From time immemorial, statistics have been used to prove whatever point the user wants to prove, to support whatever argument the proponent is proposing. Indeed, two people, or for that matter two opposing political parties, may often use the same set of statistics, and from the same source, "to prove" opposing points of view.
Invariably, the Government of the day will produce a set of statistics to highlight employment growth and to boost economic confidence while social researchers will produce a separate set of statistics to highlight areas of deep concern.
During our own statistical research for this project, we were advised by Australian Bureau of Statistics staff
that trend series data are revised each month
that every six months all of the previous monthly Labour Force figures are updated
that every February the last twelve months’ figures are completely revised, and
that every five years the figures are adjusted to tally with the census information.
We were further advised that trend figures are viewed as more reliable than the seasonally adjusted ones.
In addition, we also discovered a great disparity between statistics produced by the
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Commonwealth Centrelink Statistics, and
Tasmanian Department of Treasury and Finance
Maybe the George Town participant was closest to the truth in saying that, when it comes to statistics, "we live in a sea of lies".
Much would seem to depend on which set of statistics are chosen, what revisions they have or have not undergone, and whether access to them is available.
It would appear evident that the published monthly ABS employment/unemployment figures are in no way adequate or sufficiently comprehensive to deal with this complex issue. In fact, these figures would seem to hide rather than reveal some of the more important and indeed complex employment/unemployment issues, as we seek to demonstrate in this chapter.
We believe that the issues we raise in this chapter, and elsewhere in this report, need to be acknowledged by the Tasmanian Government and brought out into the open and into greater community and public debate.
It is for this reason also that the first recommendation of this report is directed specifically to the Tasmanian State Government, recommending
that the Tasmanian Government appoints a Minister for Employment and Unemployment and devotes more Government resources
We also ask the State Government to recognize that unemployed job seekers
- are an essential part of the solution to the problem of unemployment, and not part of the problem
- are a huge resource with a wealth of wisdom, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience and energy waiting to be harnessed
- are motivated in wanting to be productive, working contributors to the Tasmanian community.
STATISTICS RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT/UNEMPLOYMENT
IN TASMANIA
As already mentioned, statistics are invariably used "to prove a point" or "to highlight the truth" of one’s position. When it comes to employment/unemployment, there are many truths that need to sit alongside each other. Maybe the gravest danger is when one version, backed by statistics, is held onto as the only version and is claimed to be the total truth of any given situation.
The following statistics relate to the employment/unemployment situation in Tasmania.
- Official Unemployment in Tasmania, February 2001, stood at 20,000 - 9% against the national rate of 6.8% (Trend Estimate, February 2001, ABS Catalogue No. 6202.0)
- The ABS records people as employed if they have worked for only one hour a week (Labour Force Definitions, Explanatory Notes, ABS Catalogue No. 6202.0)
Tasmania’s Long-Term Unemployed
59.49% of people receiving New Start and Youth Allowance have been doing so for 12 months or longer and 38.5% have been for more than 24 months (Centelink Tasmania, Payment Statistics by Customer Service Centre, Tasmania Selected Properties as at 02/04/01)
For every job vacancy in Tasmania, there are 15 unemployed people as against the national average of 6 unemployed people for each job vacancy (ABS Labour Force Catalogue No. 6291.0, May 2000; ABS Job Vacancies: Catalogue No. 6254.0 May 2000)
3,200 Tasmanians gained work in the past 12 months (Trend Estimate, February 2001, ABS Catalogue No 6202.0)
2,700 or 85% of these 3,200 gained part-time work (Trend Estimate, February 2001, ABS Catalogue No 6202.0)
9,000 new jobs have been created in Tasmania over the past two years (letter to the Director of TasCOSS, 15 March 2001, from the State Treasurer, The Hon. Dr David Crean)
32% or 62,800 of all workers in Tasmania are part-time workers (Trend Estimate, February 2001, ABS Catalogue No 6202.0)
lmost 25% or 15,000 of these part-time workers would prefer to work more hours (February 2001, ABS Catalogue No 6202.0)
Over the past 12 months, male employment decreased by 1000 (Trend Estimate, February 2001,ABS Catalogue No 6202.0)
Over the past 12 months, female employment increased by 900 (Trend Estimate, February 2001, ABS Catalogue No 6202.0)
- Based on the ABS working hours series, the average number of hours worked by Tasmanians is calculated at around 33 hours per week (letter to the Director of TasCOSS, 15 March 2001, from the State Treasurer, The Hon. Dr David Crean)
ACKNOWLEDGING THE GOVERNMENT’S VERSION OF EMPLOYMENT /UNEMPLOYMENT IN TASMANIA and ACKNOWLEDGING OTHER VERSIONS
On the release of the February 2001 ABS Employment/Unemployment figures for Tasmania (ABS Catalogue No. 6202.0), the State Government gave a rather glowing picture of the positive jobs growth in Tasmania – "TASMANIAN EMPLOYMENT TREND CONTINUES TO RISE" – and emphasised that over the past 12 months the number of employed persons in Tasmania increased by 3,200. This is true and is surely good news for all Tasmanians and holds out hope for the 20,000 Tasmanians still unemployed at February 2001.
