PROGRESS 2050: Toward a prosperous future for all Australians
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said he wants his government to be the best friend of Australian workers while addressing CEDA’s State of the Nation conference at Parliament House in Canberra.
02/07/2014
Outlining the Government's budget measures, Mr Abbott said the government wants more people to contribute to Australia through work.
"The new Government wants more Australians to be economic contributors as well as social and cultural contributors and the best way for that to happen is through work," he said.
Mr Abbott also said new welfare policies mean "the days of doing nothing on the taxpayer are over".
"The era of something for nothing is no more," he said.
Welfare reforms will be introduced from July 1, 2014 for job seekers between 18 and 30 years old.
"Under these reforms, young jobseekers, at any time, may commence eligible study or training to receive Youth Allowance for students until this is completed," he said.
Mr Abbott also said from July 1, 2015 work for the dole will become a fully national scheme.
Australian businesses won’t capitalise on opportunities afforded by the digital economy because boards are too short-term focused, risk averse, and businesses are failing to expand into Asia at a fast enough pace, a panel of digital innovators told a CEDA audience in Canberra.
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