Question:Senator Wong asked at Hansard page 49:
How many people who would previously have been on the DSP will be on enhanced Newstart under the Welfare Reform package?
Answer:
The estimated costs of the Welfare to Work package included, amongst other things, the impact of the following number of people who would have been on DSP, but will instead be on Newstart Allowance, as a result of the Welfare to Work package:
• 34,400 in 2006-07;
• 57,900 in 2007-08; and
• 75,700 in 2008-09.
These costing estimates include people who will be granted DSP between 11 May 2005 and 30 June 2006 and will be reviewed with some (those with 15-29 hours per week capacity) transferring to Newstart Allowance as a result of the review process.
These estimates represent annual average impacts for the relevant year, and have been rounded to the nearest 100.
Friday, August 26, 2005
workplace.gov.au - Survey of New Disability Support Pension Customers - Executive Summary
workplace.gov.au - Survey of New Disability Support Pension Customers - Executive Summary: "Participants who were not currently working but with future work intentions or the potential to work in the future were asked a question regarding factors that they would consider before accepting an appropriate position. The three most common factors identified by the 418 respondents were:
* location or distance from home
* pay or salary
* employer flexibility (includes flexibility in relation to hours and days worked as well as work-from-home options).
Participants were also asked about the advantages and disadvantages of working. The most common advantages identified were:
* more money/income
* improve self confidence/self esteem/state of mind
* social contact.
The most common disadvantage of working identified by both groups was that of potential problems with physical and/or mental health."
* location or distance from home
* pay or salary
* employer flexibility (includes flexibility in relation to hours and days worked as well as work-from-home options).
Participants were also asked about the advantages and disadvantages of working. The most common advantages identified were:
* more money/income
* improve self confidence/self esteem/state of mind
* social contact.
The most common disadvantage of working identified by both groups was that of potential problems with physical and/or mental health."
Comment
This report confirms the truth behind what people with disabilities have been saying for years. We want to work, but we don't want to be forced to do it in a way that jeopardises our health, our psyche and our families. Does that make us bludgers?Monday, August 15, 2005
Easy way to send letters to your Local Member
A C O S S Website by Webit: "Tell your local MP that you care in 3 quick steps
This year Parliament will consider legislation on payments for the poorest Australians. This includes rules that mean after July 2006 up to 300,000 people could have less money to live on. Take action online now in three quick steps and tell your Member of Parliament that you care about jobless people."
Just click on the heading above to go to the ACOSS Action page.
This year Parliament will consider legislation on payments for the poorest Australians. This includes rules that mean after July 2006 up to 300,000 people could have less money to live on. Take action online now in three quick steps and tell your Member of Parliament that you care about jobless people."
Just click on the heading above to go to the ACOSS Action page.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
The Epoch Times | Welfare Groups Question Federal Government’s Reforms
“We have said all along, and will continue to say, that if the nature of your disability is such that you cannot support yourself through work, then the Disability Support Pension will be there for you...[But] the community, including those with disabilities themselves, has a low level of tolerance for people who exaggerate the impact of their injury or illness and try and get onto the pension as the easy option.”
More Lies
Dutton says that 15 hours per week of work is sufficient to support yourself. I'd like to see him try. If you can work 15 hours per week, but can't compete in the job market, then you will be plunged onto Newstart, not DSP. The DSP is NOT available to those unable to support themselves.Thursday, July 21, 2005
Welfare to Work Forum
A Disability & Participation Alliance Forum
“Welfare to Work” & Disability
An opportunity to consult with
Senator Penny Wong
Shadow Minister for Employment
and Workplace Participation
When: 4-6pm
23 August 2005
Where: Uniting Church Meeting Room
Ground Floor
130 Little Collins St
Melbourne
RSVP by Wednesday 17 August 2005
Telephone: 03 9662 3324
TTY: 03 9662 3325
Email: collette.oneill@afdo.org.au
Please indicate any disability related needs, eg, need for a sign interpreter. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
“Welfare to Work” & Disability
An opportunity to consult with
Senator Penny Wong
Shadow Minister for Employment
and Workplace Participation
When: 4-6pm
23 August 2005
Where: Uniting Church Meeting Room
Ground Floor
130 Little Collins St
Melbourne
RSVP by Wednesday 17 August 2005
Telephone: 03 9662 3324
TTY: 03 9662 3325
Email: collette.oneill@afdo.org.au
Please indicate any disability related needs, eg, need for a sign interpreter. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
The Australian: Decline in men on disability pension [July 19, 2005]
Howard tells more porkies
David Uren, Economics correspondent
July 19, 2005
THE number of men claiming disability pensions has stopped growing for the first time in 20 years, but this has been offset by a surge in the number of claims from older women.
