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Many people I've spoken to just don't understand how the #IndueCard could be a bad thing.
Imagine if 80% of your money is stuck in a bank account, that you can't control, you can't take it out as cash. Only 20% of the money is put into an account you can control.
Imagine if 80% of your money is stuck in a bank account, that you can't control, you can't take it out as cash. Only 20% of the money is put into an account you can control.
An individual on Centrelink gets roughly $550 a fortnight.
$110 in their bank account, $440 on #CashlessWelfareCard.
Imagine that you need to pay $200~ rent. Landlord only accepts cash. How can you do that if 80% of the money is on the #IndueCard, and cannot be taken out as cash?
$110 in their bank account, $440 on #CashlessWelfareCard.
Imagine that you need to pay $200~ rent. Landlord only accepts cash. How can you do that if 80% of the money is on the #IndueCard, and cannot be taken out as cash?
Furthermore, what happens if you need a plumber (or whatever) and they demand you pay cash? Bills for tradespeople can often be $100s. You cannot guarantee that you will be able to pay that bill because 80% of your money is tied up on a card you cannot get cash from.
Things like secondhand stores are regular in communities, but a vast amount of them do NOT deal with things like card purchases. Meaning that people who need to use the #IndueCard will be unable to purchase things like cheap clothes, kitchen goods, etc from these places.
Medical bills are another issue; they're expensive.
Many on Centrelink already cannot afford doctors appointments, let alone necessary medications or tests.
Far too many are already suffering because of conditions they cannot get diagnosed because of so little available money.
Many on Centrelink already cannot afford doctors appointments, let alone necessary medications or tests.
Far too many are already suffering because of conditions they cannot get diagnosed because of so little available money.
If #IndueCard gets pushed forward, it's going to thrust people into further misery and poverty.
Many already on the card report that rent doesn't get paid because #IndueCard refuses to do it, and it gets declined (despite having enough money in the account) when buying groceries.
Many already on the card report that rent doesn't get paid because #IndueCard refuses to do it, and it gets declined (despite having enough money in the account) when buying groceries.
Seriously though. If you support #IndueCard/ #CashlessWelfareCard, you hate Australians.
For those saying "it's to help them with alcohol/ drugs/ gambling addictions": people on Centrelink don't automatically have those addictions. You're just negatively stereotyping them by making the assumption that they're addicts.
Many can't even afford more than one meal a day.
Many can't even afford more than one meal a day.
One regular remark from the ignorant: "just get a job".
For many of these people, that's just not possible. Despite 100s of job applications, many never get hired. It's not for lack of trying.
For many of these people, that's just not possible. Despite 100s of job applications, many never get hired. It's not for lack of trying.
There's an irony about jobs; you need work experience, but cannot get work experience without a job that you can't get without already having the work experience.
And many cannot spare the time for volunteer positions.
People on Centrelink payments have to spend their time looking for paid work; as is required by mutual obligations. So they cannot do that if they have to spend their time doing all the volunteering.
People on Centrelink payments have to spend their time looking for paid work; as is required by mutual obligations. So they cannot do that if they have to spend their time doing all the volunteering.
"How long could it possibly take you to find a job?"
Well, for many it takes a lot of time. They're not as privileged as you. They don't automatically get a position. Many people have to spend hours researching roles. Many spend hours going around to businesses, asking for work.
Well, for many it takes a lot of time. They're not as privileged as you. They don't automatically get a position. Many people have to spend hours researching roles. Many spend hours going around to businesses, asking for work.
And the research is important.
Factors in people's lives dictate what jobs they can do. For example, many have medical conditions that mean they can't do certain jobs, or cannot travel to get to the job, for example.
Factors in people's lives dictate what jobs they can do. For example, many have medical conditions that mean they can't do certain jobs, or cannot travel to get to the job, for example.
Similarly, people with children need to factor job times around family time, especially if they cannot afford childcare, or need consider their children's medical conditions/ school times, when choosing a job.
So, to you, it might just seem like people are being picky. But many seriously have to consider these things. It's not fun for them. Not having a job doesn't mean they're lazy; they just don't have the same privilege as you. They have a different life and you know little of it.
