The region’s peak social welfare organisation has criticised the federal opposition’s plans to impose harsh measures on welfare recipients.
The Northern Rivers Social Development Council says denying young unemployed people income support on the basis of where they live is unrealistic.
“Being moved from your local community from your family, your networks and your supports, that could have some severe effects on their long term wellbeing and probably cost the government a lot more,” said Brett Paradise.
The Council claims the solution is better support to help people access work.
“Encouraging new industries into the area, improving transport so that young people are able to get to and from work, they’re real ways in which you could actually make a difference.”