Following this theme, the State Treasurer, The Hon. Dr David Crean, stated in a letter to the Director of TasCOSS, dated 15 March 2001, that
"there are now around 9,000 more jobs in the State than there were two years ago, and jobs growth in Tasmania at 4.6% over that time has been higher than the nation as a whole at 4.4%. For the 20,000 Tasmanians that were previously unemployed prior to this turnaround, these new opportunities have been particularly welcome".
However, while the above is true, the Government’s optimistic version of Tasmania’s employment/unemployment situation, also gives rise to the following question:.
Are these "new opportunities particularly welcome"
- for the 20,000 Tasmanians who were still unemployed in February 2001, a drop of only 0.1% over the past 12 months? (Trend Estimate, February 2001, ABS Catalogue No. 6202.0)
- for the 59.49% of New Start Allowance and Youth Allowance recipients who have been receiving these allowances for 12 months or longer and the 38.5% who have been receiving these allowances for more than 24 months? (Centelink Tasmania, Payment Statistics by Customer Service Centre, Tasmania Selected Properties as at 02/04/01)
- for the 12,700 males who were unemployed in February 2001, an increase of 1,000 over the past 12 months? (Trend Estimate, February 2001, ABS Catalogue No. 6202.0)
for all those looking for full time work, given that of the 3,200 increase in the number of persons employed in Tasmania over past 12 months, 2,700 of these have been in part-time jobs? (Trend Estimate, February 2001, ABS Catalogue No. 6202.0)
9,000 NEW JOBS OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS:
THE PART-TIME/FULL-TIME JOB RATIO?
9,000 new jobs have been created in Tasmania over the past two years (letter to the Director of TasCOSS, 15 March 2001, from the State Treasurer, The Hon. Dr David Crean).
In the 5 years from December 1995 to December 2000
Of the increase of 3, 200 in the number of people employed in Tasmania over the past 12 months, 2,700 or 85% of these are in PART-TIME jobs (Trend Estimate, February 2001, ABS Catalogue No 6202.0).
It is reasonable to suggest that of the around 9,000 new jobs created in Tasmania over the past two years, 85%, or 7,650 of the 9,000 new jobs created have been part-time jobs.
The Treasurer states, in the letter referred to above that
"of the 9,000 jobs created in the last two years, full-time and part-time
positions have been represented on a reasonably equal basis".
This does not seem to fit with the above figures indicating a significant continuing and growing trend in the drop of full-time employment and the increase in part-time employment.
What are these new 9000 jobs – are they full-time, part-time or casual?
Where are these new jobs – in what industries and in what regions of Tasmania?Has the creation of these 9,000 new jobs helped reduce the 59.49% of people receiving New Start and Youth Allowance for 12 months or longer and the 38.5% who have been receiving these benefits for more than 24 months?
- What is the gender balance and age of those who are being employed in these new jobs?
