[Jan Fisher]

Centrelink is being asked to consider suspending its mutual obligation requirements during periods of high heat.

The issue is becoming pressing as Australia faces a potentially scorching summer.

Mutual obligations are tasks and activities Centrelink requires for welfare recipients to receive their payments. They can include appointments for how to find jobs, participating in training and forming a job plan.

Welfare advocates are asking they be suspended during periods of high heat, just like they are during bushfires, floods and health crises.

Anti-poverty Centre researcher Jay Coonan said the government could easily suspend the requirements.

“You wouldn’t force someone to work in extreme heat, so why are we expecting those on payments to endanger themselves to tick a box? It’s just punishment at every turn with this system.”

What do you think? Should Centrelink recipients be let off their mutual obligations during heat waves?

[Jacka]

If you want the money, especially tax payers money, you work, the same as in any industry, whether it’s hot or cold. You have an obligation. You don’t see Construction Workers, Brickies, Council Workers on the roads directing traffic with their go slow and stop signs, (who I do really feel for at times), downing tools and running off to the nearest hotel for the day, just because it gets a little warm and expecting to be paid. No work, No Pay. Jacka.

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