2nd June 2014

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Top teacher KARINGAL East kinder teacher Rachael Weber was “overwhelmed” at being recognised by her peers for her pioneering work in pre-school education. The Frankston teacher was named Victoria Teachers Mutual Bank Early Childhood Teacher of the Year at an awards ceremony last month and celebrated her award with pupils (from left) Connor, Arielle, Weber and Zachary. Her prize included $10,000 which will go towards personal development and travel to leading child education countries Sweden and Finland. Story page 10. Picture: Gary Sissons

Frankston first for dole cuts Chris Brennan chris@baysidenews.com.au UNEMPLOYED young people in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula will be among the first in Australia to taste the federal government’s tough budget measures, with the controversial “work for the dole” scheme to be rolled out across the region within weeks. The combined Frankston and peninsula region has been selected as one of 18 “high-unemployment areas” around Australia to spearhead a trial of the Coalition government’s revitalised work for the dole program. However, welfare and commu-

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nity service groups have criticised the previously abandoned scheme, claiming it does nothing to improve job prospects for young people and unfairly punishes them for being unable to find employment in an increasingly tough job market. Under the program, Frankston and peninsula “job seekers” aged between 18 and 30 who have been unemployed for twelve months or more will be required to perform 15 hours a week of unpaid work over a sixmonth period if they are to continue to receive welfare payments. Unlike many of the Abbott government’s controversial budget proposals which must pass both houses of parliament before being implement-

ed, the work for the dole scheme requires no such legislative approval and will come into force from 1 July within the 18 targeted regions. The rest of the country will follow 12 months later, when weekly requirements will increase to 25 hours unpaid work a week. The introduction of the scheme comes at a time of rising unemployment, particularly among young people. Over the path 12 months, unemployment in the Frankston and peninsula region has jumped from 6.3 per cent to 7.1 per cent, well above the national average of 5.9 per cent, while youth unemployment stands at an alarming 21.3 per cent.

At the same time, job vacancy rates have been steadily decreasing, meaning there are less jobs and more people looking for work. The Frankston and peninsula region has been targeted as one of four regions in Victoria with “unacceptably high levels of youth unemployment”. Federal member for Dunkley Bruce Billson welcomed the selection of his electorate for the trial, saying the scheme would assist Frankston and peninsula young people find longterm employment, despite dwindling work opportunities. “I am a firm believer that your postcode doesn’t determine your potential and this program is a great

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opportunity to encourage more people to enter the workforce and take a step toward achieving their full potential,” Mr Billson said. “The government’s reinvigorated work for the dole program will give all participants in Seaford, Langwarrin, Frankston, Mount Eliza, Mornington, parts of Baxter and Skye a chance to have a go, develop their workplace know-how, broaden their network and learn new skills. “We believe that all Australians capable of working should be working, earning, learning or working for the dole to help build confidence and self-worth.” Continued page 8

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2nd June 2014 by Mornington Peninsula News Group - Issuu