The Treasurer also speaks of "the employment cycle" wherein part-time jobs may be converted to full-time positions and further states that
"when you look back at full-time and part-time job growth over the last two years, this cycle becomes very apparent".
The statistics would seem to indicate the exact opposite, namely a clear trend over five years of an alarming increase of 6,700 part-time workers (4,300 in the last calender year) and an equally alarming decrease of 5,600 full-time workers over the same time.
JOB CREATIONS and JOB LOSSES
9,000 new jobs have been created in Tasmania over the past two years (letter to the Director of TasCOSS, 15 March 2001, from the State Treasurer, The Hon. Dr David Crean).
In the 5 years from December 1995 to December 2000, the number of people employed in Tasmania has increased by only 1,100 - with a national increase of 793,800 workers (ABS Catalogue No. 6203.3 – Revised Figures from Tasmanian Branch ABS, Jan 2001).
A reasonable conclusion could be that in the area of job creation, the Tasmanian Government is still falling far short of the mark.
Unemployment in Tasmania over the past 12 months has only fallen by 0.1%
The present rate of job creation in Tasmania does not appear to be bringing about a significant reduction in the number of people unemployed. This would also seem to indicate that there have been severe job losses over this same period of time, otherwise with the creation of 9,000 new jobs there would have been a significant fall in Tasmanian unemployment.
- In what regions of Tasmania have these job losses occurred and who are the workers that have been most affected?
- What job losses have been full-time, part-time or casual jobs?
- What is the status of those people who have lost their jobs – are they still unemployed?
- What is the gender balance and age of those who have lost their jobs?
If Tasmania could even have the same unemployment rate as the rest of Australia, 6.8%, another 5,000 Tasmanians would be in employment, that is, a town the size of New Norfolk (Population size, 1996 census: 5,286) would be in full employment.
Certain statistics are available which show Tasmanian Employment by Industry Sector, outlining job increases and job losses in mainstream industry (ABS Catalogue No. 1306.1 and Department of Treasury unpublished data to December 2000). What these figures do not show is the loss of blue collar jobs in increasing numbers. Around the state more and more blue collar unskilled labouring jobs, which have been traditions within families over generations, are being lost. Frequently we heard of the inappropriateness of the type of "re-training" being foisted upon these workers, and often in the area of information technology.
PART-TIME WORKERS, "THE WORKING POOR"
Part-time workers have increased by 6,700 over the past five years in Tasmania and full-time workers have decreased by 5,600 over this same period. The Treasurer intimates that this is not a concern because "the vast majority of new jobs are for a significant number of hours" and that the average number of hours worked by Tasmanians is "around 33 per week" (letter to the Director of TasCOSS, 15 March 2001, from the State Treasurer, The Hon. Dr David Crean).
Is this a case where over-employment, the many who work in excess of 38 hours a week, is used to camouflage the meagre and insufficient number of hours worked by part-time workers?
- how many Tasmanians are working more than 38 hours a week, how many extra hours and in what forms of employment?
- what are the actual number of hours being worked by part-time workers in Tasmania and would this give a clearer picture of the nature of part-time work rather than an average of 33 hours per week for all Tasmanian workers?
- 33 hours a week is only 5 hours less than full–time work. Is it likely that 32% of the Tasmania workforce who engage in part-time work are almost full-time when 50.8% of part-time workers nationally work 15 hours a week or less?
- how many workers are holding down two or more part-time jobs in order "to make ends meet"?
- people who are receiving part New Start Allowance and part-time work, are often described as being part of the "working poor". Are people in this position better off, as is often asserted, than those relying solely on benefits?
- what research is there to back this up, when anecdotal evidence, as presented in this report, suggests that this is often not the case?
- what research is there to support the often made assertion that part-time workers are at the first stage of returning to full-time work, given the dramatic decrease in full-time work and increase in part-time work?
- what is the nature of the part-time work that is increasing – in what industries and in what regions of Tasmania?
- what is the gender balance and the age of those taking up part-time work?
do people taking up part-time work want part-time work or full-time work?