Research by the federal parliamentary library disproves a widely held belief that the meteoric growth in disability pensions has been driven by older men dropping out of the workforce before they were eligible for the old age pension.
The portion of men aged 60 to 64 on the disability pension has dropped from 25.3 to 21.5 per cent over the past seven years, while the number of men aged 50 to 59 on the disability pension has fallen from 11.5 to 10.2 per cent."
Comment
Just goes to show that the government's comments about DSP are fiction. And why are there more women? Probably because as women have entered the work force, they experience the poor conditions, and unhealthy demands pushed by a "productivity culture".Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Australians too retiring: OECD - National - theage.com.au
"The study also finds Australian men of prime working age have the second highest jobless rate of all 30 member nations in the OECD.
Perhaps because Australian employers are bastards?
In a wide-ranging reform blueprint, the organisation urges the Federal Government to let people earn more part-time income while still claiming the aged pension.
This is a no-brainer.
It also advocates even tougher rules for older people on welfare benefits - including more work requirements for unemployed people over 55.
I support this, but you have to start with employers. They're the mongrels who block older, disabled people from getting jobs. They use any excuse to sack older workers so they can employ someone younger and cheaper. Most people I assess for DSP want to work. Over half have a horror story about how they were forced into early "retirement" by bastard bosses.
And, in a bid to stop the disability support pension being used as an early retirement scheme, it wants older applicants to face the same tough medical eligibility tests as everyone else.
Despite the Government's pre-budget decision to exempt the existing 700,000 disability pensioners from harsher work tests, the OECD says all recipients should be forced to look for a job if they can work for 15 hours or more a week."
Agreed - but you have to make the definition of 15 hours per week reasonable. How about forcing employers to provide part-time work. Have you looked in the paper to see how many part-time jobs are advertised? Pompous ivory tower academics make these ridiculous pronouncements with no concept of what it's actually like in the real world.
Yesterday I assessed a 57 year old man with multiple injuries who wanted to work, who had actually been an employment consultant in Job Network. He trained people for the Mature Workers Program. He cannot get a job. His Job Network provider has decided not to fund the final semester of his TAFE course.
Here is a man doing all the right things - being screwed by a pathetic system. Shame Johnny.
Perhaps because Australian employers are bastards?
In a wide-ranging reform blueprint, the organisation urges the Federal Government to let people earn more part-time income while still claiming the aged pension.
This is a no-brainer.
It also advocates even tougher rules for older people on welfare benefits - including more work requirements for unemployed people over 55.
I support this, but you have to start with employers. They're the mongrels who block older, disabled people from getting jobs. They use any excuse to sack older workers so they can employ someone younger and cheaper. Most people I assess for DSP want to work. Over half have a horror story about how they were forced into early "retirement" by bastard bosses.
And, in a bid to stop the disability support pension being used as an early retirement scheme, it wants older applicants to face the same tough medical eligibility tests as everyone else.
Despite the Government's pre-budget decision to exempt the existing 700,000 disability pensioners from harsher work tests, the OECD says all recipients should be forced to look for a job if they can work for 15 hours or more a week."
Agreed - but you have to make the definition of 15 hours per week reasonable. How about forcing employers to provide part-time work. Have you looked in the paper to see how many part-time jobs are advertised? Pompous ivory tower academics make these ridiculous pronouncements with no concept of what it's actually like in the real world.
Yesterday I assessed a 57 year old man with multiple injuries who wanted to work, who had actually been an employment consultant in Job Network. He trained people for the Mature Workers Program. He cannot get a job. His Job Network provider has decided not to fund the final semester of his TAFE course.
Here is a man doing all the right things - being screwed by a pathetic system. Shame Johnny.
