"Work for the dole" is a state sponsored program that allows employment agencies to force unemployed peoples into work that they did not sign up for, and are being paid incredibly unfair amounts, around $20 per WEEK, to participate in compulsory work placements.

Failure or refusal to participate in these work placements can lead to financial penalties or be forced to endure days/weeks without any income.

It is my belief that these penalties have subsequent consequences that can impact heavily on the lives of anyone dependant on said income. Putting the lives and mental health of dependants at risk. Further consequences can include various forms of debt causing chaos and stress in the personal lives of everyday Australians.

Furthermor, these programs are often unsafe, with unchecked work environments where supervisors expect unemployed peoples to participate in work that they are often not trained appropriately for.

In 2016, reported Work for the Dole injuries increased by five times the previous years rate. According to an Ernst and Young audit commissioned by the government, 64% of Work For The Dole activities do not even meet basic safety standards.

18 year old Josh Park-Fing died on his Toowoomba Work for the Dole Site, and his employment service providers NEATO were fined a small sum of $90k for forcing him into a compliance activity that ultimately ended his life, and the LNP have refused more than a dozen parliamentary requests to release the report into josh's death. Years after their loss, Josh's family and friends continue to wait for answers.

Rather than disassembling or repairing this dangerous and unfair program, The Morrison government significantly expanded it. Knowing full well of the risks involved, the LNP are sending more and more Australians to perform free labour at hazardous sites.

"labour which is coerced and inadequately rewarded." That is the sentence which most describes the "work for the dole" program.

That sentence is also the literal dictionary definition of slave labour.

If you or anyone you know has been affected by state sponsored slave labour, any support would be greatly appreciated. 

And if you have any stories or anecdotes about your time during forced labour, or if youd like to get involved or support us in any way, please email us @ shutdownwftd@gmail.com

We appreciate any support and urge you to share through any media outlet. To gain results we need to prove awareness of this topic, and unfortunately most people are unaware that these work placements are against our basic human rights.

Unemployed people are not criminals, they are unemployed people.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Senior Editor, Treasurer

Alec B. Wright