Originally Posted by renth (Post 11260998)

Whilst I think balancing the books is important this budget has crossed the Rubicon with the $7 fee to see a Dr. Next year it will be $10 etc… There are many people who will not visit a Dr because of this (I'm thinking Indigenous people in particular) and will flock to the ER for even minor ailments.

I think very many Australians are doing it tough and even people on average wages will be hit hard with these FTB cuts which some people like to paint as "welfare".

I think this will cost them the Libs the next election although whoever comes after won't be repealing this in any hurry.

Originally Posted by knockoff nige (Post 11261074)

I think the A&E visits are covered by the states. Maybe I'm wrong, but this definitely looks like bully boy tactics to get the states to push for an increase to GST.

Originally Posted by knockoff nige (Post 11260741)

And everyone is supposed to have a 6 month survival fund just in case they get let go? There is very little job security these days a person can fall on hard times in other areas which might leave them dependent on their salary. Take that away and then what do they do?

Regardless if whether or not you want to give to these people, do you believe that this should result in their family becoming homeless? I can see that definitely happening if there is no money from anywhere. You suggest minimising lines of credit which could actually be what puts them on the street. If people have no money and no job but willing to work, surely they need assistance? Not everyone looking to claim welfare has been foolish with their money.

I think this has been overlooked because it currently affects no-one. In six months after the budget, people will be hit with this.

Also, this government has done nothing in the way of job creation. Quite the opposite in fact.

Originally Posted by paulry (Post 11261259)

Minimising lines of credit during the good times means that when bad times arrive people don't have the double whammy of keeping their head above water without an income and a debt that needs to be serviced.

I have a rainy day fund that could see my family and I through for about a year, maybe more if we pulled our belts extra tight. That fund wasn't given to us, it is from a life of being mean with ourselves, not having new cars, not buying on the never never, etc. Why should my taxes be used to support those who splashed and borrowed and then came unstuck?

Of course I'm not advocating people being made homeless (that's just a weak attempt at demonising my opinion), I'm advocating people taking responsibility for themselves, living within their means and budgeting for rainy days.

Originally Posted by chris955 (Post 11261390)

So the under 30's who are unemployed get nothing at all for 6 months or do they get some other sort of payment? If they get nothing how do they survive for 6 months? It would be virtually impossible for most people to have 6 months living expenses just sitting around.

Originally Posted by knockoff nige (Post 11261269)

Yes, good. People should be more responsible. But what about when people do not have the funds to survive? Regardless of what you think of that, what do they do? If you don't care and don't see it as your problem, then you probably are advocating people being made homeless, even if they have themselves to blame.

When you were under 30, did you have the same financial security you do now where you and your family could survive for a year without an income? Would you agree that it's not really the norm?

Originally Posted by Beoz (Post 11261489)

Correct. McDonalds, bar work, labouring, retail. There are jobs to be had. If it doesn't suit their their xbox time. Too bad.

Originally Posted by paulry (Post 11261543)

I've done 3 of those so far in my life. Hated doing them (except for the bar job which was a good laugh and the customers used to buy me loads of drinks, hic :o), but the jobs kept me going and served as stepping stones to better things. :thumbup:

Originally Posted by Beoz (Post 11261623)

I worked as a chamber maid in a ski resort in my youth. It was just the pits but it kept me on the mountain.

Originally Posted by old.sparkles (Post 11261653)

Would it support you, a wife and a couple of kids which is the situation many late in their 20's are in. And obviously you had savings to cover you 6 months while you found this job?

Originally Posted by old.sparkles (Post 11261653)

Would it support you, a wife and a couple of kids which is the situation many late in their 20's are in. And obviously you had savings to cover you 6 months while you found this job?

Originally Posted by Beoz (Post 11261766)

Lift tickets and beer is expensive.

There are plenty of families on minimum wage. Either they take the dole or they take the minimum wage.

Originally Posted by chris955 (Post 11261725)

Lets not forget the people that live in areas where there just isnt much available work. It all sounds so easy saying just take any job.

Originally Posted by paulry (Post 11262335)

The reality is life isn't easy and sometimes tough decisions and actions are required like moving to where the work is.

But on the other hand there will be people who "fall through the cracks" of the system. I'm not sure how best they can be helped. Maybe the state needs to provide organisations like the Salvos with funding enough to be the safety net of emergency accommodation, food, counselling and support services to help put them on track. Meanwhile, the thousands who might otherwise have become benefits slaves when they can work will be nudged into doing so and/or training.