Work for the Dole Coordinator announced for Fraser Coast, Bundaberg and Burnett areas

Sunday, 17 August 2014

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss, Federal Member for Flynn, Ken O’Dowd and Federal Member for Hinkler, Keith Pitt, today announced that Mission Australia has been selected to deliver the new Work for the Dole Coordinator services in the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast employment services areas.

The Federal Liberal Nationals Government is rolling out new Work for the Dole arrangements for job seekers aged 18-30 in the Fraser Coast, Bundaberg and Burnett region.

“The Work for the Dole program helps people to transition from welfare to work by giving young people the experience they need to make them job ready,” Mr Truss said.

“The program encourages the participants to demonstrate the qualities and attributes that employers look for, and will help them to become productive and valued employees.

“The participants work will boost their confidence and they can be proud of their contribution to building a better community.

“While the Work for the Dole program will complement and enhance the work that is done by the host employer, it will not be a substitute for their paid employees. The scheme will deliver projects in the area that otherwise would not have happened.

“I congratulate Mission Australia on their selection, and look forward to the expansion of the Work for the Dole programme to other parts of Wide Bay.”

Federal Member for Hinkler, Mr Keith Pitt said, “Work for the Dole gives job seekers the opportunity to learn new skills to be work ready.”

“Our new Work for the Dole programme will include a mix of individual and group based projects in community organisations such as not for profit organisations and local councils.”

Federal Member for Flynn, Mr Ken O’Dowd whose electorate also includes the Burnett region added “I strongly believe that the best form of welfare is a job. The Government and our society must not allow our young people to drift into welfare dependency.

“In addition to Work for the Dole, the Government is supporting young job seekers through the new Job Commitment Bonus that provides a financial bonus to young job seekers who move off welfare and stay in a job and investing $5.1 billion in a new employment services system to help more job seekers into work.

“Mission Australia will serve as the first point of contact for organisations in the region wishing to be involved in Work for the Dole and help match job seekers to available places.

“I congratulate Mission Australia and welcome their commitment to Work for the Dole and helping more job seekers into work in our region.

If you would like any further information on Work for the Dole, please visit www.employment.gov.au/work-dole.

Media Contacts:

Warren Truss: 41212936

Ken O’Dowd: 4972 5465

Keith Pitt: 4152 0744

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