The Howard Government has failed to make a dent into levels of very long term unemployment. The problem is significantly worse today than it was in 1999.

Despite more than a decade of economic growth the numbers of very long term unemployed – those claiming benefits for more than 5 years – in the Northern Territory has increased by 204% to 3,607 jobseekers. This was the largest increase in the country.

Across Australia the increase between 1999 and 2004 has been 68%. That translates to almost 51,500 more Australians condemned to poverty.

These are Howard’s forgotten people.

This data was provided by the Department of Family and Community Services in response to Questions on Notice submitted by Labor (Senate Question on Notice Nos. 2807, 2808 & 2809).

The Howard Government’s labour market programs, in particular its Job Network, are not working for long term and disadvantaged jobseekers.

While the Howard Government believes that forcing jobseekers to attend numerous meetings will lead to future employment opportunities, Labor recognises that without relevant skills and recent experience in a mainstream workplace the long term unemployed will continue to find it difficult convincing employers to take them on.

During a period of extended economic growth long term unemployment should be going down, not up. These figures are an indictment on the Howard Government’s policies and highlight once again their indifference to the most vulnerable people in our society.

The number of persons claiming Newstart Allowance for more than 5 years: