Fed: Church group slams Howard welfare plans

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2000
Fed: Church group slams Howard welfare plans

Jesuit Social Services say government plans to make the disabled and sole parents work
for welfare should be rejected as mean-spirited.

Jesuit priest Father PETER NORDEN has slammed the federal government's welfare reforms
announced today as unnecessarily harsh in the lead up to Christmas.

The first stage of the welfare shakeup has a strong focus on mutual obligation, cutting
unemployment and helping parents and people with disabilities to re-enter the workforce.

Under the reforms, parents on benefits will have an annual interview once their youngest
child turns six.

Older people on unemployment benefits will be encouraged to attend an interview to
draw up a plan for more active participation in society.

And those on disability support programs will be given greater access to education
and training to help them re-enter the workforce.

Father NORDERN says those on social security support need opportunities rather than
being judged as Dole Bludgers, and threatened with the withdrawal of their means of survival.

AAP RTV pjb/et/jn

KEYWORD: WELFARE JESUIT (MELBOURNE)

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