I'm just sick of people saying that all people on Centrelink are lazy, drunks/ drug addicts, etc.
Anyone who thinks that is seriously *beeping* ignorant.
Anyone who thinks that is seriously *beeping* ignorant.
The #IndueCard is only going to make matters worse for people on Centrelink, and their families. That might even be your family, and/or people in your community.
You ever complain about the amount of homeless people in Australia?
Well, they're not living on the streets because it's fun.
Many are living on the streets because Australians like you have already given up on them. Especially people in the government.
Well, they're not living on the streets because it's fun.
Many are living on the streets because Australians like you have already given up on them. Especially people in the government.
The Centrelink payments aren't very much, and like I mentioned earlier, they're often fully taken up by things like paying for medical bills, etc. Some can't afford rent because of other bills, student debts, groceries, etc.
And it's not just "poor money management". You might be reading this and thinking "I can pay all of those things without being homeless, so why can't they?"
It's something people commonly say, when I've tried to explain.
It's something people commonly say, when I've tried to explain.
But, again, they don't have the same privileges you have. They can't always get loans from banks. Banks want to see that you have things; possessions like cars. Or that you can afford a down payment on a house, if you want a mortgage.
Also, that's similarly why many homeless people can't find places to rent. Because they don't always have much to show a potential landlord to ensure they will be a dependable tenant; that will pay bills on time.
Because, again, Centrelink doesn't pay much. From month to month, people on Centrelink have to make important decisions whether the money might be more necessary for a medical bill, for example, whereas it might later be more necessary for clothes, etc.
Yes, I know I'm rambling a lot. I apologise.
But a lot of you just don't understand, or even try to.
To many of you it's just a "they don't have a job, so they're worthless" thought.
But they are not worthless, and they just need to be given a better opportunity.
But a lot of you just don't understand, or even try to.
To many of you it's just a "they don't have a job, so they're worthless" thought.
But they are not worthless, and they just need to be given a better opportunity.
There need to be:
-more jobs
-a better variety of jobs
-cheaper education; so people can get better qualifications without going bankrupt.
-more childcare services, especially cheaper for people.
-more public transportation; cheaper public transport.
-more jobs
-a better variety of jobs
-cheaper education; so people can get better qualifications without going bankrupt.
-more childcare services, especially cheaper for people.
-more public transportation; cheaper public transport.
I'd like to continue with that better variety of jobs point.
It's important to include ableism is a strong reason as to why many with disabilities cannot get certain jobs. Many businesses don't always cater their workplaces to provide suitable areas for people with disabilities.
It's important to include ableism is a strong reason as to why many with disabilities cannot get certain jobs. Many businesses don't always cater their workplaces to provide suitable areas for people with disabilities.
Likewise, even if the business itself can provide a workplace to a disabled person, it doesn't always mean that the person can easily travel to/ from that place.
Anyway, Centrelink needs an overhaul to make it user friendly.
For those that know me, I'm regularly complaining about it because it's so unnecessarily difficult. Basically, there are a variety of really complicated forms one needs to fill out before being considered for payments
For those that know me, I'm regularly complaining about it because it's so unnecessarily difficult. Basically, there are a variety of really complicated forms one needs to fill out before being considered for payments
This is where it trips a lot of people up. Even when they're desperate for money, and have nowhere else to go, people just don't know how to properly apply to Centrelink. The forms can be difficult for people, and several people I've spoken to have been unable to complete them.
It's not just bank details that you need to provide; you're asked to provide, and some just don't know how to get the information, or even what type of "assets" they have. This is the official assets help page.
https://www.centrelink.gov.au/onlineclaim/help/inc_assets_help.htm
https://www.centrelink.gov.au/onlineclaim/help/inc_assets_help.htm
Imagine being told to list your assets, then you look at a page like that and it stresses some people out. And it's not because of stupidity, or anything like that. It's because people can get worried that they're forgetting about assets, or they don't know what they have or not.
Furthermore, It's not just information about you they're asking about. It's about people you know. Many are questioned about the type of relationship they have with their partner, former partners, dates the relationship began/ ended, etc.
https://www.centrelink.gov.au/onlineclaim/help/personal_dtls_help.htm
https://www.centrelink.gov.au/onlineclaim/help/personal_dtls_help.htm
Not just that, there are questions about other people in the household, that you might not know the answers to. For example, there are questions to when people moved into the location, and how much rent they pay, how much that person earns, etc.
It can be awkward for some people. Imagine if you went up to your housemate one day and asked them details like that? Some might be fine answering those questions, sure. But many might not want to give out that kind of information.
And it should not be necessary to apply for Centrelink. Just because your housemate earns X amount, or pays Y in rent, it doesn't make a difference to the fact that YOU need money.
So, for those who don't know, the Centrelink staff don't generally help the people on jobseeker payments to find the work.
There are contracts between the government and "Job Service Providers" (JSPs)/ "Employment Service Provider". Employment Agencies.
There are contracts between the government and "Job Service Providers" (JSPs)/ "Employment Service Provider". Employment Agencies.
So, after you get on the Centrelink payments (if you're one of the "lucky" ones), you get a call from a Centrelink staff member who refers you to a JSP. You may get a choice in it; you may not if there's limited availabilities in your area.
The intention is that the JSP will help you find a job. Except... It doesn't always work out easily. Many are with their JSPs for years before finding work. And, let's be honest, some JSPs don't actually help.
So, mutual obligations are something I mentioned above (way earlier, I think).
They're basically what you do to show the government that you're working, looking for work, studying, etc.
It varies from person to person, depending on factors like age, abilities, etc.
They're basically what you do to show the government that you're working, looking for work, studying, etc.
It varies from person to person, depending on factors like age, abilities, etc.
For some people, their mutual obligations would say that they need to apply to X amount of jobs per month, whereas it might be Y amount with other people. For some, they need to do Work for the Dole (WftD) (I'll get to that later) requirements.
Before COVID19, the majority of people on JobSeeker had to apply for 20 jobs per month, with help from the JSP. However... That's not really great for a lot of people.
So, it might sound like a reasonable number to you, but it can be a waste of time for a lot of people.
So, it might sound like a reasonable number to you, but it can be a waste of time for a lot of people.
So, imagine if you're a person on a JobSeeker payment.
20 jobs a month to apply to.
Many JSPs don't actually help you do that, so a lot of people I've known have had to do it all by themselves each month.
So anyway you go to whichever job website you want, go through the job ads
20 jobs a month to apply to.
Many JSPs don't actually help you do that, so a lot of people I've known have had to do it all by themselves each month.
So anyway you go to whichever job website you want, go through the job ads
and you can't always find something that's suitable for you. Especially if you're not in a city. Many people in small towns have difficulties in applications because there aren't enough businesses looking for employees to make it possible for you to apply to 20.
Even in cities, some people have difficulties because they can't afford cars/ public transport and thus cannot work outside of their immediate area.
Many cannot work at certain times, due to things like family commitments, etc.
Many cannot find jobs suitable to their capabilities
Many cannot work at certain times, due to things like family commitments, etc.
Many cannot find jobs suitable to their capabilities
Many of the businesses expect you to have several years experience in a field, or have certain qualifications.
As I was saying earlier, there are a lot of factors which mean that these people on JobSeeker have to pick and choose. Many cannot just apply to any job and do it.
As I was saying earlier, there are a lot of factors which mean that these people on JobSeeker have to pick and choose. Many cannot just apply to any job and do it.
So, for a lot of people, depending on the factors, it means their job options are severely limited.
Many have to apply to jobs they would not be able to do, just to meet the demands of mutual obligations.
At this point, you might be thinking, what about that employment agency?
Many have to apply to jobs they would not be able to do, just to meet the demands of mutual obligations.
At this point, you might be thinking, what about that employment agency?
Well let me tell you they don't always give a damn.
Sure, you tell them about these factors and try to make sure they understand your limitations. But not all of the agencies or representatives will try to help you with those things.
