Payments
Posted by: kezza052
2nd Dec 2008 11:47pm
What do you think of the Government giving these lump sum payments of $1,400 to all of the Disabled,Carer's and Aged pensioners? What about all the unemployed????
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Comments 66
Msadiah
As a member said earlier, it is a small step into the right direction. The disabled and aged pensioners deserve some help from the government. Nevertheless, I think the government can do more for the unemployed ... I mean, we pay all these taxes, where do they go? Australia is one of the only countries who have such high tax rates. They are doing a cut-off this year, but is that cut-off enough?
matty
WHAT BOUT US ON NEWSTART ALLOWANCE WE HAVENT HAD A PAYMENT RAISE IN YEARS AND WE R ACTUALLY LOOKING FOR WORK AND WANT TO GET BACK IN TO THE WORK FORCE UNFAIR I THINK?
verytasty32
oh really thats so cool.i.am a carer i look after my disabled brother 24/7 and i tell you all its not a easy job.i even have to clean the toliet after he has had a poo.i wash him/dress him/feed him/and cry for him.i love my brother dearly and i wouldnt have it any other way..
verytasty32
thankyou its people like you that keep me going
LastTimeLord
Keep the faith verytasty32; you are an inspiration!
Anonymous
This is good for our dis advantaged group that live in society the unemployed are still able bodied and are not burdened with the handicap of being dis abled or elderly makes good sence to me the unemployed can find work its just attitude
stretch
with the changes made to the unemployment they only have them selves to blame for the increased crime rate they claim will be happening once the new system is fully bought in
the carers should not recieve a large amount for doing very little as most of them do
CAT17
Hi to everyone who have been contributing to this discussion. I was just catching up on the latest replies and thought to myself - it is not only that the allowance for Carers is so low and in fact almost an insult (I get $104.00 a fortnight) and care for my husband 24/7. It is the normal everyday things that you miss out on because you are the carer. I had to make arrangements for my husband's care so I could visit my daughter interstate, who needed me. I can only go for a few days and as soon as I get home my duties start again. Look I am not saying I should not care for my hubby, ofcourse I do (and I want to) but sometimes it just gets HARD! To all my fellow carers out there I say, we know we are doing a great job looking after our loved ones - it just would be a help if the government could see fit to at least make the payment more attuned to the work. You know that we carers save the government plenty by caring for our family members in our homes and keeping them out of hospitals. Any way not use complaining - no one listens?
Will
Been awhile since the carers got any extra, about time.
trix56
Oh so many issues!
I have a carer as I have a mental illness as well as carers from government and other agencies. I couldn't manage without any of them.
I have had jobs and lost them due to my illness.
I have applied for other jobs and besides my age (55) as soon as I mention my mental illness (and I must due to workers compensation issues) I am persona non gratis.
I have now taken a huge step for me and enrolled in university (Bachelor of Behaivoural Science because it is what I know) in the hope that I may work infuture improving the lot of people like me and not feel like an endless burden on society.
Melbourne 2020
it is good idea if the governmen have surplus . however, i think it is better to decrease the unemployment and then this will lead to increase the prodectivity and then increase the tax and finally the governmnet can pay $1400 to to all of the Disabled,Carer's and Aged pensioners.
19chris51
kezza My son is on the disabled pension, he is 35years old and in a wheelchair , let me tell you he does not get $1400, so you are very much mistaken, I am his carer and I get $600 one off, once a year, we have a lot of medical appointments, plus lots of medication, let me tell you the $600 one off does nothing, and I only get $105 per fortnight being a carer, not sure about age pensions though, just thought I`d put my bit in........................
Dance
Let me remind you that they're all umemployed, some want to be a carer so that they don't have to look for work.
sandy
Until his death I was my husbands carer. I had to give up work to look after him. He was able to do a cerain amount for himself so my job wasn't as hard as some carers. Some patients require 24/7 care.These are the carers who deserve more than they get. If these patients were in homes or hospitals it would cost the taxpayer a lot more for their care. I wonder how many unemployed people would take on this job.
sandy
Having been a carer myself, until recently. I think all carers deserve this money. The degree of the patients disability should come into the equation and some carers should receive more as their whole life is built around doing everything for the person they are caring for. In my experience the person I was caring for was able to do a certain amount for himself which made it a little easier but it is still a full time job.
