PEOPLE loiter around in Cootamundra, almost as permanent as the benches, chairs and footpaths that they frequent.
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I’m not talking about the people who are waiting briefly to meet a friend, or catching their breath, or taking in the atmosphere of a lively country town.
The people on Parker Street don’t bother me; generally they mind their own business. What they represent, however, is an unfortunate indictment on our economy and society in general.
Australia’s unemployment rate reached its peak in January, the highest since 2002. Cootamundra is not immune.
Underemployment has been rising for years; there are competent, industrious and well-presented residents who are struggling to make ends meet due to a lack of work.
Full-time employees are working harder than ever to retain their jobs.
Dozens of Taiwanese workers now have a job at the local abattoir. Manildra has every right to employ whoever is best for the job but surely the government can do more to protect local people.
Job hunting is a harrowing task taking the average Australian at least six months to find a job once unemployed.
It’s easy to point the finger at those who are unemployed and listless however the problem is systematic. Policy makers and employers need to re-calibrate and create better workplace opportunities for Australian people.
