Byron Greens -> media -> fairwork_bill

Greens win Support For Unemployed and Most Vulnerable

The Australian Greens have successfully negotiated amendments to the Government's economic stimulus package that create a better safety net for those most vulnerable and the unemployed whilst also creating 10,000 local green jobs.

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said, "The Greens have focused our efforts on helping those who are hardest hit by the global financial crisis, and on preventative measures for those most at risk. This is why we have negotiated a $200m community fund to create new jobs in social services and local government an extrra $50m for emergency relief and financial counselling."

"We have improved the package and given it the heart it desperately needed."

"Residential aged care and at-home community care, housing, and homelessness support services, family relationships services and family violence programs and youth support services can all apply for this extra funding."

Rachel also said, " The Greens have also achieved a relaxation of the liquid assets test for unemployment benefits, - from $2500 to $5000. This change will cushion the blow for those who are stood down as part of the expected downturn, making it easier for them to keep their homes and transition back into the workforce as the economy recovers."