Fed: Bill defeated which would have eased laws for job seekers
04 Dec 2008 10:50 PM
The federal opposition has joined with independent senator NICK XENOPHON .. to kill a bill which would have eased sanctions on job seekers that don't look for work.
The government had wanted to change the mutual obligation system to make it more flexible for job seekers .. in a move the opposition says would have watered down existing laws.
Currently people can lose their welfare payments for eight weeks for not fulfilling obligations.
The Senate divided at the second reading and the bill was defeated by a tied vote of 33-33.