They also might apply you to jobs you can't do
Sure, you tell them about these factors and try to make sure they understand your limitations. But not all of the agencies or representatives will try to help you with those things.
They also might apply you to jobs you can't do
For example, people I've known have been applied to things without their permission, or even their knowledge. That's right. They aren't always told about the jobs they're applied to.
It has happened to several people I know.
It has happened to several people I know.
Some of you may think it's a positive thing that you've been applied for a position... But it's not positive for everyone.
Again, I'll note it might not be jobs that the person can even do, because of those aforementioned factors. For example, a person with family commitments.
Again, I'll note it might not be jobs that the person can even do, because of those aforementioned factors. For example, a person with family commitments.
They might not be able to work at early or late times.
A lady I witnessed complaining at a job agency was saying that the JSP had been scheduling interviews for her at times the agency knew she needed to be at home with her kids, for jobs that would need work at those times.
A lady I witnessed complaining at a job agency was saying that the JSP had been scheduling interviews for her at times the agency knew she needed to be at home with her kids, for jobs that would need work at those times.
Imagine if you were to apply someone to a position. You cannot do it properly without consulting with the person about their availabilities, etc.
Many jobs even ask for specific capabilities ("can you lift X amount?", etc).
Many jobs even ask for specific capabilities ("can you lift X amount?", etc).
A few people I know have been signed up to websites, and had these applications sent in without their knowledge, and not given account access details.
I don't know how to explain it, but imagine if your email was used to apply you for a job, and you weren't given the password.
I don't know how to explain it, but imagine if your email was used to apply you for a job, and you weren't given the password.
Though it might sound beneficial that someone else is doing an application for you, just remember that they might not have the details right. They might just be making up whatever information, to make the application look good, rather than care whether it's a job you can do.
Have they thought whether you can get to/ from the business? Have they done research as to whether it's a good/safe business to work for? Have they considered what YOU might be doing at the business and whether you're physically fit enough to do that job?
That last part is important; you might not have even met the person that's applying you to that job. They don't know you, and what you're capable of, even if they did read your resumé.
Now that I've thought of that resumé/ CV point, I'd like to continue with it.
So, a lot of people on JobSeeker payments don't get to choose how they want their resumé to be like.
The JSP can manipulate it however they want; choose not to include important details about you.
So, a lot of people on JobSeeker payments don't get to choose how they want their resumé to be like.
The JSP can manipulate it however they want; choose not to include important details about you.
This is a really important article from last year about it; https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/sep/15/the-nightmare-of-australias-welfare-system-at-the-push-of-a-button-my-working-life-was-erased
In many cases, you might not have the option of choosing what information you get to include on your resumé.
So, again about the job applications.
If you have to apply for jobs you cannot do (because of the mutual obligations), it's not just wasting your own time. It's wasting time of business owners who have to sort through the applications of people who are nowhere near qualified.
If you have to apply for jobs you cannot do (because of the mutual obligations), it's not just wasting your own time. It's wasting time of business owners who have to sort through the applications of people who are nowhere near qualified.
Other mutual obligation stuff can be equally useless.
So, if the JSP has "classes" running, they often send JobSeekers to these classes, group sessions, etc.
But the JobSeeker always doesn't get a choice in it.
A lot of people are forced into these "training" sessions.
So, if the JSP has "classes" running, they often send JobSeekers to these classes, group sessions, etc.
But the JobSeeker always doesn't get a choice in it.
A lot of people are forced into these "training" sessions.
For many people, it can be difficult. They might not have the time to do it; they don't get to decide the time, they're just told to be at the JSP's office on a certain day. Or else their payment might be suspended.
They might not have the money to travel to the location, either.
They might not have the money to travel to the location, either.
I've witnessed a bunch of group sessions and,from the ones I've seen, it's really *beeping* useless. It's basically someone reading a sheet of paper, and it can take up an hour (or more, depending on whether the person running the session bothers to show up on time).
Realistically, you could just send out a brochure to the people who need the information, and it would save a whole lot of time for everyone involved.
I have a lot more complaints about them, but I'll move along.
I have a lot more complaints about them, but I'll move along.
