Critics question work for the dole scheme

About to come of age when Youth Allowance cuts off, he could potentially be one of the thousands of Australian's who could experience the federal government's proposed changes to the work for the dole scheme.

He, like others, believe the government's approach to the issue isn't right and if work for the dole is made compulsory, it needs to focus on helping job seekers in improving their skills instead of just making them work.

"I don't think it's a good idea to try to force people to do it," Mr Walsh said.

"There needs to be more focus on skills otherwise people will just become cheap labour."

Others in the Riverina have also cast their critical eye over the viability of the proposal.

Riverina Country Labor president Glenn Elliott-Rudder said the demands it would place on welfare recipients, particularly those caring for children, would need to be explored.

"I guess the devil will be in the detail as to how compulsory it will be on unemployed people," he said.

"Newstart isn't a lot of money to survive on; there are a lot of people struggling on Newstart as it is with rising electricity prices and food.

"If they are required to work, who will provide the appropriate clothing for them?

"Transport to work is also an issue in regional NSW.

"It sounds like it is penalising people and making it harder for people; not an enhancement."

Riverina Greens secretary Ray Goodlass expressed his concern it would not positively motivate people, most of whom are genuinely searching for a job.

"It runs on the premise that people on the dole are out of work because they don't want to work and that isn't true," Mr Goodlass said.

"In many cases it is because there is no job for them.

"I think it's a negative because it doesn't upskill people and prepare them for meaningful employment."