Mrs GASH(10.45 p.m.) —I rise to speak with both pride and enthusiasm about a project that was initiated by the community, for the community and to be operated by the community, known as `Shoalhaven earning a living'—or as we would know it: working for the dole.

The Shoalhaven, like many other areas, has inherited a high level of unemployment both in the young and not so young. It has continuing problems of youth suicide, homelessness, crime, domestic violence and many other associated problems which can be directly attributed to unemployment.  Being a coastal area and a most desirable place to live, the Shoalhaven has an ongoing problem associated with such a lifestyle—the transient unemployed visitor looking to settle in our area. When you are faced with a population growth rate of six per cent, 5,000 people unemployed and a probability of that figure increasing to 6,000 by the year 2000, it is time to consider all options.

The Shoalhaven community did just that some two months ago. The Area Consultative Committee, concerned members of the public and community leaders did a stocktake of the area's assets and decided that 5,000 unemployed, a possible job growth of only 500 and a population rise in the work force of 750 per annum did not add up.  Past work programs have not been successful and were costly to run. This, together with the added news that the potential of the region to create jobs had just been downgraded by the Department of Social Security to the lowest possible figures—that is, two out of 10 for Ulladulla and three out of 10 Nowra—meant that the situation was not only unsatisfactory but also critical. As a government we have to accept some responsibility. However, in the Shoalhaven it has been accepted as the responsibility of the entire community—hence the creation and subsequent announcement of the SEAL project.

To hear the Prime Minister (Mr Howard) declare his and this government's stance on working for the dole has reinforced to the people of the Shoalhaven what they knew and believed had to be done—it was time to say `Enough is enough'. Not only that; there was also an obvious and growing feeling of antagonism towards the perceived image of dole bludgers—those who are unemployed and not contributing to the social or economic needs of our society. To that end, the ACC, which comprises union representatives, all political parties, business leaders, the Aboriginal community, and local government, presented for public debate the `Shoalhaven earning a living' project. The project is now going through the public presentation and awareness stage. It is designed to be run on a voluntary basis that will eventually lead to compulsory participation.

It is disheartening, to say the least, when you have family men and women coming to see you on a regular basis saying, `Please get me a job, for I can no longer explain to my children why it is that I do not work and why it is that I am perceived to be useless and a bludger.' They want to set an example for their children to follow, to experience the work ethic, to feel a sense of belonging again and, most importantly, to see a future for themselves.

There was a distinct change in people's attitude and general outlook in the Shoalhaven when the announcement of the SEAL project was made. People became positive and actually volunteered to assist. There was a general display of `Let's unite and make this work.' And now, with the subsequent recognition and support of the government, it will work. Already over 1,000 places have been offered by sponsors for community projects that will be developed as the program progresses.

We recognise that bipartisan political support is essential. It is intended that the unemployed who participate in these sponsored projects will work for up to three days per week, and will receive minimum payments to cover insurance, travel and uniforms. Work programs will be in the cultural, tourism, sport and community infrastructure areas. Environmental projects will also play a large part, owing to the land care problems associated with the sensitivity of what is a most fragile coastline. Following the success of these projects, the intention is then to involve industry and small business, as only when they are involved will real jobs be created. The target is for 3,000 participants and 500 additional jobs by the year 2,000. Costs and budgets are now being finalised. However, the cost of doing nothing will far exceed the cost of the SEAL project. A 10 per cent reduction in unemployment will render a saving to the government of $5 million dollars alone in the Shoalhaven.

The minister has been informed of the concept from day one and I, for one, welcome the news that this government has also recognised the importance of a work for the dole scheme—or, as I would prefer it to be known: `Australians earning a living'. The SEAL project is not—and I emphasise the point—designed to exploit the unemployed. I do not believe that forcing able people to work is cruel. I do not believe that giving people an incentive to get out of bed each morning is a mickey mouse stunt. I do not believe that bringing people back into the work force and having them give something back to the community is exploiting them.

I am sure there will be some criticism of the SEAL project, but I remind all in the House that in our area both the unemployed and the community at large have demanded it. There is untold unity. Once we were able to live to work, and now it is a case of working to live. (Time expired)