An independent evaluation of Work for the Dole has found the programme effective in helping participants gain confidence and self-esteem and learn skills such as team work, communication and appropriate workplace behaviour, according to the minister responsible.
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said the new evaluation showed how the programme was helping more Australians get work-ready.
“Work is the foundation of the economic security of individuals, of the nation and is the glue that makes our communities strong,” she said.
“That’s why we have invested in the Work for the Dole programme which places job seekers in activities where they can gain skills and experience in roles that also give back to the community.”
The independent evaluation by the Social Research Centre and the Australian National University found that of the participants surveyed 83 per cent agreed Work for the Dole is an opportunity to give back to the community, while 68 per cent agreed their placement was a valuable experience.
“It’s also pleasing to note that host organisations, many of them community groups and charities, saw Work for the Dole as an opportunity to undertake activities and complete tasks they would otherwise not have the resources to do,” Minister Cash said.
However, the latest statistics available from the Department of Employment show the Mandurah region still has the highest unemployment in Western Australia.
Mandurah’s unemployment rate for September 2015 is 11 per cent, almost double the WA rate of 6.1 percent.
Unemployment for youths aged 15-24 was 14.1 percent in September, compared to 10.7 percent for WA.