Anyway, so back to the mutual obligation stuff.
I mentioned earlier about Work for the Dole (WftD).
JobSeekers are sent to do work for places, except they don't always get a choice.
I mentioned earlier about Work for the Dole (WftD).
JobSeekers are sent to do work for places, except they don't always get a choice.
Many would like to have positions set up at businesses they'd like to get experience at, but not every JSP will help you set that up; I know that from personal experience. The guy I spoke to didn't even want to try.
There are other options. If the person is already working X amount of hours, they don't have to do WftD. Or the Jobseeker can choose the option to study (though there are limitations on what the person is studying; I think it has to be a cert3, if I'm recalling correctly).
If you don't choose those things, the JSP will assign you to a business to do WftD. In theory, these are meant to be safe places.
But. Let's be honest, not everyone is as lucky.
This article is a first hand of one WftD person who had to deal with asbestos. https://unemployedworkersunion.com/i-was-forced-to-work-with-asbestos-at-work-for-the-dole-a-first-hand-account/
But. Let's be honest, not everyone is as lucky.
This article is a first hand of one WftD person who had to deal with asbestos. https://unemployedworkersunion.com/i-was-forced-to-work-with-asbestos-at-work-for-the-dole-a-first-hand-account/
And this is an old article about a teenager who died during WftD: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/04/work-for-the-dole-death-josh-park-fing-employment-provider-neato-failed-to-investigate-incidents-in-the-past-report-says
The basic intention of the system is to give people work experience.
But the thing is that it's not always appropriate work experience.
Many get sent to things like gardening positions. But, if one is applying for a gardening job, many would require qualifications.
But the thing is that it's not always appropriate work experience.
Many get sent to things like gardening positions. But, if one is applying for a gardening job, many would require qualifications.
So, if you're usually applying to something like retail work, a gardening WftD position is kind of useless.
Similarly, going back to the safety aspect, you might not be provided with PPE. Several people I've known have had to buy their own PPE for WftD.
Similarly, going back to the safety aspect, you might not be provided with PPE. Several people I've known have had to buy their own PPE for WftD.
Some people don't even have the right tools, or working tools at the job. For example, sharing one or two drills between a dozen workers, with at least 3-4 projects needing to use them.
Oh, and the real kick in the teeth about WftD? It's below minimum wage.
https://twitter.com/Cattereia/status/1174202339324043265
This tweet of mine is from last year, so it doesn't factor in the COVID19 raise in the JobSeeker payment. BUT, that raise is set to go back down soon enough.
https://twitter.com/Cattereia/status/1174202339324043265
This tweet of mine is from last year, so it doesn't factor in the COVID19 raise in the JobSeeker payment. BUT, that raise is set to go back down soon enough.
#AusPol
To summarise about WftD:
-People forced into positions that aren't always safe
-They aren't always capable of doing that job
-Paid less than minimum wage to do it
-Then the work experience might not even lead to anything because it's in a field that needs qualifications.
To summarise about WftD:
-People forced into positions that aren't always safe
-They aren't always capable of doing that job
-Paid less than minimum wage to do it
-Then the work experience might not even lead to anything because it's in a field that needs qualifications.
Oh, and it can be *beeping* expensive to get to the job.
Last time I checked, there is a $20 per fortnight "travel allowance", but many types of transportation take a lot more than that to get to/ from places.
Last time I checked, there is a $20 per fortnight "travel allowance", but many types of transportation take a lot more than that to get to/ from places.
Anyway, back to my original tweets.
How does this all relate to the Indue Card/ Cashless Welfare Card?
Well, I'm saying that the entire Centrelink system is broken.
There is a LOT deliberately in the way of JobSeekers and it's all intentionally made complicated.
How does this all relate to the Indue Card/ Cashless Welfare Card?
Well, I'm saying that the entire Centrelink system is broken.
There is a LOT deliberately in the way of JobSeekers and it's all intentionally made complicated.
People on Centrelink are treated by politicians and the media as a group of lazy, drug/alcohol/gambling addicts.