THE CASUALISATION OF THE WORK FORCE
Statistics may or may not demonstrate the increasing casualisation of the work force but there is increasing anecdotal evidence to support such a claim. This would appear to be a case where "official statistics" can hide another complex employment/unemployment issue.
There appears to be no readily available data available on
- the increasing casualisation of the work force
- the anecdotal evidence suggesting the feminisation of casual work
- where and in which labour markets casual work is expanding
the effect of casual work on both the workers and their families
26.4% of the Tasmanian workforce are employed casually while 34.6% of all female employees are employed casually compared with 19.4% of all male employees (June 2000, ABS Catalogue No. 4102.0,).
Casual or seasonal employment means
- reduced, or the absence of, job security and entitlement to annual and sick leave, maternity leave and superannuation
- high effective marginal tax rates for those in receipt of New Start Allowance, through deduction of payments by Centrelink, and
- loss of health care benefits and high tax on income.
Casual and seasonal employment also have the requirement to be "on call" and "on stand by" 24 hours a day and involves substantial child care issues.
THE "OFFICIAL" UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES and "THE HIDDEN" UNEMPLOYED
While the official unemployment figures for Tasmania, February 2001, stood at 20,000 (Trend Estimate, February 2001, ABS Catalogue No. 6202.0), there is strong evidence to suggest that the number of unemployed people in Tasmania is far greater. The following categories of people would seem to be among "the hidden" unemployed.
- those who would consider themselves "under-employed" and definitely not "employed" in the ordinary sense of the word: a person is classified by the ABS as "employed" in the statistics, during the week that the Labour Force Survey is conducted, if that person has worked for only one hour during that week; this means that while not "officially" unemployed
- those who do not register as unemployed with Centrelink, either because they do not want to be labelled as "dole bludgers" or because they do not wish to subject themselves to the detailed information requirements and processes of Centrelink
those with employed partners who want work but are not eligible for New Start Allowance because of the income means test and so are not registered with Centrelink
young people between the ages of 17 – 24 who cannot get employment and are compelled to remain enrolled in educational institutions and are excluded from any allowance because of the parental income asset test
the unregistered homeless as against the registered homeless
women on Widow B Allowance who were separated before 20 March 1997 and men between the ages of 60 and 65 who are receiving the Mature Age Allowance, as well as other categories of people receiving various Disability or Wives’ Pensions or receiving certain Special Benefits
- those who decide to take up the option of becoming a "carer" because they have given up on trying to find work, including sole parents who cannot find work
The definition of being "long-term unemployed" means 12 months or more without work. A true picture of the extent of "long-term unemployment" is not reflected in the official long-term unemployment figures. Work for only a few days during the course of a year cancels a person’s status as "long-term unemployed".
We believe that the unemployment situation in Tasmania cannot be addressed by recognising "official" unemployment figures only. A problem cannot be fixed until the nature and extent of the problem is recognised.
We believe that the Government needs to take into account the significant number of Tasmanians who fall under the banner of "the hidden unemployed" in its public utterances. We acknowledge that it may not be politically astute for a Government to publicly concede that a problem is bigger and more widespread than it is publicly perceived to be.
However, this is an issue about the marginalised and about families and children living in poverty. It is not an issue of "political astuteness".