MandMm
In Canada I believe that you get unemployment benefits for a certain amount of time, i.e. 6 months, then they are cut off. This ensures that people are using it for the right reason, and if there's work available, they make sure they get it. I would like to see Australia adopt a similar policy.
juleski
My ex as a carer for his father, gets more government funds per fortnight than i do staying and looking after his two children. Am i not his childrens carer? That doesnt include the 'once of payments' either
mistymae53
My reply relates to carers in particular. If you have ever been a carer of a person with profound needs, you would realize that $1400 is diddly! Medication costs, respite, transport, special food! $1400 is dished out by the Government to ease the financial burden that these minorities suffer. Can you possibly try to comprehend what it is must belike not to have enough money to take care of everyday expenses such as special food, electricity, expensive personal care needs, to name just a few extras. I think the unemployed should be possibly given more assistance also, but there is no comparison between the needs of severely disabled people, their carers, or the extra expenses incurred by the aged, who due to an unfair system are trying often to maintain very expensive health cover. I know it seems unfair, but try to have some empathy!
nadia111
most of d gov policies r good coz there r many heads involved in making a decision. its good something is done for them too.
stretch
why pay caregivers more as they are generally family
and they dont do a lot for the finances any way
Steve49
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.
stretch
the biggest problem is that family are generally the care givers so lets just waist some more capital and throw it to the disabled
it is waistful
CAT17
As a carer I can tell you it is no easy job taking care of someone who is unable to "do" for themselves. The small allowance I am paid doesn't go far. Maybe the lump sum could actually do more good. We need to purchase shoes that have to be hand made to a special design. The last pair cost $850 and are needing to be replaced. The lump sum would sure help take some financial strain off.
paradox
Hi CAT, I agree fully prior to my mum passing away she was in constant treatment for lung cancer. she lived outside of Mandurah near Perth and I lived in Darwin. luckily my business allowed me to spend intermittent time with her and look after her. government care was non existent and a carer was only available for 2 hours a day 5 days a week. I let my wife run the business and flew frequently to Perth to be with mum. However some business action could not be covered by my wife and I paid through the nose to hire a nurse from an agency for the time I could not be with mum. I did apply for partial refund of the nurse and some assistance with flights and got zilch. In no way do I regret looking after mum and I am only sorry that I could not be at her side in her last hours. Government really needs to rethink its strategy and execution of caring for the aged and infirm. So good on you CAT and all the carers in the world for the selfless job they do. Do you like classical music? Link to Aussie sensation Mirusia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVL0ym51iYw&feature=colike
Wave
I believe carer's deserve and need this payment, I am a government paid disability support worker and coordinator and I can truely say it is very hard work both physical and emotional. It is also very rewarding (not pay wise,I have been doing this work for 22 yearsso there must be something good about it) but by what you learn about yourself and what these people can do and how hard they work at it. the unemployed should have to work for the dole after a period of time with out work. New Zealand had a work for the dole program 30 years ago where both female and males could train to be home helps for new mums' elderly or people who where ill. All the people receiving the help had to pay was the cost of the travel to and from the work.
passum
What lump sum payments dont think ive ever received one this year
GretaZ
You may think it's a lot of money, but I can tell you that it's not! I'm a carer for my disabled husband, and I don't get time off for good work! I am on call every minute of every day. I'm a friend, partner, confidant, cook, cleaner, nurse and a wall for him to vent his frustration at not being able to do things normal people take for granted. He gets depressed, and it's my job to cheer him up and help him look at the bright side! I gave up a full time job to do this, and I'm not sorry! I'd do it again tomorrow, but financially it is hurting. We have costs like hydrotherapy, transport, and medication that can become very very expensive every week. I like to feel appreciated by the Government, and financially is the only way this ever happens. I promise you that I won't be spending any of this money on parties or holidays, because it isn't enough for that! I'm happy in the thought that my husband doesn't have to be looked after by a complete stranger, which can be a nightmare! Money isn't everything! We rare breed of people who really care and look after others the way they should be save this Government a heck of a lot of money! It's fair to help us out a little too! If you are unemployed, you have the chance to find a job and change your lifestyle. My husband and I don't have that luxury!
passum
GretaZ you are doing a great job, ignore these ignorant people who are just dole bludgers with little to do but up set hard caring people who cannot look after them selves ,dont forget to have a little break from time to time to recouperate.BEST OF LUCK in the future .Know what its like looked after my dad with dimenture now hes gorne i still miss him.
woodie
The unemployment benefits is only meant to be a short term payment as people on these benefits are supposed to be looking for work. A lot of Carers have to work hard for many years to help out the sick and disabled. They deserve a payment to help out.
