The Correctional Services co-ordinator for the work programs (carried out by those serving sentences who must complete a prescribed number of community hours) and I have discussed and determined that Work for the Dole and Green Army candidates will not be working alongside Correctional Service clients. There are different needs and different requirements.

The allowance that will be paid to the Green Army candidates is greater than both Newstart and Youth Allowance.

Here is a simple example, comparing like for like because all income support has different additional amounts for different circumstances. Youth allowance usually finishes at 18, but for this comparison, a 17-year-old living away from home, single with no children gets $414.40 per fortnight. If you’ve just turned 18, are living away from home, single and have no children, your support is $510.50 per fortnight and if you’re 18, just left school and you’re accepted as part of a Green Army project you’ll get $608.40 per fortnight.

So if J. Macleod wishes to criticise the current government policy, it might be worthwhile to check the facts first.

A. Sudmalis,

Member for Gilmore.