UP TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE UPM HOME DEAD MEN"S SHOES CONTENT
Demographic characteristics of job-seekers participating in consultations (n=52)
CHARACTERISTIC |
GEORGE TOWN |
HOBART |
HUON VALLEY |
TOTAL |
GENDER |
% |
% |
% |
% |
Female |
20 |
33 |
42 |
33 |
Male |
80 |
67 |
58 |
67 |
AGE |
% |
% |
% |
% |
16-19 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
20-30 |
13 |
6 |
42 |
21 |
31-40 |
33 |
28 |
27 |
29 |
41-50 |
27 |
33 |
26 |
29 |
51-60 |
20 |
33 |
5 |
19 |
> 60 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
ABORIGINAL. / TSI |
% |
% |
% |
% |
Yes |
0 |
0 |
11 |
4 |
No |
100 |
100 |
89 |
96 |
PREV. EMPLOYMENT |
% |
% |
% |
% |
Full-time |
60 |
39 |
16 |
36 |
Part-time |
27 |
22 |
16 |
21 |
Casual |
13 |
39 |
68 |
43 |
HOW UNEMPLOYED |
% |
% |
% |
% |
Redund./Retrench. |
69 |
56 |
11 |
41 |
Retirement |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Left to provide care |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Other |
31 |
44 |
89 |
59 |
JOB NETWORK PROG. |
% |
% |
% |
% |
Job Matching |
21 |
24 |
35 |
27 |
Job Search Training |
14 |
6 |
29 |
17 |
Intensive Assistance |
65 |
70 |
36 |
56 |
Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
TIME ON U/E BENEFITS |
% |
% |
% |
% |
< 6 months |
13 |
6 |
22 |
14 |
6-12 months |
7 |
22 |
11 |
14 |
12-24 months |
13 |
22 |
22 |
20 |
> 24 months |
67 |
50 |
45 |
52 |
FEEDBACK FROM HOBART CONSULTATION PARTICIPANTS
CONSULTATION - Tuesday 7 November 2000
It was very energizing just to meet other people in a similar situation to myelf.
I had a positive feeling that something could actually be done to improve the lot of "job seekers".
There is so much potential here; intelligent, motivated and vocal people.
The meeting made me feel less useless.
These meetings should continue – even if they only generate hope.
Sharing experiences and positive attitudes with fellow unemployed listening to each other was helpful, and knowing I’m not the only one going through tough times.
There is HOPE that this group could make a difference for ourselves and for others.
It was a good exchange of views with people in similar circumstances.
Meeting the people: everyone was positive, with moving in-put.
Sharing different viewpoints and exchanging experiences, being part of the friendliness and acceptance.
We need to change society’s perception.
I suggest we go further. It would be interesting to get feed back from the other meetings in the Huon and George Town area and to engage in political lobbying.
I enjoyed the participation and the input of others. It was god to have an opportunity to be heard.
I suggest that we be given the opportunity to make suggestions about what Government should do in the future, ie raise the tax free threshold, and also, to make suggestions where we feel the trends will be in future and how people can help themselves and others to create employment and what changes to Government policy would assist this.
The meeting was uplifting, positive and well organised.
I liked the positive attitudes in the face of adversity, but we didn’t have enough time.
I would like to see brainstorming sessions to set up co-operatives and action groups.
It’s really important that our stories are translated into activity with a future focus.
There is a need to keep this initiative on the boil.
I liked today and the idea of T.O.E.S
It was good, combining as a group and sharing ideas and experiences, and discussing relevant problems.
I found it a very interesting and useful exercise.
What I liked:
being able to share freely and listen freely;
all parts of the conversation being respected;
personal sharing being allowed and respected;
the informal environment;
real genuine people, and
provision of lunch, tea, coffee, etc.
Ideas for next time:
talk more about strategies we could use;
implement the strategies;
breaking tasks down and building up to reach objectives
An enlightening and supportive discussion. I would certainly be interested in any further meetings.
The meeting helped me in dealing with my unemployment situation and this has given me a view to what I could be and what I could do to help my community. More time would be a good factor to take on board. I would very much like to be involved in further dealings on this subject.
Today’s meeting has been good in highlighting
- the employment seekers’ plight in the eyes of the general community
- the collective resource available from employment seekers
- the power of the group to progress things and ideas to a productive end.
I personally believe it would be a travesty to allow this energy to go unharnessed any longer. I am prepared to assist in any way possible in order to achieve change and influence attitudes to the positive. To this end I am available in any guise you can use me. Thanks.
It was a good opportunity to tell and to hear other people’s stories.
It was a worthwhile TasCOSS event, very proactive and well run.
FEEDBACK FROM HUON VALLEY CONSULTATION PARTICIPANTS
CONSULTATION – Friday 17 November 2000
I liked being able to be honest. I liked hearing others’ stories and being heard.