Anonymous
I was at a meeting were this was talked about fust last week. The carers don"get mush payment fot what they do so maybe $1400 isn"t much.To keep the people being cared for out in the generall public instead of in nursing homes is costing a great deal of money so why not give a little to the carers
savagegardengirl
I received the payment for caring for my Autistic daughter, which came in very handy & I do agree that the unemployed should've gotten the same or something at least. Even some of the people who work at Centrelink agree - it's all the big ones at Canberra who determine who gets what.
drafang
gee to qualify as a "carer" you have to jump through so many hoops it is bloody near impossible.
My wife gave up her job to care for her mother but because her mother could shower herself, it was not full time care....stuff it, we wore the costs and got on with it.
As far as being unemployed - I have been unemployed a couple of times but have accepted ANY JOB to earn money, then having a job made it easier to get a better one because I demonstrated a willingness to work.
I did not sit on my bum complaining the dole was too little.
POMIE
you have a choice, the disabled etc do not. -- go and get a job
gazby
Bugger the Unemployed they don't deserve a payout. They are already getting payouts from the Government, The Carer's and pensioners deserve every cent they get.
stumps
carers should get a payment they deserve it
as for the genuine unemployed they shouldget some assistance
also
stumps
Paul
True carers need assistance, but how do you make sure that they are a true carers.
woolysmissus
It is so true about unemployment and CentreLink hoops. I got so frustrated I didn't even finish the intake process. To get help (and it wasn't going to be much $$.. less than $100/fortnight) I had to complete 4 different duplicitous forms on my spouse's income and then in addition provide P/L statements. He's a sole trader and has a very simple tracking of income/expenses and I would have needed to create a P/L whenever they felt the need to see one. When I went to the employment assistance place, the gal did NOTHING. I filled out my own intake form on a computer while she chatted with a co-worker. After that she simply said..you'll be required to go to a two-week course on how to find work. (I've been working for nearly 40 years and was once an employment specialist helping others find work - but she wouldn't know that would she? since she didn't fill out my intake forms) Then she said, okay.. you'll here from us in 3 months. ???!!! Efficient? Helpful? Necessary? No NO NOOOOO.
Then you go to the employment agencies.. What a farce they are. They just want you on their books so they look like they have a slew of available workers. I have never gotten a job thru any of them and have registered with dozens. Online job search is often just a ruse to get you in the agency doors.
I agree disabled carers do a great service. I even tried to look into becoming one to get employment, however.. a car is required for most carer type positions.
I don't have any idea how people survive on the age pension.. I've looked at it since we are getting closer every day.. I have no clue what we will do then.
Okay.. enough said I suppose. Cheers!
JustJennie
I do not think that the unemployed should get a lump payments.You can find a job,those on DSP,Carers Pension and the Aged cannot.
Australians have got too used to getting everything for free.
Get off your bums and go and get a job
heeleen
Our aged pensioners are people who have worked all their lives , paid their taxes,medicare etc, at the moment they are living on a pension of about 320.00 a week thats it so they deserve it, as for disabled people , I am sure if they had a choice they would prefer to not be disabled , they also have a lot of extra costs in their lives, as for carers, they are the most wonderful, careing people who most do not have any or a little leisure time to themselves, as for the unemployed I have been there and it is hard, but at least if you are not working , you can do volunteer work, learn new skills, study, spend as much time with your family as you like, there are so many options out there, I was unemployed for a time, I did volunteer work at a disabled school which them led to a full time job as a teachers aid, and no I did not need any particular skills for that.
so quit your winging and get off your bum and do something , anything. And most of these people only got $900.00 , most of the people who received the full amount were single mothers. And that is another story .
jenisweet
I am a fulltime carer and the lump sum was very much appreciated.
If the person I was caring for had to go in a nursing home it would cost
the Govt far more than the little bit they give to us carers. It is a very taxing job as you are fully
responsible for the person's care. I deserve every penny as I work very hard in my position.
I also feel the (genuine) unemployed people should get a supplement.
Jenisweet
Adi
what about the employed i am tired of working my butt off and getting nothin no stimulus package no family tax no education and now as my child goes to university shi is not entitled to any austudy so i have to suport her till she is 25 what about students????they are studying for the future and get nothing to help them and will come out of university with a $60,000 debt????? Fair i think not
Rass
Is just another conjurors trick.........a slight of hand..........to con people for their votes.
Every dollar received will cost over a thousand percent in excess and unecessary charges..........
Like water charges.
I can remember when we used to joke about governments charging for water.
I am no longer laughing............
