The Wire

Opposition leader Tony Abbott has caused a stir today with his proposal to cut people under thirty off the dole if they live in areas where there are skills shortages. The news has sparked blogs all over the country saying we need to do something about so-called dole- bludgers, with welfare agencies saying the policy deserves contempt. One such agency, St Vincent de Paul, has seen more than most what happens to young people who don’t have any money or any prospects. CEO Dr John Falzon doesn’t think the plan will work as an incentive to get people into jobs.