Monday, June 20, 2005
'Welfare to work' melting under spotlight
Penny Wong
Labor Senator for South Australia
Shadow Minister for Employment and Workforce Participation,
Corporate Governance and Responsibility
Sunday 19 June, 2005
In the last week of parliamentary sittings, Labor will highlight that
the Howard Government's so-called welfare to work package is a shambles that won't improve workforce participation.
"Since the Budget, Labor and independent experts have shone a spotlight on the Howard Government's incompetent scheme and found that it fails its own basic test of moving people from welfare to work," Shadow Employment Minister Senator Wong said today.
"Under the Howard Government's confused scheme, there will be less incentive to move into work because workers will lose more of what they earn."
Treasury confirmed this fact at Senate Estimates hearings, and last week the respected Melbourne Institute agreed:
The effect of on labour supply of these measures is ambiguous... Relatively less can be gained from employment due to the higher benefit withdrawal rates when earning additional income.
In addition, the Treasurer's claim that 190,000 people will move from welfare to work has been completely discredited.
"At estimates, Treasury revealed that it expected that no current
Disability Support Pension recipients would move into work at all. And now the Melbourne Institute is projecting that only 45,000 people will move from welfare to work.
"Add these revelations to the chorus of concern raised by church groups and the news that Job Network agencies are threatening to walk from the system, and it is clear that the 'welfare to work' scheme is decomposing before our eyes.
"Welfare reform was the opportunity for Australia to ask welfare
recipients to help address the chronic skills shortage - but that
opportunity has been wasted with no major investment in the skills of welfare recipients.
"The Howard Government's process for developing this scheme was chaotic, the results have been disastrous - and vulnerable families and disabled Australians will pay the price.
"After nine long years of talk on welfare reform, the Howard Government is just moving vulnerable Australians from one welfare payment to a lower welfare payment. Labor will be calling the Government to account for this cruel scam when the last parliamentary sitting week for the session begins tomorrow."
For further information - John Olenich 0408 841 850
Labor Senator for South Australia
Shadow Minister for Employment and Workforce Participation,
Corporate Governance and Responsibility
Sunday 19 June, 2005
In the last week of parliamentary sittings, Labor will highlight that
the Howard Government's so-called welfare to work package is a shambles that won't improve workforce participation.
"Since the Budget, Labor and independent experts have shone a spotlight on the Howard Government's incompetent scheme and found that it fails its own basic test of moving people from welfare to work," Shadow Employment Minister Senator Wong said today.
"Under the Howard Government's confused scheme, there will be less incentive to move into work because workers will lose more of what they earn."
Treasury confirmed this fact at Senate Estimates hearings, and last week the respected Melbourne Institute agreed:
The effect of on labour supply of these measures is ambiguous... Relatively less can be gained from employment due to the higher benefit withdrawal rates when earning additional income.
In addition, the Treasurer's claim that 190,000 people will move from welfare to work has been completely discredited.
"At estimates, Treasury revealed that it expected that no current
Disability Support Pension recipients would move into work at all. And now the Melbourne Institute is projecting that only 45,000 people will move from welfare to work.
"Add these revelations to the chorus of concern raised by church groups and the news that Job Network agencies are threatening to walk from the system, and it is clear that the 'welfare to work' scheme is decomposing before our eyes.
"Welfare reform was the opportunity for Australia to ask welfare
recipients to help address the chronic skills shortage - but that
opportunity has been wasted with no major investment in the skills of welfare recipients.
"The Howard Government's process for developing this scheme was chaotic, the results have been disastrous - and vulnerable families and disabled Australians will pay the price.
"After nine long years of talk on welfare reform, the Howard Government is just moving vulnerable Australians from one welfare payment to a lower welfare payment. Labor will be calling the Government to account for this cruel scam when the last parliamentary sitting week for the session begins tomorrow."
For further information - John Olenich 0408 841 850
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Call to rethink disability reform
By GABRIELLE DUNLEVY - Illawarra Mercury June 11, 2005.
A KOONAWARRA man has started, a petition against changes to the Disability Support Pension which he claims will disadvantage and discriminate against people with a disability, rather than encourage them into work.
Ken Davis, both a recipient of the pension and an occupational therapist who assesses people for the pension, believes the changes come out of ignorance.
