I should have included references about my remark about the faiolure of the scheme.

"In 2004, the University of Melbourne undertook a study on the effectiveness of a work for the dole scheme which was funded by the Howard Government. The researchers wanted to understand how participation in a work for the dole scheme affected the time than an unemployed person spent in welfare.

Rather than promote employment, the researchers found the opposite: more than 70 per cent of participants were still receiving unemployment benefits after six months of working for the dole.

http://dtl.unimelb.edu.au/R/P692Y5V34JJX6RHUDVT1TGMNMDLI46H1RPGX2DD6IG1S9HRRX2-01161?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=66032&local_base=GEN01&pds_handle=GUEST&pds_handle=GUEST

This was more than 10 per cent higher than those who were not on the work for the dole scheme. This research mirrors other international studies conducted in Europe and the United States.

Dr John Falzon, CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society National Council, says that work for the dole had limited success and “blaming the poor for their poverty” should have no place in framing government policy.

Unfortunately, it appears that once again welfare policy is being driven by ideology, rather than evidence.

If indeed Abbott’s brand of conservative politics has its ideological roots in the conservative Christian tradition of the United States, then the ‘undeserving poor’ will rapidly join ‘asylum seekers’ as scapegoats in the trending toxic themes of conservative government in Australia".

wobbles: Dr John Falzon, CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society National Council, says that work for the dole had limited success and “blaming the poor for their poverty” should have no place in framing government policy.

Political correctness at work again.

World watcher: Two years compulsory National service for the high rate of youth unemployed would not only teach them discipline, but also give them work skills, get them off the dole, teach them respect, and turn them into productive men and women ready to enter the civilian workforce when the two years was up.

This approach worked up until the early 70's. Then the army realized that they need a better educated soldier to handle the modern weapons systems.

I do believe that there should be a type of National Service for 12 months that would teach discipline & respect for the first 3 months (boot camp) then some type of skills course. E.g; Fire Brigade, Ambulance Bearer, Search & Rescue, Truck driving, etc. I don't know what you are going to do with the ones that only have an IQ of 80 or below.

Jayb,
The unions block you every time. They demand W.F.D participants must be paid par rate with other rates otherwise it is slavery and unionist lose out on paid work.
I remember when the NSW government built a 25 million dollar laundry attached to Parramatta goal. It was to give the prisoners meaningful employment whilst providing a service to all the hospitals and nursing homes in Sydney.
It lasted 12 months and the prisoners loved it. They got a little more in their accounts to spend each week and the service was excellent.
The unions demanded they be paid the full wage rate.
The place has been derelict fort 20 years.
Always the unions mate.

Chrisgaff1000: The unions demanded they be paid the full wage rate.
The place has been derelict fort 20 years.

Yes, there always have been some downsides to Unions. This latest fuss with the Unions taking kick backs is nothing new. I worked briefly for the Building industry when I left the Army. Every time we went to a new job everybody had a new name with a dozen kids. The Union came around & gave you a new profile. The Waterside workers were the worst. They had gangs that specifically employed to go through Containers & pinch stuff. One gang was the Waterside Workers Committee. They got caught pinching half a container of Transistor Radios. (1970) The Union said they would strike (sorry stop work) they weren't allowed to strike, if the Secretary, Treasurer & all the committee Members were charged. They were suspended for 6 months. Strangely a Container of paint disappeared just after that. Every Warfie got their house painted in that 6 months. I was their Barman, they get told everything.

Corruption in the Unions, tell me about it.

JayB,

Heartily agree with you. Too many of today's youth have no sense of purpose, except to get drunk every weekend and pop dodgy pills to get high. As an ex soldier, you especially would know that 3 months boot camp, followed by some basic skills training would be highly beneficial for them and the rest of our society. Their motor reflexes should already be pretty good, as they are well honed by the mindless games they constantly play on their expensive gadgets - bought with their dole money?
Corruption by some top tier union officials now being partially exposed suggests they aspire to these positions as a matter of self interest. Yet they still persuade their members to pay their dues to support them and their elevated lifestyles. How they can fool so many hard working people into supporting them is beyond my comprehension. I would lay part of the blame on them for so many companies going offshore, by inciting their members to ask for higher wages without the workers increasing productivity in return. Dare I suggest that they have outlived their usefulness?

Alot of agreeing here.:)

If work for the dole comes in, with a bit of notice, there would be some who try a little harder and land a job.
Some who upon receiving their assigned 'work for the dole' position/job will get out and have a go maybe even enjoy the physical activity and a bit of a boost. Off on the right foot.

Then there are the hard ones. Not the hard basket this time, serious intervention. Intro to boot camp. 99% guarantee in three months your nightmare will will walk out a completely changed person. Manners, respect, responsibility all the good stuff!

Fifteen years ago Boot Camp became a dream of mine. The thought of sending all the teenage/early twenties nightmares,lurking around and doing not much else, off for three months was a blessed opportunity. Parents get to restore some sanity, and the kids, a well deserved wake up call.