A talk on the passive welfare underclass and the urgent need for a universal Job Guarantee with Cape York Partnership founder Noel Pearson

With jobseekers outnumbering available jobs in many Cape York communities, many find themselves in the grips of passive welfare that strips them of their purpose and self-worth and places them at high risk of being left behind by the real economy.

The benefits of employment go far beyond an earned income for one individual. A genuine, meaningful job restores personal pride, builds resilient families and creates safer communities.

On this episode of Time to Listen, we hear the second and final part of Noel Pearson's oration on the passive welfare underclass at the 12th Renate Kamener Oration – a fundraising event for Melbourne University's Ormond College Indigenous Scholarship. 

In part two of Noel's speech, he explores the work of Professor Bill Mitchell, the founder of the Job Guarantee concept. The concept is simple. It is a job for all those who are able to work. The job pays the minimum wage, superannuation contributions and leave entitlements. It brings the dignity of work to every Australian including the disabled, mentally ill and extremely disadvantaged. 

Thank you for taking the time to listen.

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