But no Australian government has spent any real money on water supply since before they charged us for it.
choppamick
Re Get a job ? I work full time and i am one of the lucky ones BUT with all the imports coming into the country it getting hard for others and even harder now that the tough times are here and yes the $1,400 to all that need this is giving them a lift to do what ever they want with it so good one Kevin keep up the great work as you are helping the Australians in need.
noco
Yes it was OK, except only 25% was spent of the Governments expectations.
verytasty32
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.
Blossom
Easier said then done!
boags
I'd like to know why they are on a beast of burden (ass)
If you are referring to their rear end, then the correct spelling is arse.
We are not Americans.
pudden1
My lazy ass is out of bed before 7am looking after my aged motherinlaw who has lost control of her bodily functions.
I start by getting her out off bed and showering and dressing her and helping her eat her breakfast,then I return to her bedroom and remove her soiled bedding and wash it and remake the bed up to 3 times a day if she stays in bed as she often has to.
I prepare and feed her 3 meals a day as well as looking after my 4 children aged 3months to 7years. I finnish my day around 10 pm unless my mother in law screams during the night which is often I then also have to feed my 3 month old child during the night .
So when do you suggest I get a job put my motherinlaw in the care of the government which will cost the taxpayer far mor than they pay me in the carrers allowance. If you would like to swap Contact me and I will then tell you to get of your Lazy ass and get a job.
witch13056
I think that it was great and well deserved , but this latest package where pensioners and welfare recipients in general have been left out is a bit unfair My married daughter has 3 children and does not work ,she got the bonus last year and again will get it is time fair enough I have a few friends who work full time earn roughly $70 grand and have no families they get the bonus, another friend is a single mother with a full time job and she is in for a windfall for the 2nd time, what I want to know is why should they get it a second time when all those on government benefits are deemed not needing it when they have no way of boosting their money
Will
You cant fix whats been broken for 11 years,
As for the huge surplus, well let me say this, If I let my house run down I also would have a massive surplus of funds.
Australia's infrastructure is a MESS due to not spending the TAX collected, Just to say WE have a SURPLUS.
(At what cost).
The Money coming back now is the way to go, I see that the infrastructure is also receiving huge amounts of money and this is good.
In 12 months Mr Rudd and his mob have done a massive good for all to this time.
He has, Said SORRY, The one of payment $500 was paid, the Telephone and Internet money came through, IT for all schools,
Told CHINA to get their house in order. Was in WALL Street when it was important to us, and got the info First hand.
Business is saying RUDD is right,
Still more good to come from RUDD, We all will do OK, taking the World as it is.
rodney2518
Hi kezza,
I think it is a necessity.Most of the individuals you have mentioned, are unable to work where as, unemployed are able to perform regular duties.I know the unemployed have it hard as well, but they have options to work with such as: take up courses of higher education, learn new skills to sell themselves to employers and diversify.
rodney2518
I understand where your coming from, beleive me.I am carpenter,Cert.IV. Accounting and Cert.III.Property Realestate.
Being lucky, I am working, as a cleaner.Minimum wage.I have a depressed fracture in my spine, huniated disc in my neck, torn shoulder needs operating and L4, L5 stuffed.I have to endure this all day, everyday, just to earn $150 more than what I would receive off benefits(Shovelling,Lifting,etc.).I have trimmed up(benefits), not without pain every night(pins and needles and whatever else).
I understand and I am sorry your friends/aquaintances have to go through their job endeavours.I myself, would like to give up yesterday.The doctor advised that If I keep on going, look forward to a wheelchair.What do you do?
I suggest to the doctor that she pay for the rent etc.(Know what I mean).
I wish I had the answer!
I can only suggest, Don't give up your voice for what's right and wrong in life.Maybe even a little faith!Who knows.I wish I could give you more.
Sincerely Rodney.It is no boo hoo story.Its fact. Thanks.
Rass
Rodney.......
Real workers do not learn new bullshytte skills to talk their way into a job they can not do.
Real workers get a job and do it..........no con .
If they have to learn something on the job, then they learn it.
Those being employed are those who are incompetant on the job, but learn to say all the right things to the interviewer.
If the interviewer new their job, they would show these incompetent and lazy liars the door........but they don't.
They give them the job instead ahead of those who want to work and can do a good job.
This is the result of imbeciles with Arts degrees and other phony qualifications from becoming the decision makers.
Just as in the 70's and 80's teachers who couldn't teach were not told to improve or go.........they were given top jobs in the teaching executive.
