“Personally I think it works for people that are motivated. I work to show my kids there is a reason to get up in the morning.”

Jody is a mother of four children (Aged 13, 12, 7 and 6) “all at school now.” She is eligible for the newly introduced ‘Working for Families’ package of family support that the government introduced last year. For her, it is a ‘top up’ to her income, which makes life a bit easier, financially.

“Working for Families gives my kids and myself options. One of the options is being able to participate in sports. My kids love to play sports, so being able to say ‘yes’ and pay for fees, equipment, clothing etc is great. The pleasure comes from watching them participate in something they enjoy and gain skills from. That is what I believe is my incentive to work. My family and I were happy before Working for Families, because we have each other. Now we just have more options.”

Jody is a hard worker with a budget to suit her income, so she thinks working for families is definitely an incentive for others to help find and keep employment.

The Government’s new ‘Working for Families’ package gives more financial support to almost all families earning under $45,000 a year and many families under $70,000.

About 61% of families with dependant children will get increased family income assistance by 2007 (an average of about $66 a week). Many families will receive increases to childcare assistance, and accommodation supplements. Over 50,000 families have been given lower housing costs through income related rents for state houses.

The National Party with Act’s support, wants to reduce the number of benefits given out from 300,000 to 200,000 over 10 years. They would reintroduce the old ‘work for the dole’ scheme and conduct numeracy and literacy assessments of those seeking the dole. National would introduce a three-month trial period during which employers and employees can end an employment relationship without penalty. It would require those on the DPB to undertake part-time work, retraining or community service from the time their youngest child goes to school, and full-time work, training or community service when their youngest child reaches 14.

This election Jody will be looking for a result that supports young people and families:

“I’d like to see educational support for youths, life skills and school support; for kids to learn budgeting, family skills that a lot of people can’t get at home.”

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