E&OE...
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There is no better way the Government can support the community than by helping the jobless find work. The Government's policy have helped reduce unemployment to a thirty-two year low and importantly slashed the long-term jobless rate - and that's a fantastic social dividend from the Coalition's economic policies.
The Government's Welfare to Work reforms are another example of how we are fostering a work culture in Australia. While it's early days, there are encouraging signs that Welfare to Work, coupled with a strong economy, is helping more people find jobs.
This year's financial forecast for income support payments have been reduced by about $500 million as a result of more people finding jobs, but even more importantly, thousands of people reliant on welfare are now earning more and enjoying the benefits of employment.
Single parents are also embracing the new work culture. With many single parents on income support required to find part-time work from July of this year under the new Welfare to Work program, some 9,000 have already voluntarily returned to the workforce.
I cannot commend these parents enough. They have voluntarily embraced the Government's work-over-welfare attitude and are reaping the many benefits of having a job.
Welfare to Work, of course, relies on a prospering economy with a strong labour market. Through good economic management, the Government has helped create a booming job market enabling thousands of Australians to move off welfare. This is something we can all be proud of.
[ends]
Listen to this Speech (MP3 - 1.61Mb - 105secs)