support ones' self. Is it fair to have high expectations of people who try to exist on $220 per week? How much of their $220 should they be expected to waste on silly programs run to benefit job agencies (but not jobseekers)? After so many knock-backs, and being the plaything of the parasitic job agencies (who dont ever actually have any jobs),
why are we so judgemental about the unemployed?

by the time they pay their rent, transport, rates taxes etc. most average working families live on not much more or even less than the pension.

PTB maybe I am a Bogan myself.
Not sure what you think one is but my view is just a plain living happy bloke without pretensions.
Pensioners do not get enough.
Some unemployed get more not to work than they would working in some jobs.
And believe me I understand some who are out of work suffer.
One day we will develop a better way to help the unemployed.
ALP voter unionist till death, but we need reform, who thinks unemployment is forever?
I intend, all being ok, to work past pension age, and self fund after that as long as I can.
Welfare should go to the needy not greedy.

Perhaps there should be a special fund set up for the unemployed and those of you 'the bleeding heart brigade' can contribute to the fund, say and extra 10 cents in the dollar tax, or even forego your super.

Put it all in the fund, let them live a better life while you continue to work hard, for less and you can then feel all warm and fuzzy knowing you are doing your little bit to help.

Perfect solution. Those who give a s-hit can help, those who don't can continue on thier way.

I note with intertest that Mr DuD is wanting to take away the work from many students by doing away with the 2 hour shift. They to can become 'unemployed', yet, the simple solution would be to only allow a 2 hour shift to 'school students', no exception!

But hey, that's just to simple, isn't it!

Finnaly, on pensioners.

Many of these faught in wars, held two or three jobs, made huge sacrifices, all so you can live in a peacfull country.

Boy they must feel betrayed by you lot.

I am glad I don't share your ground on this matter.

Dole versus Pension?. What are we attacking next, disability versus war widows?. How about we start asking questions about government 'entitlements' and life time benefits?. When's the last time a politician made a vegemite sandwich to take to work?.

Rechtub get your mind together.
pat the Bogan was not right.
you are even further away from truth
how dare you ever use the name of dead soldiers to put your red neck points across.
We do put funds away to pay social security, always have.
A great number of our past generations would think much less of you for your thoughts.
my post said we can and will do better in welfare yours as usual blindly refused to see true hardship true need.
is it personal greed that drives you so often to defame All on welfare?
Welfare is a problem, in time properly managed superannuation may help with future pensioners but kicking anyone based on blind bias is not part of the solution rechtub.
To see some one who is out of touch look in to your mirror