MPs want young Aussies off Centrelink and into hospitality jobs

NSW MPs are calling for Centrelink payments to be scrapped to encourage young Aussies to get a job.

MPs believe that by scrapping payments, it would help Australian cafes, restaurants and bars with the major staff shortages that have arisen in the wake of COVID-19.

MP for Mackellar, Jason Falinski, says the enormous amount of staff shortages was an opportunity to get rid of welfare payments for young people who are reluctant to get a job.

“It's a massive chance to get people who otherwise would be long-term welfare recipients, into work and in the long term make their lives so much better,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

Of course, some hospitality owners have taken matters into their own hands with cash incentives.

Matt Moran, celebrity chef and owner of Sydney's Aria restaurant is offering incentives worth $100,000 to new staff applying for a role through sign-on bonuses.

Moran told Daily Mail Australia that the issue was the lack of overseas workers.

“We are at the point now where we are offering incentives to existing staff members who bring in other people willing to work.

“But it's so bad. It is the worst conditions I have ever seen in my whole career. And until we get the visa holders back in the country it won't improve.”

Irit Jackson - 14th December 2021