Under the Federal Government's "welfare to work" reforms, from July 1 next year people able to do 15 hours of part time work would no longer he entitled to the pension and would be moved Newstart allowance.
They would have to meet job search requirements and would be $44 per week worse off, Mr Davis said.
As most people with disabilities wanted to work, he believed the Government should give employers an incentive to hire them.
“Because of the job I do part-time is to assess people with a disability, I can see first hand that the Government’s claims about these people are not true...the characterisation of people on the disability support pension as malingerers”, he said. “The most serious misconception is what it takes for a disabled person to find real employment that does not aggravate their condition.”
Mr Davis said the idea that people with back injuries could easily find part-time office work was an example of this – often office work could make their condition worse.
“They (the Government) really have a poor understanding of people with disabilities. What I am hoping is there will be enough signatures to get some attention and that it might motivate both people with a disability and people around them to get on board with the political process and try and make a difference.”
Mr Davis said his was not the only campaign against the pension reforms. The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations has launched Campaign Enable to coerce the Government to replace its “unfair” policies with a practical national employment strategy for those with a disability.
Mr Davis’ petition is at www.life-directions.net/dsp.php
A KOONAWARRA man has started, a petition against changes to the Disability Support Pension which he claims will disadvantage and discriminate against people with a disability, rather than encourage them into work.
Ken Davis, both a recipient of the pension and an occupational therapist who assesses people for the pension, believes the changes come out of ignorance.
Under the Federal Government's "welfare to work" reforms, from July 1 next year people able to do 15 hours of part time work would no longer he entitled to the pension and would be moved Newstart allowance.
They would have to meet job search requirements and would be $44 per week worse off, Mr Davis said.
As most people with disabilities wanted to work, he believed the Government should give employers an incentive to hire them.
“Because of the job I do part-time is to assess people with a disability, I can see first hand that the Government’s claims about these people are not true...the characterisation of people on the disability support pension as malingerers”, he said. “The most serious misconception is what it takes for a disabled person to find real employment that does not aggravate their condition.”
Mr Davis said the idea that people with back injuries could easily find part-time office work was an example of this – often office work could make their condition worse.
“They (the Government) really have a poor understanding of people with disabilities. What I am hoping is there will be enough signatures to get some attention and that it might motivate both people with a disability and people around them to get on board with the political process and try and make a difference.”
Mr Davis said his was not the only campaign against the pension reforms. The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations has launched Campaign Enable to coerce the Government to replace its “unfair” policies with a practical national employment strategy for those with a disability.
Mr Davis’ petition is at www.life-directions.net/dsp.php
Friday, June 10, 2005
PM - Jobless rate steady at 5.1 per cent
Not much cheer for Disabled
PM - Thursday, 9 June , 2005 18:55:55
Reporter: Neal Woolrich
MARK COLVIN: Most indicators show that the Australian economy is slowing, but the job market continues to defy the trend.
Australia's unemployment rate remained steady in May at a 28-year low of 5.1 per cent.
But the strength of the job market is causing its own problems, with employers increasingly looking overseas to find qualified workers.
Funny aint it. Government says it's reforms will improve the lot of disabled people and single mums. But where do the bosses go looking for workers: Overseas! This shows the poverty of imagination in our Government and business leaders.
DSP recipients are the ones who need a carrot - its the bosses who need a bloody big stick!
PM - Thursday, 9 June , 2005 18:55:55
Reporter: Neal Woolrich
MARK COLVIN: Most indicators show that the Australian economy is slowing, but the job market continues to defy the trend.
Australia's unemployment rate remained steady in May at a 28-year low of 5.1 per cent.
But the strength of the job market is causing its own problems, with employers increasingly looking overseas to find qualified workers.
Comment
Funny aint it. Government says it's reforms will improve the lot of disabled people and single mums. But where do the bosses go looking for workers: Overseas! This shows the poverty of imagination in our Government and business leaders.
DSP recipients are the ones who need a carrot - its the bosses who need a bloody big stick!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Jennie George demands a fair go for Disability Support Pensioners
My local member, Jennie George is fighting the Howard Government's proposed DSP changes. This is her conclusion. I urge you to read the whole speech.
