Backbencher backs calls for dole waiting period after report argues proposal will breach human rights

30 Sep 2014,

A Government-dominated committee has backed the Coalition's proposed welfare changes despite finding they are in breach of Australia's human rights obligations.

The Government wants to introduce a six-month waiting period before young people without a job can receive unemployment benefits.

A bipartisan parliamentary report has found the Federal Government will breach its international obligations if it goes ahead with the proposal.

The report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights said "the committee considers that the measure is incompatible with the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living".

But Coalition backbencher Ewen Jones said the tough approach will help ensure young unemployed people get jobs.

"Are we better to say to them, 'look there's your dole – go home, eat cheezels, get on the Xbox,' kiss you goodbye and [say] 'we will never see you again?'" Mr Jones said.

"There are no free lunches, that's what we must be saying to people in this space."

Opposition treasury spokesman Chris Bowen said Mr Jones' choice of language is unfortunate.

"You don't have proper conversations with people by insulting them," Mr Bowen said.

Coalition Senator Dean Smith chaired the bipartisan committee but said he still supports the proposed laws.

Senator Smith said overall, the committee concluded that the Government's broad social security policy is proportional in pursuit of a legitimate objective.

The measure is due to be debated in Parliament this week and the Government is negotiating with crossbench senators to get the bill passed.

Family First senator Bob Day has encouraged Senate colleagues to push for a compromise option of a one-month waiting period rather than six.