I liked being able to "laugh in the face of adversity".
I liked seeing the diversity and not having to justify myself.
I liked the sharing of experiences.
I would like to see a "kid friendly" music arvo for "the job seekers", i.e. a gig with local musos etc – there’s enough of them unemployed!
An "Art Exhibition" by unemployed as a graphic//visual description of their experiences.
What I liked:
it is good to see that people or groups of people like this are actively trying to provide a positive outlook for unemployed people. In doing so the voice of the unemployed is increased and the range of solutions is also increased. It was a good meeting, positive and also empowering for the individual.
I liked the opportunity to "re-member" what it was like to struggle and the empowering that being at the bottom can bring: when you are down at the bottom the only choice is to look up to the light.
Ideas – swamp the Boards of Management (Job Networks) with people who really know what it is like to be below the poverty line with little hope or means.
Have a "feel fine" day festival for the unemployed.
Thanks for the opportunity to let off stream – I was surprised at how much anger I have been carrying around with no one to share it with.
I am keen to be able to use the energy released in me in a productive, empowering way with others.
I would be interested in being involved in forwarding the TasCOSS purposes.
T.O.E.S. sounds like a good name.
It was valuable and worthwhile.
I liked the opportunity to share how it feels to be out of work with others who are more likely to understand and empathise. It was positive rather than just Centrelink/Job Network "bashing" (very important).
Where to from here? Politicians will only change legislation/policies if there’s a vote in it for them as far as ordinary people are concerned. Whatever we or TasCOSS do, we should remember this!
What I liked – I got a better picture of what is happening. I would like to meet again and get some new directions.
It was good to have a bit of a laugh – take away the ‘seriousness’ of the situation. Everyone seemed pretty positive in my opinion.
I enjoyed the confidence and positive response from the participants - to be "unemployed unashamedly" - to be "unemployed and speaking out".
I better understand problems faced in a variety of situations.
It was interesting – talking with others about experiences and hearing others.
I would like to see something come out of this but I am pessimistic.
I would like to see the government care a lot more and to hear some of this.
It was great to have the opportunity to talk and share experiences and realise that I am not alone in the way I feel about myself and my situation.
No-one talked down to us or made us feel like no-hopers. Instead, there was an understanding of our problems and a willingness to try and change government rules to help us.
The consultation fee money was most welcome – though not the reason I came.
I found it actually gave us the opportunity to have our say – to speak out.
It was reassuring that I am not the only one in this situation.
It would be good if what was said would be taken notice of by all the top shots.
If more people got together, the more we could be helped.
I liked talking about and listening to the problems that I and others in my group have had with Centrelink and meeting new people.
Centrelink should ask unemployed people more about things and what they think should be done rather than just presume that it will work.
What I liked about today:
the opportunity to discuss personal stories and to have these stories validated and listening to other people’s stories and knowing you are not alone in your situation;
building on the strengths and positives (stories of resistance) to recognize and acknowledge that I can stay positive and focus energy that isn’t in a negative context.
Future Options: to develop and implement an ongoing support group to lobby and focus on change as well as providing a supportive network of people in similar situations.
I liked the fact that we could talk about unemployment problems and the fact that people were listening and that I am not alone.
I liked the sharing of stories and feeling "normal" and having my say about the issues that I have being unemployed.
I would like to meet more often with community sector reps and with local businesses to identify:
skills needed, work available and avenues for applying for work.
Listening to different views and stories about the unemployed was helpful.
I feel positive that something positive will come from this group and I feel good about myself for contributing.
Some one was listening for once!
I realized that everyone else is in the same boat and you don’t feel singled out for once.
The future: hopefully with what was said today, it will finally make a difference and that it will be a benefit for some of the people here today.
We got to have a say about what we think. Hopefully our points of view will get put across.
There’s more of us out there in the same boat.
I liked being able to talk to other people about what is going on about the unemployed.
Maybe we could meet again sometimes.
I liked the energy of the group – ‘group dynamics’.