2005 Budget reply: "If we genuinely want to help people with disabilities who have a capacity to work-and I think most people of goodwill really want to see that outcome-we need to understand that this will require a big investment in rehabilitation and employment assistance and major changes in the nature of our workplaces. There are no cheap or easy options. In the meantime, I firmly believe that people with disabilities deserve adequate and secure income support through the social security system, not cuts to their entitlements. It is in this context that I believe the government's proposals in the budget for DSP recipients fail the test of adequate support and assistance in their move from welfare to work."
2005 Budget reply: "If we genuinely want to help people with disabilities who have a capacity to work-and I think most people of goodwill really want to see that outcome-we need to understand that this will require a big investment in rehabilitation and employment assistance and major changes in the nature of our workplaces. There are no cheap or easy options. In the meantime, I firmly believe that people with disabilities deserve adequate and secure income support through the social security system, not cuts to their entitlements. It is in this context that I believe the government's proposals in the budget for DSP recipients fail the test of adequate support and assistance in their move from welfare to work."
Friday, June 03, 2005
Canada vs Australia
Check out how Canada is treating disabled workers, then compare it with Australia's approach.
"Injured workers applaud government action
Changes to Ontario WSIB fairer and in the right direction
Toronto, Ontario, June 1 /PR Direct/ - Injured worker groups today applauded the Ontario Government's action to change the way in which the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board treats Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits.
'The announcement today is a step in the right direction to treat injured workers more fairly,' said Jessica Schmidt, spokesperson for the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge Injured Workers' Group Inc. It is encouraging to see that injured workers are now one step closer to receiving benefits that correspond to their true wage loss.
Successive governments have enacted legislation that resulted in a significant loss of income for injured workers. De-indexing of WSIB pensions occurred in the early 1990's and Bill 99 during the Conservative regime resulted in a 5 % loss of income for injured workers. This is the first time since January 1, 1998 that injured workers have received an increase in their benefits."
"Injured workers applaud government action
Changes to Ontario WSIB fairer and in the right direction
Toronto, Ontario, June 1 /PR Direct/ - Injured worker groups today applauded the Ontario Government's action to change the way in which the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board treats Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits.
'The announcement today is a step in the right direction to treat injured workers more fairly,' said Jessica Schmidt, spokesperson for the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge Injured Workers' Group Inc. It is encouraging to see that injured workers are now one step closer to receiving benefits that correspond to their true wage loss.
Successive governments have enacted legislation that resulted in a significant loss of income for injured workers. De-indexing of WSIB pensions occurred in the early 1990's and Bill 99 during the Conservative regime resulted in a 5 % loss of income for injured workers. This is the first time since January 1, 1998 that injured workers have received an increase in their benefits."
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Empowering Conference 2005
"Empowering Individuals and Families in the Human Services
Sydney, 17 June 2005
Y on the Park Conference Centre
This one day conference will explore an agenda of empowerment for individuals and families in the fields of disability, mental health, aged care, youth, schools, health care and family support.
By ‘empowerment’ we mean person-centred arrangements in social policy and service provision, as distinct from institution or agency-centred systems.
Our purpose is to explore what must be done – in communities, services, government departments, social institutions, and philanthropic foundations – to further an empowerment agenda. "
Sydney, 17 June 2005
Y on the Park Conference Centre
This one day conference will explore an agenda of empowerment for individuals and families in the fields of disability, mental health, aged care, youth, schools, health care and family support.
By ‘empowerment’ we mean person-centred arrangements in social policy and service provision, as distinct from institution or agency-centred systems.
Our purpose is to explore what must be done – in communities, services, government departments, social institutions, and philanthropic foundations – to further an empowerment agenda. "
Disability Paricipation Alliance
"People with Disability: Participation and Payments Forum
More than 30 disability, welfare and employment services agencies attended the People with Disability: Participation and Payments Forum held in Melbourne on Thursday 3 February 2005 to consider options for the reform of income support and employment policies for people with disability and ways that the community sector can contribute to it.
The forum was organised by:
* The Australian Federaton of Disability Organisations
* The Australian Council of Social Service
* People with Disability Australia
* ACROD
* ACE National Network
* The National Welfare Rights Network.
The Disability Advisory Council, Victoria, supported the forum."
