Fed: Opposition accuses govt of stalling on welfare reform

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Fed: Opposition accuses govt of stalling on welfare reform

CANBERRA, April 1 AAP - The opposition today accused the federal government of stallingon welfare reform by delaying legislation to implement key changes to its welfare policy.

Opposition family and community services spokesman Wayne Swan said the government hadyet to introduce legislation dealing with changes that were due to take effect on July1.

Last year the government announced a $1.7 billion welfare reform package, includinga working credit scheme, which allows the unemployed and students to undertake part-timeor seasonal work without being docked benefits.

Other measures include training credits worth up to $800 for mature age and indigenousjobseekers and Work-for-the-Dole participants, redeemable at approved training providers.

Mr Swan, who is also manager of opposition business in the House of Representatives,said there had been no mention from the government of when it planned to introduce a billto allow these measures to come into effect.

"While the government is crowing about the strength of Australia's economy, it is stallingon welfare reform to save money," he said.

"Although the government has had more than a year to draft the new rules it has failed to do so.

"It is puzzling that this legislation hasn't hit the deck yet.

"The government knows the legislation implementing the changes will be complex andtherefore require a level of scrutiny that will prevent it being passed by July 1."

Comment was being sought from Family and Community Services Minister Amanda Vanstone.

AAP so/ph/sb

KEYWORD: WELFARE