Hard-working Australian culture fading away

Rockhampton man claims Aussies aren't giving it their all when trying to find a job.

Mechanic Rhys Purkis says there are plenty of jobs out there for those who are prepared to work. Photo: Chris Ison / The Morning Bulletin. Picture: Chris Ison Rokcwork

AUSTRALIANS are supposed to be honest, hard working people, so what's happening?

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australians are among the hardest working people in the world with some of the longest working hours in the developed world.

But Rockhampton's Rhys Purkis believes the 'hard working and honest' culture that Australia was built on, is fading away.

When it comes to hard work, the 20-year-old mechanic said more and more people would prefer to 'cry poor' than find a job.

"I don't believe for a second there's no work out there," Mr Purkis said.

"Just because it's not what you want to do, there's no reason to knock work back. Work is work and it's all about money coming in no matter what you're doing.

"I think people need to stop making excuses, get up and get a job; get two jobs if you have to."

Mr Purkis said when it comes to having enough money to pay the bills; spending money wisely played a huge part.

"I think you'll find a lot of people are living pay-to-pay with not much to spare but I don't think it's the cost of living that's the problem," Mr Purkis said.

"Be smart with your money. A lot of people have no knowledge on how to do that.

"Don't cry poor if something can be done about it."

COST OF LIVING

 Housing costs are the single biggest contributor to changes in the cost of living in CQ.

 While Rockhampton was found to be one of the cheapest regional centres in QLD to live, higher unemployment means that households would be more likely to rely on government allowances and payments.

 Single-parent households who are unemployed or forced onto Newstart Allowance due to eligibility changes would not have enough income to meet a basic standard of living in CQ - putting at risk the future prospects of children in these households.

Originally published as Hard-working Australian culture fading away