More than 30 disability, welfare and employment services agencies attended the People with Disability: Participation and Payments Forum held in Melbourne on Thursday 3 February 2005 to consider options for the reform of income support and employment policies for people with disability and ways that the community sector can contribute to it.
The forum was organised by:
* The Australian Federaton of Disability Organisations
* The Australian Council of Social Service
* People with Disability Australia
* ACROD
* ACE National Network
* The National Welfare Rights Network.
The Disability Advisory Council, Victoria, supported the forum."
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Government won't reveal 'misleading' welfare to work figures
Link
Penny Wong - Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Participation, Shadow Minister for Corporate Governance and Responsibility
Media Statement - 25th May 2005
The Howard Government and the Finance Department today refused to reveal basic costings information for the 'Welfare to Work' scheme, Shadow Employment Minister Penny Wong said.
In Senate Estimates, they specifically refused to reveal how much money was being saved by moving people on to the new dole payments that are central to the scheme.
Senator Wong asked Mr Phil Bowen, Budget General Manager at the Finance Department:
Perhaps you can give me this? What are the savings resulting from the reduction in the Parenting Payment and the DSP payment to the Newstart Allowance over the forward estimates? It is a very simple question.
Mr Bowen replied:
Senator, I cannot give you that, but can I say that if that figure were produced it would be a very misleading figure."
Penny Wong - Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Participation, Shadow Minister for Corporate Governance and Responsibility
Media Statement - 25th May 2005
The Howard Government and the Finance Department today refused to reveal basic costings information for the 'Welfare to Work' scheme, Shadow Employment Minister Penny Wong said.
In Senate Estimates, they specifically refused to reveal how much money was being saved by moving people on to the new dole payments that are central to the scheme.
Senator Wong asked Mr Phil Bowen, Budget General Manager at the Finance Department:
Perhaps you can give me this? What are the savings resulting from the reduction in the Parenting Payment and the DSP payment to the Newstart Allowance over the forward estimates? It is a very simple question.
Mr Bowen replied:
Senator, I cannot give you that, but can I say that if that figure were produced it would be a very misleading figure."
Power to the People
People Power Home Page
"People Power was launched in Sydney on Saturday 5 March 2005"
Australians have disengaged from politics on a massive scale. The proportion of our citizens who are members of political parties is amongst the lowest in the western world. All our political parties (with the exception of the Greens) are in major decline - not surprising when they have lost touch with the little people and become part of the Two Establishments.
We want to empower ordinary Australians in their roles as citizens, consumers, carers, community members, shareholders, owners of assets and members of families.
Our core values are:
We invite Australians from all walks of life to exercise People Power to renew our democracy, to change our politics, and to re-invigorate the best of our social traditions of a fair go, egalitarianism, a hand up not a hand out, unpretentiousness, and inclusive, convivial community.
"People Power was launched in Sydney on Saturday 5 March 2005"
Read all about them
We are a new political movement aiming to empower people who have become invisible in our political system:Australians have disengaged from politics on a massive scale. The proportion of our citizens who are members of political parties is amongst the lowest in the western world. All our political parties (with the exception of the Greens) are in major decline - not surprising when they have lost touch with the little people and become part of the Two Establishments.
We want to empower ordinary Australians in their roles as citizens, consumers, carers, community members, shareholders, owners of assets and members of families.
Our core values are:
- self-help
- empowerment
- community
- smaller government
- inclusion
- relationships and social capital
- ethical conduct
We invite Australians from all walks of life to exercise People Power to renew our democracy, to change our politics, and to re-invigorate the best of our social traditions of a fair go, egalitarianism, a hand up not a hand out, unpretentiousness, and inclusive, convivial community.
Comment
Ken Davis is a pending member of People Power.ENABLE Campaign targets marginals
The Daily Telegraph | Disability sector to target marginals
By Danny Rose
May 30, 2005
THE peak body for Australians with disabilities has outlined a plan to pressure the Federal Government where it hurts – in marginal seats – over its attempt to slash its $30 billion welfare bill.
Australian Federation for Disability Organisations (AFDO) today highlighted 14 seats where it said the number of people on the Disability Support Pension (DSP) exceeded the number of votes needed for the seat to change hands.