But not everyone takes the time to stop and consider that there's more to them, and those politicians and media representatives are just enforcing negative stereotypes
But not everyone takes the time to stop and consider that there's more to them, and those politicians and media representatives are just enforcing negative stereotypes
Even Centrelink staff and JSPs don't always provide help; "if I can do the job I'm applying you for, why can't you?"
People on Centrelink are vulnerable, especially because of illnesses and lack of money. So something like the #IndueCard puts them at further risk.
People on Centrelink are vulnerable, especially because of illnesses and lack of money. So something like the #IndueCard puts them at further risk.
Risk of things like not being able to pay rent or groceries (because the card often fails when they try to pay them). Many won't be able to put aside money for things like medical bills, or to put the money into things like savings accounts.
As much as many people on Centrelink would like to buy things like a car or a house, it's going to be a lot more difficult if they cannot move their money about because of the #IndueCard; it's stuck on that account and cannot be transferred to your bank account.
Sure, people on Centrelink would like to better their lives and to get qualifications and to work good jobs. But they can't always dedicate time to things like study, and the study portions of Centrelink have different problems as well.
One girl I know can't get rent assistance with study allowance because she lives with her parents; which she has to do because she has no money because that allowance is only a fraction of a JobSeeker allowance.
And she can't get a job because of how much time she needs to study.
And she can't get a job because of how much time she needs to study.
Each of these people on Centrelink has a different story to tell about their lives. Many of these people face difficulties that we would hate to live through and experience.
Many disabled people are rejected from the Disability Pension, and forced into JobSeeker, for example.
Many disabled people are rejected from the Disability Pension, and forced into JobSeeker, for example.
Imagine how difficult it would be for you, for example, if you didn't have the ability to work, but were regularly forced to apply to jobs you couldn't do?
A lot of disabled people on Centrelink benefits are forced to do it.
A lot of disabled people on Centrelink benefits are forced to do it.
Imagine if you were trying to do the right thing and studying to get qualifications, but could not get financial help for something like rent because you live with your parents and can't afford to move to your own place?
Imagine you're a single parent but some JSP keeps sending you to job interviews at times you need to be at home with your kids?
I witnessed one lady get shamed by her JSP representative because she was suffering from mental illness and was utterly *beeping* miserable. Yet the JSP kept on insisting that she needed to be happy, because that's what a potential boss would expect.
Anyway, I should probably stop rambling now.
My apologies for such a long thread.
But I just *beeping* hate that people on Centrelink are treated so negatively, especially with the "lazy addict" stereotype that the polticians and media keep on pushing against them.
My apologies for such a long thread.
But I just *beeping* hate that people on Centrelink are treated so negatively, especially with the "lazy addict" stereotype that the polticians and media keep on pushing against them.
Please do try to remember that people on Centrelink are still people. They deserve rights and they deserve respect.
They especially deserve the right to work in a safe place, that meets their physical/ time/ etc needs, and to work for a decent pay.
They especially deserve the right to work in a safe place, that meets their physical/ time/ etc needs, and to work for a decent pay.
Also, it can happen to you.
You might think "I have a good job and there's no way I would end up on Centrelink, right next to these -insert stereotype-". But it can happen. You can lose your job, you might run out of savings and can end up right next to those people you hate.
You might think "I have a good job and there's no way I would end up on Centrelink, right next to these -insert stereotype-". But it can happen. You can lose your job, you might run out of savings and can end up right next to those people you hate.
COVID19 has proven that for many people.
People I've known to be severely against Centrelink all these years have ended up on Centrelink. But they don't always find out the truth. Many are still *beeps* about the situation.
I've known a few who are still derisive about others.
People I've known to be severely against Centrelink all these years have ended up on Centrelink. But they don't always find out the truth. Many are still *beeps* about the situation.
I've known a few who are still derisive about others.
For example, saying things like "I'm not like the OTHERS on Centrelink because I actually try to find work, unlike them." etc.
It's just ignorance; they don't take a moment to realise that people on Centrelink each have their own difficult situations/ boundaries for finding work.
It's just ignorance; they don't take a moment to realise that people on Centrelink each have their own difficult situations/ boundaries for finding work.
