How would you respond to this ... if you heard it.

[FlashDrive (Poppy)]

This is true .... ( not " once upon a time " stuff )

Over heard this today ... a bunch of young kids talking ( about 17 to 22 age group ) ... one boast's that he's only 2 " dole cheques " away from a trip to Bali.

I was tempted to say .... " come again mate " ... what did you just say...!!

Flash

[mishku]

Fingers crossed he just meant "four weeks"??

[leon]

Yep there are some that rip of the system, and make it really hard for the genuine cases, and people that really need a hand, it is not un common, not that I agree.
Maybe Bali will sort him out, and he will wish he never went.

Leon

[casstony]

It's not an easy or desirable life on the dole - each person on the dole is leaving an opportunity open for someone else to get a job - I wouldn't worry about the comment.

[Mliss (Mel)]

Colin, i agree with Tony... dont worry about it. i can't imagine it's easy being on the dole and to be honest he must have been saving an awfully long time to save for Bali.

I've been a single Mum for years now and i've overheard comments that just make me feel ill! I've even had a woman at the shops complaining to me about "all these single mothers spending all their money on alcohol and clothes". bottom line is she didn't know my circumstances and i didn't careless what she thought.

you know that old saying... someone elses shoes

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Yes Colin, there are actually some people who travel the world on the dole.

Payments go straight into the bank so it's always available wherever you are. Not like the old days of getting the cheque in the mail and having to cash it.

Also, Centrelink has actually made it easier for this to happen now that they are trying to place all unemployed on the '3 month' visit list instead of the old 'bring your form in every fortnight' method.

[FlashDrive (Poppy)]

Thanks everybody for your input ...especially Mel ( single mum ) .. It's good to listen to others and get " another one's perspective " on things.
I'm " cranky " enough as it is sometimes ... Next time I'll pretend I'm deaf .

Flash

[Poita (Peter)]

As a single dad I often hear statements that would make me cringe.
There will always be some that rort the system, it is the price we pay to live in a decent society where those truly in need are not thrown to the scrap-heap.
Even my mother started in on a story about this guy and then said "You know what those bloody single dads are like..." and then went pale and quiet as she realised who she was speaking to

If he really is going to Bali, then he has eaten nothing but home brand 2 minute noodles for the last 6 months :0

[jenchris (Jennifer)]

Depends how many dole cheques he's getting.
Byron Bay started to refuse to take on any more dole bludgers - they have to go somewhere else to sign on - Now? I guess they can make a little burrow in the sand and collect the dole on their credit card.
I wonder how much rent he says he's paying for the burrow?

[Stardrifter_WA]

It doesn't really matter who is spending money. Governments give the dole, whose recipients spend it. The important thing is that the money is circulating. As long as money is circulating, regardless of source, we are all better off..... hopefully, somewhere down the track.

[Stardrifter_WA]

Sadly, there will always be people who think the world owes them a living. As long as you can hold your head up high, why worry about others. Lead by example, and if others cannot learn from this example, then we can only feel sad for them. After all, the world is made up of a variety of people and if we where all the same it would be a less interesting place.