The National Employment Committee considers that the Australian Government is like the employer of those unemployed who are in receipt of government benefits.

The Committee believes that Commonwealth ought to hire the services of this  “workforce”  to the private “business” sector at whatever rate it can achieve while paying its “workforce”, through existing benefits, at the same rate an hour as other employees. 

This process would continue each week till weekly benefits are exhausted or the employee is engaged as part of the regular workforce. The workforce would consequently be able to work part - time as regular employees, in a job of their choice.

It may resulting in up to $2 billion in additional revenue to the Government. 

Employers and scheme “employees” would be able to choose to participate. Conditions of existing employees would be safeguarded, but regardless of this safeguard, it should be recognised that labour should be available to be used at all wage rates.This rule applies to all other resources used in the production process.

The Commonwealth, as "employer", needs to at all times guarantee a certain wage level as part of the contract between the Commonwealth and the unemployed person, set at the level of the unemployed benefit. 

The artificial distinction between those employed and unemployed available as a resource to the private sector would disappear under this proposal.

Full details of the scheme can be downloaded here (107KB)

Written and authorised by Peter Brohier, North Caulfield Victoria

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