August 10, 2004

Unemployment Rises For Sole Parents

Today's Household Labour Force Survey shows that unemployment amongst single parents with dependent children continues to grow. Fifty two percent of these families have no employment. "This is the highest level since the June quarter 2000, " said Lindsay Mitchell, petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB.

"The government's new approach to DPB beneficiaries, scrapping work- testing and encouraging beneficiaries to create personal development plans, has made no impression on unemployment amongst single parents."

"Minister of Social Development, Steve Maharey, has always maintained that this group are highly motivated people who want to work yet it seems they have been reluctant to take advantage of a tight labour market, a shortage of skilled and non-skilled workers and the lowest unemployment rate for seventeen years."

"In a speech he gave last year, 'Building a truly inclusive society', Mr Maharey said the process was a several stage journey but that 'we are on track' ".

"It looks more like a 'road to nowhere' for the one hundred thousand plus single parents sticking with welfare."

ENDS

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