One I know even wrote a book about teaching............but he never taught anything except finger painting and throw the ball.
boags
It's not easy Rodney.
As an update, Neither of my mates have got a job yet.
They apply for anything and everything with not many advertisers even bothering to reply.
Most employers are rude.
rodney2518
Well said boags.
I am 45 (young)in exactly that position such as your friends.I have explored every avenue possible to find work. It IS an age barrier, although employers won't state this for fear of discrimination! I have done every pathetic little course centrelink has provided and put up with pathetic incompetent disability agencies who take you on to fill numbers.I have done Cert.IV in accounting and currently studying Cert.IV in Property Real Estate( I don't know why) and I am a Carpenter by Trade.Now in this world it doesn't seem to amount to much.Even with my disabilities, I am an asset to any company I would work for and yet it is still not enough.I hate being on the pension , especially when I have always been a worker.The Government although I feel is managing so many things, should deal with this situation and pull employers into line.
I just like to say that, employers seem to forget that, if it wasn't for the people/ employees, they wouldn't have a business.
boags
I have a couple of friends who are out of work.
They have gone down the path of acting as trained seals for Centrelink.
They have done the courses that where thrust upon them.
They also complete some courses that they actually wanted to do
They still cant get work. One is IT professional (networking), the other was in sales at a large hardware chain.
AGE is their barrier, they are both over 40 and been virtually told they are now on the scrap heap
What a waste of talent, job, people and life skills. Skills that can be passed on tho the younger ones at any place of work.
I'm lucky enough to not be in their position, i have a job, but they are so disheartened at the apparent lack of interest in them as employees, it really is cruel.
alby
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.
Mazzs1
Spot on Will, businesses this includes all Government Departments are required to advertise positions vacant even though they will be filled internally or through a friend of a friend. I know for a fact that the Dandenong ATO did not advertise locally but did advertise my sister's local paper. If this job was truely available it would have been in "The Age"
Rass
Thank you, Nancy.
Hope all your sons find good work as well.
Take care.
Rass.
Anonymous
Hi Rass The work forse is a funny thing these days .You have to use every one you know .I have had sons out of work at times and it is very difficult to get back in.One of my sons is an epilectic and had 4 fits a few weeks ago and now loose his job as he cannot drive for 6 mounths.Driving is not a large part of the job but that may not matter .Good luck with your search for work .I hope your luck changes soon
Rass
How do I get a job...........
I am a good worker, with real qualifications and experience, but i do not do politics and bullshyte well.
That means i am unemployable.
To get a job, one has to please a know nothing office clerk with either a bullshyte uni degree or a certificate from a 6 week taffe course.
You really never get to speak to anyone who actually knows what work is, let alone what the job being sort is all about.
Will
Im retired no,w but let me say to you that is not as easy as you say. "GET A JOB".
I applied for 42 positions, I got 10 interviews, and did not get a JOB, ....WHY?.... They were not there to start with, well when I broke it all down there were only 3 JOBS up for offer, all the rest was a smoke screen.
This is in the EDUCATION Dept of Victoria,
Teachers moving sideways and filling positions, calling for teachers just in case they get the funds to run the programs, to see what interest there is in the position. no funding available (this is different from the other one).
NOW do you see how some JOBS are not there when they post them up as available.
ausolm
Its a small step in the right direction. These carers are actually saving the government alot of money and it should be recognised.
NORTHY
listen frog where you people go wrong , i am 66 yrs old , i have fought in vietnam , paid taxes for 50 yrs , recently i had all my money stolen , business"S destroyed , i was bashed up by 4 /thugs , now i have brain damage , no/money , i could kill right now , and i am hard as ice , a lot of people know me , they would hate me if i came around there house , they would shit themselves . but , my main reason for writing i have 5/ carers from mental health who look after me , i love them , they are real people not wankers , they do not complain , they try to make your life easier , they give their time to people like me , thank you lord , for these people
Anonymous
Absolutely agree with you - Carers, on the whole are older and have already contributed to our society, its hard work to look after another person. Ask any nurse. A lot, not all, of the unemployed have never had a job and never will have, being in business myself, some are simply unemployable - why in courage them to sit on their backside.
Anonymous
I agree that carer's deserve this extra support and they do save thousands of tax payers dollars for caring for people in their own homes rather than in a care facility.As for the unemployed - its not a disability and basically you are not contributing anything to the economy so why should you get a handout - if you can't find a job - study and improve your chances or do some volunteer work - the reward for that is how good you feel at the end of the day for helping others.