The organisation opposes the Government's DSP reforms outlined in the federal Budget, which include redirecting many new applicants into a different pension system based on job-search.
The AFDO says people on the new scheme will be on average $44 a week worse off, while those on the existing scheme will receive less help to obtain work."
By Danny Rose
May 30, 2005
THE peak body for Australians with disabilities has outlined a plan to pressure the Federal Government where it hurts – in marginal seats – over its attempt to slash its $30 billion welfare bill.
Australian Federation for Disability Organisations (AFDO) today highlighted 14 seats where it said the number of people on the Disability Support Pension (DSP) exceeded the number of votes needed for the seat to change hands.
The organisation opposes the Government's DSP reforms outlined in the federal Budget, which include redirecting many new applicants into a different pension system based on job-search.
The AFDO says people on the new scheme will be on average $44 a week worse off, while those on the existing scheme will receive less help to obtain work."
Comment
We urge you to support the AFDO Campaign. You can download an information kit here.Monday, May 30, 2005
Disabled workers paying the price
Matthew Davis from Perth, who is also on DSP has written an excellent article.
Disabled workers paying the price: "What PM John Howard’s government should be doing is increasing the DSP to a rate that reflects the needs and aspirations of some of Australia’s most vulnerable people. The maximum rate for the DSP is variable from a base of about $180 per week, which many understand as below the poverty line, even before the cut-backs."
Disabled workers paying the price: "What PM John Howard’s government should be doing is increasing the DSP to a rate that reflects the needs and aspirations of some of Australia’s most vulnerable people. The maximum rate for the DSP is variable from a base of about $180 per week, which many understand as below the poverty line, even before the cut-backs."
Income Inequality - Who do you believe?
St Vincent de Paul Society [Australia] spokesman John Wicks states
From 1994 to 2003, real mean incomes for the poorest Australians grew at a slower rate than those on higher incomes.
For example, someone earning $269 received only a 12 per cent rise - or $32.28. Medium earners on $449 a week enjoyed a 14 per cent, or $62.86. And high income earners, on a real mean weekly income of $975, received a 16 per cent or $156 boost.
Mr Wicks said the federal budget tax cuts were likely to increase the gap.
Dr John Falzon also comments on the "Welfare to work" plan saying it is very short sighted in respect of Australia’s future economic growth and outlook. “If we do not invest in health, housing, education and skills training for all Australians we will reduce our chances of developing a highly skilled productive workforce. If we choose to go down the US path of pushing people off welfare so as to reduce social expenditure we will lose our chance of creating a fair and compassionate Australia.” he said.
From 1994 to 2003, real mean incomes for the poorest Australians grew at a slower rate than those on higher incomes.
For example, someone earning $269 received only a 12 per cent rise - or $32.28. Medium earners on $449 a week enjoyed a 14 per cent, or $62.86. And high income earners, on a real mean weekly income of $975, received a 16 per cent or $156 boost.
Mr Wicks said the federal budget tax cuts were likely to increase the gap.
Dr John Falzon also comments on the "Welfare to work" plan saying it is very short sighted in respect of Australia’s future economic growth and outlook. “If we do not invest in health, housing, education and skills training for all Australians we will reduce our chances of developing a highly skilled productive workforce. If we choose to go down the US path of pushing people off welfare so as to reduce social expenditure we will lose our chance of creating a fair and compassionate Australia.” he said.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Two-class welfare disaster - Tim Colebatch - Opinion - theage.com.au
"The key fact behind welfare change is that our system splits beneficiaries into two groups. One is those deemed deserving poor, such as those on the aged pension, disability support, and sole parents. The other is the undeserving poor: the unemployed on the Newstart allowance."
That's why I believe that all benefits should be equal and income tested, with a slow, smooth dropoff in benefits as earnings increase.
Comment
This is the opposite effect to what the Government says will happen. My opinion is that the 15 hour threshold acts as a distinct disincentive for people as they attempt to recover or improve their functional capacity. As you approach the threshold, instead of simply "pressing on" a huge issue becomes - "Is it worth me trying any harder. If I work one more hour per week, I will be a lot worse off."That's why I believe that all benefits should be equal and income tested, with a slow, smooth dropoff in benefits as earnings increase.
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