We could use the Online Centre to advertise looking for jobs – a website for unemployed people in Huonville.
It’s a big relief to be able to talk about how I feel as a job seeker. Feeling so frustrated and hopeless was able to come out of my chest.
I hope the organization will come up with something for someone like me who feels like life has stopped because of my age.
I liked the way it was run and the discussions in small groups.
I liked the format and direction of the meeting. Thanks to TasCOSS for helping voice a perceived problem with the unemployed.
My idea for the future would be to meet and create a resource and opportunity rich environment to empower those outside employment. This meeting of people and pooling of energy could create some great new forward looking profit making opportunities.
FEEDBACK FROM GEORGE TOWN CONSULTATION PARTICIPANTS
CONSULTATION – Tueday 12 December 2000
Today was good and it was nice to know that there are other people with the same problems. I think this sort of group would be good for people, especially the unemployed.
I only hope that Centrelink can learn to have a bit of compassion towards other people.
I hope there will be another group as I will be attending.
This was a great idea; it helped me and the whole group.
This will be a great idea for the future.
I think this meeting was pretty good because its not very often that people are willing to listen and help people speak about all this.
It was a good opportunity to share views and ideas with people in the same boat as us.
For the future: the good formation of a group with similar objectives to be heard in numbers.
It’s been great. It’s a lot better to go to this than to those other places we have to go to. At least we got to talk and it’s not pretending they’ll get us a job. It’s been good. If you have another one, I’ll come.
I felt that today’s discussions may lead to bigger and better results of escaping the unemployment cycle; it also helped me unload the burden of stress caused through this. I enjoyed talking to people who are in the same situation and hope our tiny voices can be heard.
What I liked about today is that you can speak your mind and I hope this meeting really gets up the Government and Centrelink.
It’s been good; it didn’t drag on like Centrelink.
It was very good to be able to share our feelings and to realize there are others in the same boat.
I think there is a good future for this sort of group in George Town as there are so many people unemployed in the town.
Positive. Hopefully it will have good results.
Good to meet other people in similar circumstances and know I am not the only one.
I liked the chance to air my concerns, to talk to others in the same position as I am in and to know that others think and feel the same way as I do.
I hope that the comments of today can be of use to change the way that unemployed are treated (as outcasts) by the community and by Centrelink.
I think without projects like this we don’t have a lot of hope for our children.
Today’s meeting was informative and educating. Lots of interesting thoughts. I am looking forward to the next meeting. Glad to see I’m not the only one.
I found some nice people with the same trouble as myself.
I hope we meet again.
Feelings about today: I found it cathartic for a lot of people. They were able to air their feelings about unemployment and their dealings with Centrelink.
Maybe in further meetings we could deal with different ways to cope with unemployment and build self-esteem.
LETTER FROM T.O.E.S. TO STATE AND FEDERAL POLITICANS
Tasmanian Organization of Employment Seekers
P O Box 1046
Sandy Bay TASMANIA 7006
Wednesday 21 February 2001
Dear
T.O.E.S is a state wide organisation of employment seekers who are concerned about the trends that they see occurring in government attitudes regarding the disadvantaged in our society.
Our organisation was formed with a number of aims:-
A response to this letter and also your addressing the following issues in the form of a policy statement will enable our members and the Australian public to make a more informed decision when the day comes to cast their votes deciding who they would prefer to represent them in Canberra.
Welfare of the People
The federal government appears to be more concerned in achieving a balanced budget than they are in the welfare of the people they represent. It appears that the government is not so much committed to having all able members of our society in work as they are to having no one in this country receiving assistance.
The government has adopted an adversarial approach when dealing with the disadvantaged, be it the unemployed, disabled, single parents or pensioners. This raises the question, ‘what does the future hold?’
Work for the Dole
This term is derogatory and gives the impression that those required to participate in this would otherwise "do nothing" and are lazy layabouts. Also, if this task is paramount when then is there time to seek ‘real’ employment? Furthermore, if these ‘jobs’ are ‘out there’ why not pay a proper wage and thereby reduce the unemployment statistics in an honest fashion and scrap this entire scheme?
