18 Aug 2010

Bill enacting welfare reforms passes final hurdle

10:15 pm on 18 August 2010

A bill that enacts the Government's welfare reforms has passed its final hurdle in Parliament and is set to become law.

The Social Assistance (Future Focus) Bill introduces a part-time work test for anyone on the Domestic Purposes Benefit with children aged six and over.

It also forces unemployment beneficiaries to reapply for the dole after a year.

Other changes include new obligations for some sickness beneficiaries to look for part-time jobs and providing budgeting help for repeat applicants for one-off hardship payments.

The bill passed by 65 votes to 55.