VIC:Abbott denies welfare reforms are old

AAP General News (Australia)
04-01-2011
VIC:Abbott denies welfare reforms are old

TONY ABBOTT's denied his welfare reform proposals .. including requiring the long-term
unemployed to move to where there's unskilled work available .. are recycled old measures.

Yesterday the federal opposition leader outlined a welfare crackdown .. which also
includes scrapping the dole where unskilled jobs are available.

The prime minister's labelled Mr ABBOTT'S plans as both recycled and reheated .. suggesting
he's feeling some political heat from Liberal Party focus groups.

But Mr ABBOTT says it's new to have higher expectations of young people .. in particular
if they're in places where there's work and they're not accepting it.

His plan also includes expanding income management across Australia .. and he's criticised
the government for only putting it in place in the Northern Territory.

AAP RTV mok/tm

KEYWORD: WELFARE (MELBOURNE)

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.