Threats/Breaching
We are concerned at the trend of ‘breaching’ those who fail in some minor way to meet their ‘mutual obligation’. Those receiving benefits live in fear of inadvertently doing something ‘wrong’ and losing their benefit. Correspondence is worded in a threatening manner and now the means of appealing any adverse departmental decision has been significantly altered and is no longer a viable option.
Declaration of Earnings Prior to Payment
This causes real suffering. Regardless of whether payment has been received benefits are cut leaving, in most cases, people without any form of income. A more logical approach would be to cut the benefit AFTER the payment has been received.
In addition, the present tax system penalizes those on benefits doing casual work as any earnings are significantly eroded by tax. Raising the tax-free threshold would alleviate this problem and provide an incentive to those seeking work.
Mortgage/ Rent
It is grossly unfair that people should lose their homes if they lose their jobs. Mortgages are, in effect, rentals and should be treated and assisted as such.
Lack of Representation
No person receiving benefits or, indeed, those who have direct contact with them, is included amongst those who have input to the policies that affect their lives.
Alienation
In recent months there has been a constant stream of statements from the Minister for Employment designed to give the impression that those who are not working are made up of those who seek to be a drain upon those who do.
Policy statements in regards to welfare issues appear to be deliberately aimed at creating a ‘them’ and ‘us’ mentality amongst the Australian people. This seems to be a deliberate campaign aimed at alienating those in work – the taxpayers - from those who are receiving social security benefits so that any future ‘cuts’ to the social security system will be applauded rather than abhorred by those in work.
It would appear that the present government is determined to follow the example of the USA and third world countries in regards to welfare and this being so can we expect this adversarial attitude to continue?
Such is not out of the question if the current trends continue.
In Tasmania, 37% of the population is supported by social security benefits of some kind. Whilst we accept that this statistic applies only to our state and not to Australia as a whole, nevertheless, in other states there will be a large portion of the voting public who, like our members, are concerned with the current trends in government policy as it relates to these issues.
We request that you give your urgent attention to the issues outlined above and look forward to your immediate response in this election year.
Yours faithfully
Vince McCormack (for and on behalf of T.O.E.S.)
Demographic characteristics of job-seekers participating in consultations (n=52)
CHARACTERISTIC |
GEORGE TOWN |
HOBART |
HUON VALLEY |
TOTAL |
GENDER |
% |
% |
% |
% |
Female |
20 |
33 |
42 |
33 |
Male |
80 |
67 |
58 |
67 |
AGE |
% |
% |
% |
% |
16-19 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
20-30 |
13 |
6 |
42 |
21 |
31-40 |
33 |
28 |
27 |
29 |
41-50 |
27 |
33 |
26 |
29 |
51-60 |
20 |
33 |
5 |
19 |
> 60 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
ABORIGINAL. / TSI |
% |
% |
% |
% |
Yes |
0 |
0 |
11 |
4 |
No |
100 |
100 |
89 |
96 |
PREV. EMPLOYMENT |
% |
% |
% |
% |
Full-time |
60 |
39 |
16 |
36 |
Part-time |
27 |
22 |
16 |
21 |
Casual |
13 |
39 |
68 |
43 |
HOW UNEMPLOYED |
% |
% |
% |
% |
Redund./Retrench. |
69 |
56 |
11 |
41 |
Retirement |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Left to provide care |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Other |
31 |
44 |
89 |
59 |
JOB NETWORK PROG. |
% |
% |
% |
% |
Job Matching |
21 |
24 |
35 |
27 |
Job Search Training |
14 |
6 |
29 |
17 |
Intensive Assistance |
65 |
70 |
36 |
56 |
Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
TIME ON U/E BENEFITS |
% |
% |
% |
% |
< 6 months |
13 |
6 |
22 |
14 |
6-12 months |
7 |
22 |
11 |
14 |
12-24 months |
13 |
22 |
22 |
20 |
> 24 months |
67 |
50 |
45 |
52 |