Mayor welcomes introduction of work for dole scheme

FRASER Coast mayor Gerard O’Connell has welcomed the introduction of the Work for the Dole scheme and says it is a win for the unemployed and the council.

FRASER Coast mayor Gerard O'Connell has welcomed the introduction of the Work for the Dole scheme and says it is a win for the unemployed and the council.

"This is an opportunity for us as a council to bring forward important projects and upskill people who may have little hope of getting a job," he said.

But Councillor George Seymour said he would be keeping a close eye on the program.

"Now that this policy has been announced for our region, I will be looking at the details and watching to make sure it is about lifting people up, not punishing those that are already disadvantaged," he said.

Councillor Robert Garland said the council would investigate to see where it could fit into work programs.